new honing medium--trying to learn more

6/16/04, 2:54 PM #1

Joe Hurst
Guest

new honing medium--trying to learn more

Joe Hurst

>Howdy All-

I think I've found a useful cast-off of the electronic world that might benefit fellow neanderthals...

A while ago, a buddy gave me a 6x6 piece of wafer-thin ceramic (I think he called it micarta, or something like that.) I believe its true use is a base for circuit building and such.

I suspect there are a few electrical engineers and computer techies hiding in the shadows...perhaps you guys know what I'm talking about, and where to buy this stuff.

All I know is that it cuts fast and leaves a better finish than my 8000-grit Norton, and since it's ceramic, I don't think it can dish. The downside is that it's fragile, but I've had good luck by keeping it on a piece of glass.

If I had an extra piece I'd send it to Ellis to try for himself.

Sooo, if anyone has any more information about this stuff, I'd appreciate learning more.

Re: new honing medium--trying to learn more

6/16/04, 11:23 PM #2

marketymarkmark
Guest

Re: new honing medium--trying to learn more

marketymarkmark

>if it's micarta, it isn't ceramic. micarta is resin/epoxy impregnated fiber like linen, canvas, or paper...

and if it's micarta, it's easy to find at a plastics supplier...micarta is the trade name for phenolic resin. same difference, like "frisbee" and "flying disc".

if your local supplier doesn't have scraps you can buy some from a knifemaking supplier as it's commonly used for making scales/handles.

Re: new honing medium--trying to learn more

6/17/04, 12:03 AM #3

John Longwitz-Doraville, GA
Guest

roger that....

John Longwitz-Doraville, GA

>...micarta is also used for handles on custom knives. If it has abrasive qualities I've not seen them touted before.

Re: new honing medium--trying to learn more

6/17/04, 12:09 AM #4

Dan Donaldson
Member
Offline
5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Re: new honing medium--trying to learn more

Dan Donaldson

>Sounds like the ceramic substrate that is used to build high power surface mount circuits.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

new honing medium--trying to learn more

Posts