How-To: Paper Micarta

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How-To: Paper Micarta
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Micarta is a genericized trademark referring to a composite material made from layers of paper or fabric impregnated with thermosetting resin. It is rigid, tough, and electrically insulating, and has many applications ranging from power distribution equipment to countertops. It is also commonly used in knife, gun, and tool handles, where its laminated construction offers built-in decorative opportunities  ranging from subtle wood-grain-like patterns to out-and-out gaudy riots of color.

In this video, YouTuber CrashbladeKnives shows off his process for making small batches of custom-colored micarta using construction paper and fiberglass resin. If you’re interested in micarta, don’t miss his channel, linked below, which includes dozens of videos showing off various types of micarta and methods for making them.

CrashbladeKnives’s channel – YouTube

More:
How-To: Make micarta from blue jeans

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I am descended from 5,000 generations of tool-using primates. Also, I went to college and stuff. I am a long-time contributor to MAKE magazine and makezine.com. My work has also appeared in ReadyMade, c't – Magazin für Computertechnik, and The Wall Street Journal.

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