Working with mammoth tusk (ivory)

[Konrad Sauer]

Does anyone have any advise on working with this? I am interested in comments about shaping it, attaching it to wood (glue or mechanical fasteners like screws or pins) and any thoughts on what not to do.

Thanks, Konrad

[Doug Evans]

If you use power tools put some vaporub or some such thing under your nose to mitigate the smell.

I have had ivory (old antique) turned and it is quite prone to shatter.

One of the things I have heard is that mastadon tusk can take on a petrified form and can become almost like stone.

Dave Carrier down your way (Mississauga) does a lot of work with bone...

Grinding/scraping/filing if you are doing inlay work. I am grapling with this right now with the ivory...

Regards,

Doug

[Konrad Sauer]

thanks Doug,

Do you have any contact info for Dave?

Cheers, Konrad

[Doug Evans]

I think he's at 275-5833.

Regards,

Doug

[Ben Knebel]

Be sure to wear a mask Konrad--ivory dust is murder on the lungs and can very quickly cause a miner's lung type of condition--there is some toxicity there as well.--an ounce of prevention yada yada.
Regards
Ben