Shaping micarta

[Everglade Blade]

I'm looking for the best way to sand and shape micarta handle scales. I keep getting this kind of cloudy build up. Is this normal? I don't use micarta, and now I'm trying to use and see if I like it, but I want the handle to turn out well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ERIK KNIVES]

Canvas, linen or paper micarta and what grit sandpaper/belt? At first look, it sounds like you are gumming up your abrasive. Rinse the micarta and see if it cleans up.

 

[Fiddleback]

I rough shape micarta with a 36 grit belt moving fast. Micarta will gum up belts quick. Kinda like Desert Ironwood. So here is a tip that'll help for both. Spray a little WD 40 on the belt as the grinder runs before you start. Done. No gumming up. Easy as pie. I rough shape with the 36, then go to files, then use a 220 grit scalloped edge belt. Then clean up the spines and hand work to finish with sandpaper and scotchbrite pads.