Safe way to make Dinosaur bone grips.

P

PeterB

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Apr 29, 2007
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158
The cellular look is a bit chippy. I've decided to back with something and use epoxy before cutting and forming. Suggestions appreciated.
 
This is fossilized dinosaur bone...now basically SiO2...agate... but with a cellular look and weak along the cellular structure. I know I need to add a backing material like G-10 or jade. Maybe have treated. Anyone have any experience? For the screw holes, I'll diamond drill a bit oversize and fill with epoxy then redrill.
 
Soak it in waterglass if it is solid or take it to 600 grit, treat with epoxy or superglue and sand to near final finish, "stabilize" again and final polish. Don't let the dino bone get warm. I'd back it like you mentioned, tinted or filled epoxy works well also. If it isn't stable though on it's own you might want to reconsider using it, dino bone can vary a lot and it should be ultra tough.

By the way I have cut loads of it and never backed or treated any. (not for sale at least) If I felt it really needed it I just don't use it. It is locally found so I'm spoiled on the good stuff, I have gone through a few hundred pounds in the last few years. It is getting much harder to buy though, having a hard time finding larger solid stuff like I used to.

My friend has a Triceratops horn, that would make a sweet handle, lol, but it is going to a museum I'm sure.
 
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I think you would be asking for trouble if you plan on drilling then filling with epoxy and drilling again. You want to avoid drilling as much as possible. This is where I mess up most Natural materials. Great advice from Daniel.
 
Thanks Ryan, I love dino bone, along with Jade they are my favorites.

I have a blued dagger with dinosaur bone scales in the works! :D
 
I have to drill as I make 1911 grips instead of knife grips. I've found delicate material is best when I epoxy something over the hole area on both sides then drill. Then I just grind the excess off. This is nice material but I don't have much of it. Luckily I have LOTS of jade and 9 different varieties. It is bullet proof so no problems with it. Thanks for the thoughts.
 
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