Thread: Word of caution

I know those who have been fabricating scales and using G10 know the drill but if any of you are just starting I have a word of caution. Yesterday I was tracing then cutting out the trace of a set of Ghost Jade G10 scales. I as indicated from knowledgeable folks who have done these in the past used a paper styled mouth/nose filter to wear while cutting as well as I used a pair of safety glasses and even on top of that a full face helmet to protect the eyes. I even hooked up the vac to the rear of the saw to draw as much air borne particulates I could.

Now when I finished and maybe 30 minutes later I noticed my eyelids were burning a bit as if I had been contaminated. Reminded me of when one puts up fiberglass insulation and you get the air borne particulates on your face and it burns slightly. So I can only reason with all the safety measures the particulates still somehow were able to get to my eyes or eyelids. I say this to let you know I had double the eye protection but to no avail was still affected. So I am going to now use a full face respirator with dual particulate filters when I cut G10 from this day forward.

Just wanted to warn anyone that has never worked with this stuff or even if you have with the precautions I took I was still affected slightly. The full face respirator will certainly keep this from happening next when I sand them down and polish them up.

Be safe folks!

Hi Michael, I always try to work wet with G10, that way you prevent dust entering the breathable zone and anywhere near the eyes. That said, I should mention that G10 is far from my favourite scale material and I'd much rather work with natural materials, including some of the timbers that are regarded as toxic.

The problem with G10 is that not only is the dust toxic, but that it's so hard to work - the stuff is really hard. Ebony is easy in comparison.

I stay away from that stuff altogether: too unhealthy (unless if you have pro equipment) and too damn hard.

It will not be my preferred material but if one request it I will work it. It is hard material for sure.

I do not work with G10 or carbon fiber. Period. My workshop is in the basement, my kids use it as well from time to time, and I'd rather it not be filled with carcinogenic fibers. On the rare occasion that I need CF or G10 scales, I ask someone else to make them.

I work G10 with a full face mask, I keep it wet as much as I can, and I keep a fan on behind me to blow the stuff out my shop door.

Michael. Any chance you rubbed your eyes with dirty hands after you were done?

Yup. I don’t work G10 for that reason, but I too use a strong fan blowing from behind or the side of me when cutting or sanding to keep as much dust away from my face.

Also it is worth the time to cobble together a cardboard dust chute connected to a vacuum and clamped or duct taped in place.

Elipse Low-Profile Dust Respirator - Lee Valley Tools

Best $34 you could ever spend, and that's in Canadian dollars too. I just got this one and it's fantastic. Super light weight and easy to clean. I have 3 masks floating around the shop, and this is my go to when cutting and sanding.

I made G10 scales once. Never again. Beautiful results, but horrible to work with.