Cutting Ivory

[Steve45]

I have just recieved a bic tusk of Mammoth and I need some advice on how to cut it to get the most of what I have. If you have ever cut any into sets of scales "please help me" Thanks

Steve45

 

[Dr.Lathe]

Steve,
At work I have a HUGE metal cutting bandsaw. With a wood blade running at medium speed, I've cut Bloodwood, Lignum Vitae and Rosewood into handle slabs. I'm sure the Ivory would cut well with a medium metal blade running slow enough to not burn it. That's what I've used to cut stag.
The saw has a heavy duty fence and a table that the material can be clamped to to keep everything square.
If you can't find someone that knows a better way, let me know. I can try one slice and see how it works!!
Chiro, if you see this posting, don't worry I'm working on the rings too!!!!
Neil

------------------
http://members.aol.com/blademakr/BlackwoodWP.html

 

[tom mayo]

how big...how long...how big around...the wisest use is to use a wood cutting bandsaw with a sharp blade and cut it into sections around 5 inches long.....from the tip (cut the tip a little longer unless it is very big around at the very end)...measure 5 inches and mark every five inches and cut it into little log like sections 5 inches long.. thats about standard handle length... maybe you might want to cut some 4 and a half...but 5 is safe...then take the sections and mark them up with a pencil... you are going to need a MINIMUM of 1/4 thick pieces and you have to account for the loss of the kerf (saw blade cut) easiest way is to slice off the outside making sure the middle of the piece is at least 1/4" thick until you have a 5 inch long piece with a bunch of flats around it...then mark it up with a pencil..use a ruler...i would save the middle where the nerve runs for solid one piece handles.....if you want more info email me...i have cut up lots of tusks and used to be a woodworker ...hope this all makes sense....sincerely...

------------------
http://www.mayoknives.com

 

[Kit Carson]

I use a wood cutting bandsaw with a 10-14 VT blade at medium speed. Go with Tom's advice about cutting it into workable lengths.

I hot glue it to a 4"x4"x12" block of steel (to keep it from moving or rolling) and use the fence.

Cut the slabs thicker than you want to allow for getting them flat.

Heat and water are true enemies of this material. Keep it cool.

 

[Steve45]

Thanks Neil ,Tom and Kit for the advise I will try this weekend and we shall see
Thanks Guys


Steve