Micarta

[gad5264]

I work in a facility that builds stainless steel cryogenic storage and vacuum vessels and we also build vacuum jacketed piping systems. We use micarta as spacers because it holds up to the cryogenic temperatures. I have been able to salvage several pieces of this and have been hoarding them for a while to turn a pen for the president of the company. I am also thinking of having the company logo engraved in it. There are many different colors of micarta and we use "jade green" specifically. I am wondering if any of you have experience in turning this stuff and if so, what should I be concerened with?

Thanks in advance,
Grant

 

[Andrew_K99]

I was curious what it was and did some googling ... came up with this link.

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?57265-micarta-on-the-wood-turning-lathe

Sounds like it is not an issue at all, just hard on the tools.

AK

 

[hewunch]

I have turned some. It is interesting to say the least. Carbide tools have no issue with it. I have a friend in the plastics business. He said micarta is the same as phenolic. And that when they cut it they have to put on the hazmat stuff. So you have been warned ?

 

[sbell111]

My quest for micarta ended when I started my making faux micarta out of linen fabric and PR. I read about it in one of the knife making forums, as I recall.