reconstituted genstone

Joined
Oct 4, 1998
Messages
82
I've seen this material for sale in some of the catalogs (K&G for one), for use as scales. Any information as to how it is worked and how it looks when finished? Can I use my belt grinder, files, sandpaper, etc. or do I need some special tools to shape it? I know using real stone requires lapidary equipment, which I don't have. I like the look of stone for some knife handles, and am thinking in particular of putting some new scales on a James Brothers auto that I have. Any suggestions or help will be (as always) appreciated.

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I've heard that it is essentially gemstone chips/powder in a resin medium (like epoxy).

Years ago there was a product that was the same thing except the consumer mixed the epoxy with the gem material and was then able to mold it etc in place.

If the stuff you refer to is the same type of product and uses real gem derived material, consider that when grinding/shaping. The gem chips will play hell on files and belts
smile.gif

 
Well I have used this "stuff" before and found it quite easy to finish and shape. This material is powdered stone in a resin substrate, so the stone is basically just for color, not really for any texture or whatever..

The way i finished it was to shape it with files or whatever, take it down with sanding belt or sandpaper to about 220 dry, then i switch over to sanding it under running water with wet/dry paper up to 600 grit, then just buff it with white rouge and a loose buff..

the only problem I found with the material is when buffing, it tends to scratch easy and picks up stains from a dirty buff really easy. So always use a clean buff with whit rouge, only on the handles, after you touch steel or fixtures with it it will put the metal oxides into the handle materials..

Hope I could help, Alan..
 
The recon stuff is very nice. It can be worked with silacon belts if you keep water on it to keep it cool (just dip alot), It finishes up nice. I take it to 2500 grit wet dry then Use semichrome on a rag with a leather backer.
If you really want to use a stone type handle material try picaso marble. It soft enought for work in your shop and makes for a nice handle that is inexpensive.. I think K&G and others carry it..

 
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