Making a micarta press is easy, nearly free and can be done in just an hour or two. It takes just 2 pieces of scrap lumber cut into 5 smaller pieces, some wood glue and some screws to make a press that can be used to make countless number of micarta blanks.

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What’s Needed

Tools

wood saw

Screw gun

tape measure

speed square(optional)

Marker or pencil

Materials

1 x 8 16″ long

2 x 4 8″ long

Wood glue

6 – 1 1/2″ screws

The Pieces

Step 1

Mark out pieces A thru D on a piece of 1 x 8 x 16″ as shown in the picture below.

Step 2

Cut out the pieces in the above picture.

Step 3

Cut a 2 x 4 8″ long. Now we have all the pieces. Label them A thru E as Pictured.

Assembly

The cradle

Place piece E on a flat surface and put C and D on edge at the sides of E. Lay a bead of wood glue on the top edges of C and D. The two side pieces C and D should be about 7/8″ higher than the 2 x 4(E).

Now place piece A on top of the side pieces to form a sort of table over the 2 x 4 and screw the top to the side pieces allowing the 2 x 4 to move freely.

Set the cradle to the side now and add glue to the top of the 2 x 4(E).

Place piece B on top of the 2 x 4. The pieces should be flush length wise and the sides of piece B should overlap both sides of the 2 x 4 approximately 7/8″.

Now you should have 2 separate pieces. The press should fit nicely into the cradle. There should also be a gap between the 2 x 4 of the press and the bottom board of the cradle.

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If you would like to see the article describing the step by step process for making micarta with this type of press click the picture below.