cutting mammoth tooth ?

[P.K.Hansen]

I've just had a large piece of mammoth tooth (molar) stabilized.
What kind of saw will I need to cut this stuff ?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The first thing you want to know is that it will stink to high heaven, no matter what saw you cut it on.

You can use a slower speed on your wood cutting band saw and a good carbide blade, or do it on your metal cutting band saw. Go slow, and avoid heat buildup. It is very fragile, even after stabilizing, so don't force or twist it while cutting.
Stacy

 

[Justin.Mercier]

A person I know backs up his mammoth tooth by gluing it to a board before he cuts it and says that it helps prevent cracking and pulling apart while it's being cut. Obviously this wouldnt work as well for large pieces as it does for thinner pieces, but it would prevent the tooth from chipping at the back end when the blade comes out.

 

[P.K.Hansen]

Thanks guys. I'll give my metal bandsaw a try on real slow