Black Micarta for grips

[tplumeri]

Ever since buying my limited edition Vaquero with black micarta grips I've been interested in the Micarta material.
Havent found much in aftermarket grips in Micarta that make me happy.
So I bought some sheet Black Linen Micarta and will be trying to make some grips that satisfy my needs.
wont be able to start machining until this weekend but would be interested in trying to fabricate different grips.
i have patterns for vaquero/blackhawk and most 1911's. will also try grips for the EMP.
willing to try grips for your guns but would need patterns (old set of grips) to work from.
if youre interested let me know.
you get your grips back and a "prototype" set of micarta grips to try for free.
Yeah, I have way too much time on my hands, but I have a machine shop out back that is just rusting away!!
tom

[tomh1426]

What is micarta plastic?
whats it look like?

[Bill DeShivs]

There are 2 types of black Micarta-paper and linen. There may even be canvas Micarta in black.
It will require some sanding to get smooth. Wear a dust mask (at least.)
Paper gives the shiniest finish, linen next, then canvas.
Micarta is best polished , after sanding to 400 grit, on a 1750 RPM buffer.
LMK if you need additional Micarta tips.

[Dfariswheel]

I also recommend a mask when cutting or sanding the Micartas.
It gives off fumes you DO NOT want to inhale.

After sanding to a smooth finish, you can leave it as-is, or give it different levels of polishing with polishes.
This can range from a satin glow to a hard shine.

Micartas come in wood, linen, canvas, and paper.
The white "ivory" Micarta looks VERY much like real ivory.
Elephant ivory grows in layers, and the layers of the paper Micarta mimic real ivory so close, it's sometimes hard to tell it's not the real thing.

[tplumeri]

Learned about tooling micarta while modifying the grips and frame on the Vaquero. Posted pics here but cant seem to repost same pics (?)
Anyway, reminds me of working the old boron carbon fiber composit we prototyped with in aerospace during the 80's.
Basically the forerunner material to todays carbon fiber stealth layups.
Anyway, agree about proper safety equipment for micarta. Leaves an odd taste in you mouth if you inhale the dust...cant be good.
I'll try and post pics of the Vaquero grips again.
working a pair of colt 1911 grips now. Hope to have pics soon.
tom

[Evyl Robot]

tplumeri,

Is this offer still good? I have been looking high and low for a set of black linen micarta combat fingergrooves for my 586L-comp! Thanks!

--Michael

[tplumeri]

hey mike,
wow, old post!
the micarta i bought was 1/2 x4 x 24" sheets.
i did a bunch of 1911 grips, a couple EMP grips and a set for my vaquero. basically, thats what folks wanted and i had patterns for.
I'm working on a set for my colt mustang now, but thats likely the last i'll do.
the stuff is a bear to work with!
dont know what your grips look like but if you post a pic and a couple dimensions i'll see what i have left. i dont have a pattern but i might just send you the micarta.
welcome to TFL!
tom

[Evyl Robot]

Tom,

I actually found this forum on a google search on the subject! Then, I noticed that a lot of the people that I know from THR are here as well, so it seemed like a good set of excuses to sign up.

I imagine that I'll be able to post some pics & dims fairly quick. I work in a no-gun-workplace. I think I would be able to work the stuff with what I've got at the house. I'm thinking of coming up with some router jigs to cut the insides that I could use for exactly this sort of mad project, as this is not the first time this sort of thing has come up.

Thanks for the response! I love these zombie threads!

--Michael

[EBRseeker]

I've always wanted to try making my own....

there are several good tutorials on the web