Making Micarta

[Madman1978]

Hey all,

I am looking to expand my skills and what I can offer to customers. Micarta will aid in reaching that goal.

I am having trouble in finding a good resin to work with. If you have any info please share it.

 

[Joebobber]

That fiberglass resin stuff is great and cheap. Its next to the bondo in the automotive section.

 

[Hippie3180]

Lots of people who make pen blanks use Alumilite, it's good stuff. They have one that's very clear too.

 

[its_virgil]

Which Alumilite? Alumilite is a brand and not a product. Alumilite makes urethane and epoxy resins. Either will work for making "micarta" but one must work fast if using Alumilite Clear or Clear slow (urethane resins).

Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast or Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast Plus (epoxy resins) will give more working time.

Do a good turn daily!
Don

 

[Hippie3180]

Alumilite Clear Slow is a resin with a 12 minute open time. That may be enough time.

 

[cl1237]

I use Bondo fiberglass resin with very good results. It's a messy process but well worth it. Open time is around 15 minutes. I cut 2"x6" strips of material. After soaking them in resin they go into a press that I made. The press is slightly bigger than the 2x6 strips and has 3/4 spacers to get an even thickness when the bolts are tightened down

Here's a couple blanks I made, denim and Air Force camo

 

[Drewby108]

I've used alumilite clear cast with book pages. Aside from needing to move a bit faster and paint more on each page, it worked great. I think if you are working with more blank-sized dimensions than a full sheet of paper, you'll do fine.

Second note: if you get fuzzy edges while turning, get some thin CA to soak the blank and cure, then turn it down til it's "dry" looking and soak again. Really helps keep the layers from blurring into each other, especially at the final pass or two.

 

[Joebobber]

I use Bondo fiberglass resin with very good results. It's a messy process but well worth it. Open time is around 15 minutes. I cut 2"x6" strips of material. After soaking them in resin they go into a press that I made. The press is slightly bigger than the 2x6 strips and has 3/4 spacers to get an even thickness when the bolts are tightened down

Here's a couple blanks I made, denim and Air Force camo

Yep exactly like i said. Plus that is what they make that fiberglass stuff for kind of. It is slightly yellow but you really can't tell.

 

[Madman1978]

I have both the Bobno and alumilite. I need to make a press and find some decent materials.

But this is where I am looking to go with Micarta. This guy is in Turkey so shipping costs push it over a reasonable price for me. Yes, I am going to be making Knife Scales.

 

[its_virgil]

Alumilite Clear Slow is a resin with a 12 minute open time. That may be enough time.

I have used Alumilite Clear Slow and yes, it is doable but no time to waste. Have everything ready and don't stop.

I have also used Cactus Juice stabilizing resin from TurnTex.com No time constraints but a bit messy and it must be cured in an oven at 200 degrees. But it works just fine. Polyester resin is another choice.

Do a good turn daily!
Don