Working G-10

E

Elwin

Joined
Jan 4, 2002
Messages
183
What kind of tools are required for finishing handle slabs of G-10? Would one need different ones for more extensive work, like shaping solid blocks? Any help is appreciated.
 
Tools that work for micarta will be fine for G-10. Be aware that G-10 is a fiberglass composite and by all means wear a good respirator, and long sleeves. If your using hand tools, files and sandpaper will get you through. If your grinding on a machine, the general belts that one would use for micarta are fine. Most of the time, about 220 grit is all the further you want to go with G-10.
 
Tools that work for micarta will be fine for G-10. Be aware that G-10 is a fiberglass composite and by all means wear a good respirator, and long sleeves. If your using hand tools, files and sandpaper will get you through. If your grinding on a machine, the general belts that one would use for micarta are fine. Most of the time, about 220 grit is all the further you want to go with G-10.
 
I use a scroll saw for cutting Micarta, G-10 and Carbon Fiber. I can use almost any blade to cut the Micarta but G-10 and CF chew up the blades much much faster. The only blades I have any success with are blades for cutting metal.

Other than that I pretty much use files, Dremel, sandpaper and a respirator..
 
Yes, regular files would work but you will have to clean them frequently, even if they are quite coarse.

If you want the textured finish you can either sandblast it or you can buy grippy G10 in two different grades of coarseness from Halpern Titanium. The grippy stuff has a super thick peel off film on it that reveals a beautiful deep textured surface. The peelable film is bonded tightly and really thick. Best to remove it with pliers. Try to shape your profile and drill the mounting holes first then peel off the facing and fine tune.
 
I know this is an old post, but I think people need to know how to cut G10 safely.
Cutting my way will save your lungs from that toxic dust. The safest, best way to cut G10 or any epoxy or polyester resin product in my opinion is a WET SAW. Because there is no dust to get to your lungs or all over your shop, because it requires less work to cut, and is a lot safer. Also a wet saw will not burn your G10 like other blades would. When I have to cut G10 dry I use a dry diamond coated blade made to run dry on a table saw, a dust collector and a shop vac.
I have never and will not ever use a carbide blade on G10. I cut both G10 and micarta daily and through my experience cutting composite materials I have learned that carbide should be used on Canvas micarta, paper based micarta, linen micarta, plastics, and wood only in my opinion.
After the cutting is done, the rest can be done with normal files and sandpaper. Power tools help, but not necessary for shaping. I found that a nice belt sander will accomplish most of the bulk down work. Take a file and dial in the basic shape and sand away. I like to use wet sandpaper and a bucket of water for the final sanding. I generally start with a dry 100 grit and work my way down to 500 or 800 grit wet paper.
Take it or leave it. I just put this out there to try to help someone, and possibly save a lung or two.
 
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