sand paper recommendations?

beestokk

beestokk

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Hey all, looking to sand down some rough/proud edges of some micarta handles. Any recommendations on what grit(s) to use? Do it wet or dry? Also, one of the blades has removable handles with what appear to be brass screws...the slot is a little rough on the screw, what do you think the likelihood of manually sanding that down would be? if decent, think you could recommend a grit for that too? don't have a dremel unfortunately. Thanks!
 
Protect your lungs, at a minimum. Everything I've ever heard or read about sanding micarta & G-10, is that the dust from the resin is very dangerous and/or toxic, if inhaled. And G-10 also includes glass fibers to worry about. I'd definitely sand it wet. And if dry, use a respirator.

I haven't sanded micarta myself, so I can't be specific about which grits might be best. I'm sure others will help in this regard.

The brass screws will be very easy to sand off the burrs & rough edges, with wet/dry sandpaper. I think anything around 400 - 800 grit will do fine for that. In fact, if you're going to want a polished finish on the screws, start with a higher grit, and finish up around 1000 - 2000 grit; the sanding scratches won't be so deep that way.
 
Thanks for the quick reply! Yea I've def heard the dust from G10 is bad, I wasn't sure about micarta. It's very minor sanding that's required so I think it'd be fine if done carefully and with awareness +/- respirator, or outdoors. Good thoughts. Great tips for the screws, I appreciate it!
 
Wet/dry paper used wet and washed often. 320 grit, working up to 2000 or 2500 grit.
 
Ben, that's for the micarta? Using every interval between 320 and 2000/2500? Gracias.
 
I would use 320, 500, 1000, 2000 and finish with 2500.:thumbup:

These are generally available at auto supply stores, often in a "variety pack" of numerous grit sizes..:)
 
Ben Dover said:
I would use 320, 500, 1000, 2000 and finish with 2500.:thumbup:

These are generally available at auto supply stores, often in a "variety pack" of numerous grit sizes..:)
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+1

Remember to only remove about 90% of the material before moving on to the next highest grit. You can stop at whichever grit gives you the desired finish.
 
bo and ben...forgot to ask your opinions on the respirator or mask? major concern with the micarta or just g10?
 
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