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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Burnsie on September 03, 2025, 09:23:46 AM

Title: Old Micarta/Phenolic
Post by: Burnsie on September 03, 2025, 09:23:46 AM
Over the Labor Day weekend, we did a large electrical upgrade at my workplace. Contractors replaced a large bank of high voltage switch gear with modern higher capacity equipment.  I was able to salvage two of the old, heavy mechanical main switches from the late 60's. They were mounted on a large piece of black phenolic, with a smaller bar of the old brown/caramel colored stuff.  After I disassembled them, you can see they are peppered full of holes. But between the sets of holes I should be able to rip several strips of clear material that are almost 6" x 24" and 1.5" thick. I'm going to play around with it and see if it is suitable for bow handles, knife scales...etc. The stuff weighs a ton.
Title: Re: Old Micarta/Phenolic
Post by: Kirkll on September 03, 2025, 12:32:05 PM
That will be some high grade material. Be prepared to burn up a couple carbide tipped blades ripping the stuff. I'd recommend a 24 carbide tipped 10" Diablo blade.