Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: osage outlaw on August 08, 2016, 10:09:04 pm
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I'm making a hunting knife for my daughter as a surprise gift. She knows I'm making something for her but she doesn't know what it is. I asked her what colors she liked and she said purple and black. I didn't have anything that color so I figured I'd try to make something. I watched some youtube videos on how to make fiberglass micarta. It seemed simple enough.
I bought some white burlap and RIT dye for $3 each.
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20160803_105826_zpspwhnci2c.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20160803_105826_zpspwhnci2c.jpg.html)
The colors turned out pretty good after a 30 minute soak in the dye. I picked up a can of Fiberglass resin from lowes for $15.
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20160808_092414_zpsfb2e6k86.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20160808_092414_zpsfb2e6k86.jpg.html)
I mixed the resin with slightly about half of the recommended amount of hardener. That gave me more working time before it set up. I put a layer of resin down on wax paper and then put a strip of burlap on it. I kept putting down more resin and alternating colors of burlap.
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20160808_100559_zpsst4ru8lp.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20160808_100559_zpsst4ru8lp.jpg.html)
I made a jig for pressing it down. Most of the people in the videos I watched just used two boards and some clamps. The jig has spacers between two aluminum plates so it makes an even thickness when its tightened down. It squeezed a lot of excess resin out.
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20160808_101656_zps8r2pqm1y.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20160808_101656_zps8r2pqm1y.jpg.html)
I was going to let it dry until my next day off but it seemed to harden up pretty fast. I set it out in the sun so that probably helped. It took a while to get the two plates apart. The resin had set up on the threads. Next time I'm going to spray the jig down with non stick cooking spray.
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20160808_180747_zpscib6afah.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20160808_180747_zpscib6afah.jpg.html)
I trimmed up the edges and peeled the wax paper off. It looks good so far. I have a 2.5" x 12" flat piece ready to use. It set up very solid and hard.
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20160808_191542_zpsvvfnbrto.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20160808_191542_zpsvvfnbrto.jpg.html)
I don't know how well the purple will show up on the inside once is shaped and sanded. I rounded off one corner to see what it looks like. I can see the purple layers but the black is more prominent. Maybe I should have used 2 layers of purple for every one layer of black.
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/Outlawstaves/20160808_191612_zpslbwrljg7.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/Outlawstaves/media/20160808_191612_zpslbwrljg7.jpg.html)
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Wait till its done it might show up more with finish
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If it doesn't work for knife scales I'll have 4 years worth of tip overlay material ;D
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Man, I saw FG in the title and for half a second I thought you were trying to make a FG bow, lol. That's pretty cool man, and she has good taste in colors :)
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It should pop out pretty well when its all said and done. Cooking spray will work really well. When I was painting roads that is what we used to coat our stencils before we painted.
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That should be a great knife for your daughter. I like your jig..
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Good idea OO. Atleast the purple will show up on the outside of the scale
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That's gonna look good with a finish on it, Clint. When I used to glass we would rub the molds down with about three layers of car wax. It lifts off easy then.
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You really don't mind doing everything from scratch, do you? I know you say you do these things because of a thin wallet, but I have a sneaking suspicion you got a highly inquisitive mind and enjoy figgerin' things out!
She's gonna love it, sir! I guarantee it!
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JW, it's probably a 50/50 split. I do like figuring out how to put things together to make a usable finished product.
Thanks for the wax tip Mullet.
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I'm thinking your probably right there JW. Its always nice to make something special for someone special that will like it more than something you bought at the store. always enjoy your builds Osage, never know whats coming next.
bjrogg
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Looks cool so far Clint! I'm curious how it turns out. I've been thinking about doing this and trying to make a few game calls from it. Thanks for posting!
Tattoo Dave
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Tattoo Dave, have you seen the natural burlap micarta? That would look cool on some calls. I plan on getting some construction paper and trying that out. The blue jean micarta looks good also.
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The blue jean micarta looks good also.
yes!
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Have you guys seen the scrap, old camo clothes?
Tattoo Dave, have you seen the natural burlap micarta? That would look cool on some calls. I plan on getting some construction paper and trying that out. The blue jean micarta looks good also.
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No I haven't. Do you have a picture of that Eddie?
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Mullet is right Camo cloth looks good too
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I have a bow from a swap on another site with hommade green micarta. I believe he used a tight weave linen and a straight press with a firehose set up...Yours Turned out sweet.
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Clint, No, I don't. The guy that gave me a bunch of micarta showed me some he had.
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Cool beans!
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I have not seen it. Going to have to get this project started. Seems like every time I get on this forum, you guys come up with another project I want to start. That's what friends are for right.
Looking forward to seeing yours finished Clint!
Tattoo Dave
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Clint, did you see the pic of the 3 piece take down bow on TG with the burlap micarta accents. Boy, that stuff looks nice.
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Yes I did Pat. The natural burlap looks good. I've got some that I want to make for knife scales.
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Very cool man. What type of steel are you using? I started getting into making blades but bow making took over besides mow making is ALOT cheaper
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I'm using old USA made files and large saw mill blades