fluting techniques

krangle1

krangle1

Joined
Feb 6, 2000
Messages
218
has anyone tried fluting on handle material such as mastodon ivory? i have seen it done before. what technique do you use? round hand files? or foredom? any info would be appreciated. thanks :o
 
krangle1, You will be better answered here I think.

Thanks,

Darby
 
I have done quite a few flutes in wood. I have always used wood dowels as a sanding form, half round files and round files to start the flute (sometimes), and even cigarette butts as sanding forms. I have not yet fluted ivory, but that does sound good. Power tools can get away from you (ME) and I try to stay away from them when doing that type work.
Roger
 
I'm with Roger, power tools and mammoth ivory seem a poor match. :eek: I've used rattail or chainsaw files, sanding with leather-covered dowels. Never tried cig butts! Many people when doing this build a stand that allows the work to pivot around its axis; I haven't ever tried this but would recommend it! You might even chuck it up in your small lathe if you have one, just for holding the work. It's a thought anyway.

Let us see your results! We revel in the great work of others.

Dave
 
If you are doing straight flutes you can use a milling machine with a double angle cutter. When doing spiral flutes, first draw your lines and then cut your lines with a thin back saw so your lines do not disappear. After cutting the lines I use a small rasp to deeping the grooves and finish with sand paper.

Dave, I have made a rotating vise out of a bowling ball, dog food bowl and a drill press vise. Cut the boling ball in half set it in the dog food bowl and screw the vice on the bowling ball.
 
Here's a quick and easy way to lay out the flutes..
After you have turned the handle down to the diameter you want, mark a circle 1/16" in from the edge on each end. Mark 4 holes 90° apart, and parallel on each end of the handle. Drill a 1/16" hole 1/8" deep on all 8 marks. Put a piece of waxed thread in one of the holes and stick a toothpick in to hold it in place. Pull the string to the other end and move one hole over, put the thread in and hold it with a toothpick. This creates the twist. Mark along the thread with a pencil or scribe and do all 4 like this. You could move it 2 holes over for more of a twist or you can use any number of holes for more or less flutes.
 

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Great tip Kit, thanks!!
The handle and guard of that dagger are amazing!!
 
Great idea Kit..Now let me throw a twist on this question,I am wanting to reproduce a antique hunting knife and it has a fluted handle only thing is the flutes look more like a rope spiraling all the way around the handle,How would you set that up?
Bruce
 
Bruce,
Pretty much the same way but use 8 holes on each end, 45° apart. The first 4 lines are narrow, shallow cuts and the ones in between are much wider. Lay a piece of rope beside the handle and you'll see what I mean. :)
 
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