Recommendation? Sanding G-10 handles?

zombieassassin

zombieassassin

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Any helpful hints and tips are appreciated. I love hand smoothed G-10 or micarta. I have a couple handles I'd like to smooth down and am wondering if you guys have any tips. Sand paper grit size and methods? Thanks HOGS.
 
Proper mask/respiration indeed.

I've never hand sanded but I would think the knive in a vise or clamped..strips of media long enough to work w/ two hands..shoe shine style...work up in grits..?

More knowledgeable hogs will chime in..good luck, pics please!
 
Seconded on the wet sanding. I wear a respirator too, but with a spray bottle handy and everything kept wet, airborne dust is minimal.

All of my 'kin scale-sanding projects were micarta, but g10 should be essentially the same, except that the dust may be more hazardous fue to the fiberglass. I'd suggest using high quality wet/dry sandpaper and to start very coarse, 60-80 grit, to make quick work of the heavy removal. Then go up in grits until you get the finish you want.
 
Great thread! I have a BIG ASH1 w/ two tone G10 that I hate the look and texture on. I think smoothing it out would really improve it.. If I do it I'll post some pics later.
 
Have sanded both G10 and micarta, G10 is a lot harder to sand. On micarta i usually start with dry sanding using grit 120, when the machined factory profiles are allmost gone i turn to wet sanding first using grit 240 and finishing off with scotchbrite. Nearly finished with a new project, be back with pics when ready.
 
Be sure to wrap the blade with toilet paper/paper towel and masking tape to prevent unwanted scratches. I prefer to use Shop Roll sanding paper in 1" wide then you can tear off the lengths you need. Start with a Rasp and knock down the machine pattern until it's almost smooth work both sides at the same time alternating so you don't take more off one side than the other.
Once the sides are close you start with the "Shoe Shine" buffing method with the Shop Roll....One Hint is to make the Piece Longggg so you can cross it under the handle (Like and X pattern) that will even out the tension on both sides and give a more consistent pattern.
Just start at one end and work front to back and back to the front 80 grit will make it go FAST then switch to 240 and if you like the pattern and it's even go to hand sanding with 400-600 wet will keep the dust down especially on the Really fine dust.
 
I have a big dust collection system and 2 overhead air filters and I still worry because using my Big Grinders get that dust every where
Respirator or Dust Mask is a MUST and your clothes will carry that dust as well. I have a bathroom in my shop with a locker for my dirty work clothes then never come in the house....I throw them away when even I can't stand them anymore not worth washing!!!!
 
Busto said:
I have a bathroom in my shop with a locker for my dirty work clothes then never come in the house....I throw them away when even I can't stand them anymore not worth washing!!!!
Click to expand...


5 gallon bucket washing machine
 
I had some time today to sand the G10 on my BIG ASH1. It took about 90 minutes. I really like the look and feel. Results below.

Thanks everyone for the knowledge and thanks to ZombieAssassin for the post!

BEFORE:
1a.jpg

STARTED WITH 80 GRIT
2a.jpg

AFTER 220 Grit
3a.jpg

AFTER 400
4a.jpg

Comparison Pics: In after pic handles were oiled...
Capture.JPG
 
That looks awesome! I've always been afraid to sand multicolored g10 because the I never know if there will be enough of the lighter color left on top and if not, will I have enough material to get all the way thru the black to reach another layer of the light stuff again before I hit the tube fasteners, if that makes sense.
 
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