Carolyn Detjen Asks:
I recently bought a small piece of mammoth ivory at a lapidary sale and plan to use it for jewelry. What tools are used to saw and grind?
The Ivory Carvers Answer:
My style of Carving is rather unorthodox, as my main tool is a drill with a solid sanding surface with 80 grit sand paper. With my Intaglia work, the most important aspect is that every piece is 100% flat. So I use a multitude of sanding surfaces to flatten and shape. From 7″ carbide steel cutting wheels to 3/4″ Micro Sanding disks that are 1200 -1800 grit.
My second most important tool is a pair of dremel flex shafts with over 100 different bits. From 1/2″ hogging bits to burs and diamond bits, to Diamond cut off wheels.
My third tool, although not real necessary, but very handy is my Micro BandSaw with the smallest blade available.
Last but not least is my 35,000 RPM Buffer and the Zam Polish I use.
I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
LeeC
