Working with phenolic

[Cherokee Scout]

Question for bow makers who have used phenolic in risers.
If you have used blocks of phenolic for risers parts (chunks, not strips, how does this cut on your band saw?
Does it dull your blades?
Do you use a abrasive blade or carbide blade?
Is is difficult to sand?
Does it make any difference which way the linen strands run in the phenolic.
How well does glue hold on phenolic?

[Lewis Brookshire III]

Im not sure about you questions but I do know that its dust/smoke is a carcenagen (Sp?), so wear a mask for sure when cutting or sanding it.

[elk ninja]

SRTA,
It doesn't seem to dull my blades any faster than the hard exotics.  
Blade choice depends on what I am doing.  Generally I use the cheap-o blades and just vary what type of tooth and the tooth count for different jobs and woods/ phenolics.
Not difficult to sand at all.
Glues up well, just sand it down some and clean it up just like anything else.  Smooth on and CA both work.
And yes, cover your pie hole when working with the stuff.
Mike

[ethan]

What elk ninja said.  I've found it actually pretty easy to work with.

[Rick Perry]

I'm still trying to find out where to buy it in Blocks  ........... I have a piece 3/4 in  thick coming now , buy havent been able to find anything thicker

[Rick McGowan]

It actually comes in quite a few varieties and colors. I have used it a lot for knife handles and industrial applications. It machines, sands and polishes really well. Some types can have glass fibers which are harder on tooling and really none of the dust from wood, glass, phenolic etc. should be breathed. I wear a GOOD respirator for all of it now, since one type of tropical wood dust almost put me in the hospital!