Thread: Mission accomplished - M3 Mokume Gane black/white

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

Based on what you're saying, I take it that it is much better on your tools than g10?

It's made of metals(ferrous and non ferrous) so it will always be hard on your tools. I did use my metal cutting band saw to cut and shape. I tried it on my regular band saw and it worked too, but not as smooth, fast and easy as with my metal band saw. It will be hard on a regular saw. I don't think it will dull as fast as using G10 but it will dull nonetheless and probably close to G10 wear and tear.

I had to thin the scale material on my belt sander as it was 3/16 and had an alum oxide belt on it so decided to just use it up. A ceramic belt would be better. The alum oxide did work. Wear a dust mask at all times. It's very messy. Particles everywhere. Your hand, fingers,.. will be covered. Hand sanding goes very smooth and easy. I used some alum oxide 150, 240, 400, 600 and 800. Try to wet sand. Better for the crap flying everywhere.

There are 2 metal polishes available to be used for M3. I just followed the instructions. You final polish the scales on a buffer with a flannel 8" wheel at 1600-1700 RPM. Layer the material with the first coarser metal polish, throw it on the wheels, buff it up. Do this twice. You can already see the shine coming through. Lastly you do the same thing with the second metal polish. This will give it the final gem quality like high polish.