Router On Mycarta

C

chewbacca

Joined
Mar 17, 2007
Messages
929
I’m not sure if I should post this here, or in the Tinkering Forum...I thought I would try here first.

Have any of you used a router to cut mycarta, homemade or otherwise?

I don’t know how well it would work, but it seems like it would be a quick way to cut to size, with a pattern making bit, and maybe rough shape, with a round-over bit.
 
I have never used a router on Micarta, but I have drilled plenty holes in it. It has a tendency to swell when heated by the friction of the drill bit and grab the bit if you aren't careful. If you don't wipe off the cutting edge of the drill bits with a stone so they scrape rather than cut, the bits can grab and screw themselves into the Micarta and end up broken. Now back to the subject of using a router. At normal router speeds, I suspect you would at the very least burn the cut surface of the Micartan and possibly create a real nice missile, if you don't have it clamped down well. If you want to try, don't hold the Micarta by hand, you will probably loose a finger or worse.

If you try a router, please take videos, I'd love to see how it is done!

Jim Arbuckle
ABS JS
 
Micarta can be cut with a router just fine. However, that said, I've seen routers that cut aluminum just fine, so your mileage may vary...
 
Nathan the Machinist said:
Micarta can be cut with a router just fine. However, that said, I've seen routers that cut aluminum just fine, so your mileage may vary...
Click to expand...

Yup, what Nathan said. I've got a buddy who uses jigs and a router to port small block Chevy heads. :) It can be done if you're careful...

-d
 
chewbacca said:
I’m not sure if I should post this here, or in the Tinkering Forum...I thought I would try here first.

Have any of you used a router to cut mycarta, homemade or otherwise?

I don’t know how well it would work, but it seems like it would be a quick way to cut to size, with a pattern making bit, and maybe rough shape, with a round-over bit.
Click to expand...
I think you'd be fine as long as you're using a template or fence. I certainly wouldn't recommend doing any freehand routing of micarta, though.
 
I use a round over bit, and go slow, works like a charm, but it makes a LOT of fine dust, so wear a mask and goggles.
 
I bet it would work, especially if you use quality carbide bits. I have used a router with carbide bits to shape aluminum panels in the automation shop I worked at. Cutting aluminum is noisy as all get out tho!
 
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