Homemade Micarta Press

[MichaelBikel]

Micarta press from items at home

Supplies: one 12x12" tile, plywood, screws, jb weld, one nut and bolt
Tools: Table saw, chop saw, handheld glass cutter, wire hanger, sander, clamps, drill.

Bought construction paper in 9 x 12" sheets, cut a tile to two 6 x 9" pieces to reduce paper waste (should have been 6-1/16 x 9-1/16" but no sweat) Scored tile with glass cutter, placed over wire hanger and applied pressure. Rubbed the rough side on concrete surface then sanded. Built a frame around one piece of tile and put feet on the bottom. The top piece of tile was sanded a bit undersized to ease in and out of frame, corners slightly rounded. JB weld was used to attach a nut to the top tile, this allows for the bolt to act as a handle when operating the lid. The feet provide clearance for the clamps for ease of operating the press. Last thing I did was cover the interior with tape too keep the epoxy from sticking to the wood, hopefully it works out. If this is a no go I'll have to go the plastic container route.

IMG_2790 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr IMG_2791 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr IMG_2792 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr IMG_2806 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr IMG_2809 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr IMG_2810 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr

What do you guys think? Will I get a nice even piece or did I waste my time?

 

[scooternut]

Anything that presses and holds will work for you. Loos like it may be tough to see that you are applying pressure evenly. Perhaps a depth gauge to your tile will work.

Tip, wrap your "my-carta" sandwich in wax paper. This will prevent your piece from sticking to your tile. Whatever paper doesn't peal off will be sanded away eventually.

My press was simply two pieces of 2x4 held together with 4 lags to position, then held in a vise for more pressure.

 

[Amitygravel]

Slick setup Michael.
What kind of resin are you going to use for making the laminates ?

 

[MichaelBikel]

I had fiberglass resin and I read that it would work so I gave it a shot. Apparently I was not generous enough, when I cut it for a scale I felt it give a little. With enough pressure in several directions I got it to separate. I gave it a second shot and applied much more resin than necessary, currently drying overnight.

 

[PugetDude]

What are you using the micarta for?
Just curious...

 

[MichaelBikel]

What are you using the micarta for?
Just curious...

For this project, small knife handle. I read that there are some better options than fiberglass resin but I had it laying around. If the results are no good again then perhaps I'll try a new bonding agent.

 

[scooternut]

This one has about 4 years of regular use. It was my first attempt at a kitchen knife. Scales are canvas my-carta, bondo fiberglass resin.

It's been awhile, but i believe that i coat every sheet with a brush. It's quite messy and really squeezes out when pressed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PugetDude]

This one has about 4 years of regular use. It was my first attempt at a kitchen knife. Scales are canvas my-carta, bondo fiberglass resin.

It's been awhile, but i believe that i coat every sheet with a brush. It's quite messy and really squeezes out when pressed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NICE! Classic drop-point shape, looks very well balanced.

 

[scooternut]

NICE! Classic drop-point shape, looks very well balanced.

Thank you, I have since modified the design making it taller, which gives me a very thin blade on a full flat grind. Basically the only kitchen knife that I use. A cross between a chefs knife and pairing. Why?? Because I made it! Made a few for family as well. Brazilian ebony scales. The "my-carta" really isn't worth the effort with such amazing woods out there.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Scooter, those look great! Very impressed. Now that I have the attention of some knife makers in here, a question. After you shape your handle do you coat the micarta with anything to protect against water damage?

Also before I attach the handle I want to give the knife a good polish, what process do you guys use for this? I saw a fellow hand sand with 400, 800 and 2000 grit paper then he used some kind of chrome polish. I don't have a strip sander for this process so I will most likely have to approach it by hand...

Last thing-Heres the micarta, may change the shape near the blade
IMG_2867 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr

 

[MichaelBikel]

Still **** at sharpening, also could have gotten the blade to a higher polish but this was an experiment for me & I think I did okay. Wish I had stayed with the same handle shape in the front though...

IMG_2904 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr