Tips needed for working with dyed jigged bone

[J. Hoover]

I've been wanting to make some small edc fixed blade knives using dyed jigged bone for handle material, any tips on profiling, shaping pinning would be sincerely appreciated.

 

[SBuzek]

Use sharp bits when drilling and put tape on the oppisite side to help with chip out.Sharp belts to keep from burning the bone,I like useing cheap A/O belts and new one on each handle.Also most dyed bone will come looking black with extra dye,clean well with acetone and a toothbrush before useing.
Do all the thinning from the back side. and just final shaping and sanding on the front.
Stan

 

[J. Hoover]

Thanks Stan, I appreciate you taking the time to help me out. I've used horn but never dyed and jigged bone.
I assume that bone will warp on you like horn will if you get it to hot. I was planning on hand sanding to thin it out on my granite block for a good flat surface.
One other thing do you use a metal cutting saw to rough shape the profile of the handle or just sand them down. I have a jewelers saw that I planned on using.
Thanks

 

[SBuzek]

Actually use my wood cutting band saw to rough shape,leave about 1/8" proud and sand to shape.And yes it will warp if overheated,I grind a little and lay it on my thick aluminum quench plates to draw the heat off.
Stan

 

[jonnymac44]

That was a great response, Stan:thumbup: I learned a few of those lessons the hard way! Looking forward to pics, J.

Use sharp bits when drilling and put tape on the oppisite side to help with chip out.Sharp belts to keep from burning the bone,I like useing cheap A/O belts and new one on each handle.Also most dyed bone will come looking black with extra dye,clean well with acetone and a toothbrush before useing.
Do all the thinning from the back side. and just final shaping and sanding on the front.
Stan