Is there any way to test if an unknown matewrial is micarta? I
have some 2x3 x1/8 inch pieces which were used as insulating material in heavy duty breaker boxes(mining equipment). It looks like micarta but turns from black to brown when fared down on the grinder. Any ideas? Thanks

Birddog,
It sounds like micarta to me. A lot of the stuff has a layer of darker skin on the outside, and when you grind it away it will change color.
Also since it came from electrical equipment it is almost certain of being either micarta or bakelite. Bakelite does do a similar thing but it is more brittle. I'd say it wouldn't have any cloth-like fiber or fabric in it if it was bakelite either.
They are kind of similar materials.
The bodies of circut breakers are (or at least used to be) made from bakelite.
Moldy

Easiest way for me to tell is the smell when grinding it. A very distinctive phenolic odor. Micarta will definitely burn and change color at higher grinder speeds, especialy with finer grit belts.

There is also some stuff out there that will fool you- I was given a few slabs of 1" thick gray stuff that makes sparks fly from the bandsaw blade. I am sure the fabric in the matrix is fiberglass. Absolutely uncuttable with my equipment, so I use it for its flat parallel surfaces.

Since we're on to micarta is there anywhere you can get micarta besides knife supply places? and is it used for anything besides knife handles?
thanks
Michael

Angus-Campbell,Inc.4417 South Soto st.,(Vernon)Los Angeles,CA 90058,1-213-587-1236.Miles of micarta,thats all they sell,I think.It is used to make gears,among other things,water is the only lube needed.

Professional Plastics in Kent Wa. sells it. I contacted Ken Bulen and bought some remnants a while back.

Professional Plastics
6412 S. 196th St.
Kent Wa. 98032-1169


ken@proplas.com
www.plasticpros.com
(253)872-7430
(800)223-8360

If you can buy in quantity they can give a very good price.
They sell alot to Boeing for planes.
Jon