Thread: What are you working on?

Nice tusk there. Man, you sure never know what you're going to see in this thread. I hope it slices up neatly, that will make some very cool scales!

I have the main shaft that I hope to make the scales from at slightly over 6" tall . The top, at around 5", with the hole, will be dozens of wedges, and maybe a pen or two.
Will use everything up though so it will all be used in some capacity for the betterment of some project or another. Ultimate sacrifice for the ole bull.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

Cutting some old walrus tusk down to size.
Hoping to make some scale stock out of this for a few friends.
Attachment 250783
Will be using a much finer blade for the actual scale slicing, but first I want to soak the tusk in some mineral oil under vacuum for a while. See if I can give it some elasticity again before hitting the saw. I am worried about all the natural splits being a sign of its brittleness. Want to give this the best chance for success.
Attachment 250784
The new 9" bandsaw handled the job effortlessly I am happy to report..

Did you use the factory 1/4 inch blade?

For the first test, yes. I have a 3/8x16 tpi blade I will use for the real deal. The increased blade width will help for a straighter cut, and the increased number of teeth, a smoother cut. The stock blade cut a very thin wedge as I leveled off the bottom so I am optimistic I can cut pretty thin slices from the onset to minimize sanding losses later. Warping as the oil slowly releases from the ivory is a concern, but once it's all pinned up I don't think it really can warp much. Not sure though. Tusk is new material for me.

Mike you got this shit down pat!!! I knew you could do something with those wedges! You did an outstanding job!

Originally Posted by outback

Wedges fitted.

Pins made, brass washers domed, didn't end up using the under washers, and ready for assembly.

The unveiling of the two day gentleman's set of Wade & Butcher's, in black n white ebony. (Box in the works next)

Phew...!! Glad that's finally done, its the longest I've spent on any razors, but well worth the results.

"OFF TO THE ROCKS"!!! 🙌

Originally Posted by MikeB52

For the first test, yes. I have a 3/8x16 tpi blade I will use for the real deal. The increased blade width will help for a straighter cut, and the increased number of teeth, a smoother cut. The stock blade cut a very thin wedge as I leveled off the bottom so I am optimistic I can cut pretty thin slices from the onset to minimize sanding losses later. Warping as the oil slowly releases from the ivory is a concern, but once it's all pinned up I don't think it really can warp much. Not sure though. Tusk is new material for me.

While I've yet to use it I too ordered a 3/8 blade (the largest this machine will accept). I believe like you the idea is that the larger (deeper) blade will have less reflection and thus result in a straighter smoother cut.

The outfit that I buy my Inlace Acrylic from custom cuts them on a Very Large Bandsaw using a 1" blade. So typically the blanks are very straight and fairly smooth.

Je is selling bandsaw parts and I realize these saws are a little larger than yours, however how he tunes and uses the saws is pretty quick, simple and effective

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU

Originally Posted by outback

Wedges fitted.

Phew...!! Glad that's finally done, its the longest I've spent on any razors, but well worth the results.

"OFF TO THE ROCKS"!!! 🙌

Wow - now those are some sweet, sweet looking W&B's, superb job...they look outstanding!

Originally Posted by MW76

Thanks Euclid. Ill see what i can do with an axe!

This afternoon I took a razor and touched it up on the 12k, then did about 300 passes with water on the arkie as pictured above.. 50 passes on a strop, and shaved with it.

Definitely a smoother shave then just the 12k edge but i think it could be refined much further. Im gonna try mineral oil next. Water was just not right for this stone.

Ill keep working on the burnish on the top side of the stone. I dressed the other side but am leaving as is so i can use it with a few knives now and again.

Definitely a cool little stone to play around with. I've wanted one for ever and finally said what the heck.

Hey Matt...!!!
Try some glycerin [emoji6]

Great job on the wood scaled W&B's Outback!