Shaping micarta handles

J

joshyotter

Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
11
What is the best way to shape micarta handles? Should I use the dremel to sand it or would rasps be better? Is one easier than the other or is it just preference? Any input would be great

Thanks,
Josh
 
Most people saw it to just oversize and shape it with a belt sander and finish off with fine grit sandpaper. A belt grinder or strip sander would make it go faster.
 
I use all of the above. Belt grinder, dremel, rasps, and hand sanding. Pretty much in that particular order from start to finish.
 
I use more files and hand sandpaper now that I scorched a few. Be careful with the belt sander, it can and will overheat it and the damage can penetrate several layers before the smell hits your nose.

If you can smell it, you are too hot.

Just sharing my lesson learned...it is not that it is hard to keep from burnign it, it is just so dang easy TO burn it.
 
If you're burning it with a belt sander, your belts are probably too dull. I use a bandsaw to profile and belt sand the rest on my 4x36. Then I round off the edges using a file then finish with sandpaper.
 
Ok, thanks guys. I had heard of it burning before so I'll just remember to be careful when I use a sander.
 
This is from Bob Terzoula's book but I use it all the time, Try mounting a cellulose sponge above the belt on a makeshift arm and keep the sponge wet and just touching the belt. Its pretty messy but not a big concern in the summer, an apron helps.
Ken
 
I tack each slab on with superglue and trace the outline with either a scribe or fine marker, then band saw it close to the line, THEN I grind right up to the line. When the slabs are epoxied into place it's easy to bring the slab down to the tang. I also sand/grind all my micartas, both commercial and the ones I make, wet. If I'm shaping the front, I keep dunking it in my water jug. End "grain" burns faster than the sides do. When I'm grinding the sides and sanding the top down to the tang, I use a spray bottle to keep it wet down. Helps keep the belt from clogging and from "dirt" building up on the slab surface as you sand your pins, bolts whatever, and you start getting that black smear. I just wipe with a shop cloth every so often. Messy but it makes using the stuff a lot easier.
 
I used files and sandpaper and found it easy since the files don't clog as easy as they do with a soft wood.
 
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