Large slab of micarta

[chainring]

I have an old slab of micarta that is 17w by 36.5L by 1 inch thick in size. I’m not sure whether to cut it into blocks and sell it or just turn it into a coffee table! I don’t have the cutting ability to make scales, so it would be one inch thick blocks, at best. On the other hand, it would be an awesome side table..

Any advice on whether it is worth slicing up, what size pieces and a slightly cheaper than fair price for it would be appreciated.

 

[kuraki]

Well you could easily get 3 rows of 5" long blocks the 17" direction end to end. So probably 18 per row if they're just under 2" wide.

54 blocks that are 5x1.875x1? I'd pay at least $25/ea for a few.

Or perhaps I could convince you that you'd like to trade the whole thing for a piece of Canadian Twine art?

 

[Erin Burke]

Or just give it to me. In my opinion, those 1" thick blocks would be great for hidden tangs.
I think that John gave you some good advice... though I'd like to see a few blocks larger than 5x2.
Good stuff.
Erin

 

[kuraki]

Absolutely no reason you couldn't do bigger blocks as well. 5x2 is as small as I would go fwiw.

 

[chainring]

Or just give it to me. In my opinion, those 1" thick blocks would be great for hidden tangs.
I think that John gave you some good advice... though I'd like to see a few blocks larger than 5x2.
Good stuff.
Erin

What size would be best for your purposes?

 

[Drew Riley]

I'd say it depends on how tough the stuff is. Some of the industrial grade micarta like that was/is used as wear plates on things like steel rolling mills, and it's incredibly tough stuff that just eats up belts and blades, and in my opinion, isn't much worth dealing with for knife use. Not that it can't be used, by any means, but if it's the really tough micarta, you'll probably burn through a number of table saw blades trying to rip it down.

 

[Erin Burke]

What size would be best for your purposes?

For a safe bet, I tend to prefer blocks that are 5-1/2"+ long by 2"+ wide by at least a full inch thick.

 

[007Airman]

That's pretty sexy. Is it Micarta brand?

 

[chainring]

That's pretty sexy. Is it Micarta brand?

No idea of the provenance, it’s old and came from a factory of some kind, of I recall correctly. I’ve had it for a few years now.

 

[007Airman]

No idea of the provenance, it’s old and came from a factory of some kind, of I recall correctly. I’ve had it for a few years now.

I wouldn't make a table out of it. Def great handle material. If you can't cut it to consistent sizes then sell the whole piece. It can be cnc'd as well so someone out there wants that.

 

[Hengelo_77]

That stuff is highly dangerous, I'd send it to Germany if I were you!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Fellows. you all know the rules about buying/selling in Shop Talk.
Thread closed!