The Best Tools for Shaping Micarta

Lathes and Machining Tools

• Norflex-Micarta recommends equipping lathes for wood or metal fabrication with carbide-tipped tools if a user intends to work on Micarta on a high-production basis. Otherwise, standard cutting tools are enough to perform a variety of jobs on paper-based laminates. Micarta is to be machined dry without lubricants, and therefore craftsmen should make use of an air compressor or vacuum for cooling the cutter as liquid coolants are difficult to remove from finished material. Lathes with the correct specifications can perform milling, threading and turning on Micarta.
  
  

Circular Saws and Band Saws

• Straight and angular sawing of Micarta can be performed with circular saws. A hollow-ground circular saw without set should be used when smooth edges and close tolerances are required. For Micarta boards that have thicknesses up to 1 inch, the craftsman should use a 12-inch diameter saw blade. Micarta that has a thickness of up to 2.5 inches should be cut with a 16-inch diameter saw blade.
  
  Band saws may also be used on Micarta for jobs where close tolerances and smooth surfaces are not important. Band saw blades should have five to seven teeth per inch for material below 3 inches of thickness. For material that is 3 inches and over, a saw blade with three teeth per inch is required. Operating speed should be at 3,000 rpm and blades should be tempered for frequent sharpening.
  
  

Shears

• Paper-based Micarta of up to 0.062 inches thick and canvas-based Micarta of up to 0.125 inches thick can be sheared with standard sheet metal shears. Shearing Micarta requires that the blades should be maintained sharp and the material held rigid with a hold-down bar.
  
  

Drills and Taps

• Standard high-speed drills, tapping heads and tapping machines can be used to work Micarta. Carbide-tipped drill bits and taps are recommended for more economic operation and deeper holes.
  
  

Grinding, Sanding and Buffing Tools

• Another part of working with Micarta is that it needs to be buffed after being worked to make it smooth and shiny. Enthusiasts can make use of either a belt, a disk or a centerless sander for Micarta grinding, sanding and buffing jobs without any need for lubrication.