Drilling Mammoth and Stag

[boisebman]

Does anyone have any hints on drilling stag and mammoth ivory? It seems that I am always getting some chipping when the drill goes thru the other side.
I have tried olive oil on stag which stopped the chipping but ended up soaking in the stag and discolored it.
Thanks

 

[Rusty McDonald]

sharp new bits. go slow don't force it.

 

[Russ Andrews]

Use a scrap piece of wood or fiber board as a backing against
the spot where the drill will exit, Use sharp drills and go s l o w.

 

[Johnny Warner]

Additionally to sharp bits and going slow, using an air source frequently to keep the hole emptied and prevent unnecessary heat build up.

 

[johnggrg]

I know when drilling into wood you can put tape on the other side but you would still need to go slow. I don't know if that would apply to ivory and such. John

 

[argel55]

Double layer of tape on backside and back up with wood or micarta.

 

[richard j]

if you still have problems drilling even after trying all the tips try using a smaller drill and dimple the exit hole with the final drill size before drilling your hole. try this on a scrap piece to get the hang of how deep to make the dimple. never have your drill exit the exposed side of your material if you can keep from it.