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Bone blanks
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=24514		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  MRS [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 12:53 am ]
Post subject:  Bone blanks
Anyone know a source of large bone blanks. I'm looking for something about 5" long 3/8" thick by 1" tall. I'm experimenting on different bridge materials for one piece bridges for F and A style mandolins...Mike
Author:  TonyKarol [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Nope .. and even thinking back to when I made my own, the large chunks of leg bone used would'nt yield a piece that big without at least a curvature on the inside face, and maybe some rounding on the top/bottom.

You may have to ca some together ....
Author:  Bailey [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
I might give up my left Femur...for the right price...???

Actually, I would also like to see some sources for larger pieces.

Kent Bailey
Author:  mateo4x4 [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Look for bones at pet stores. They usually have some good, bleached and clean ones of pretty good size. Butcher shops might also have good cattle leg bones, but you'll have to clean them your self.

-Matthew
Author:  Frei [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Old ivory items on ebay? Watch for fake ivory though. I almost had an ivory mirror no one bid on, for 1.99, they said it was 'heavy' but it could have been fake bakelite over lead, you have to research the items. I thought ivory would be a nice historical touch for Baroque style guitars. (I also bought a Japanes masterpiece that was sold AS Ivory, and got it for $120.00, but it was a copy. I estimated the value at $1800.00, but it still went for only $120, as advertised as authentic. I would have kept it for $35, it was a Japanese copy but it was cast from a Master carving, it was amazing! Also, almost had a probable 17th century Ivory 'angel' from a German guy who cleaned out his attic, had a bunch of Hitler stuff also, just cleaning out the attic, but I bid too low, when ebay was new.) Value at least $3-4000 unless it could be attributed to a master, then $12,000-30,000.) I just found a copy of it, makes me sick.
Author:  Ed Haney [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 5:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Do you use a band saw to cut the raw bone? What are the steps and tools used to best cut pet shop bones??

Ed
Author:  mateo4x4 [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Ed Haney wrote:
Do you use a band saw to cut the raw bone? What are the steps and tools used to best cut pet shop bones??

Ed


Yep, a bandsaw works just fine. You can use a spindle sander/sanding drum for fine shaping. Watch your fingers while you do it!!! (memories of a thread about using bondo to hold a small piece for shaping?) I don't think you want to use a brand new and/or expensive blade for cutting bone...it'll dull it pretty quick. I typically wait until the blade is 'getting dull' (not yet too dull) and kill it off the rest of the way with some bone cutting, or other less gentle stuff.
I am sure there are better ways...and hope others will speak up! :-)

The nuts from my first few attempts were from a bone the dog had given up on and left in the yard. Sounded great, shaped easily but it got a bit stinky if it burns! Kind of like burnt fingernails. laughing6-hehe

-Matthew
Author:  martinedwards [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
butchers use bandsaws all the time.

GOOD butchers clean the guk out of the guards and DON'T put it into the sausage mix....... wow7-eyes
Author:  Chris Oliver [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Try David Warther... I think at ivorysellers.com or something similar. He carves using preban ivory and has chunks large enough to sell bridges blanks...
Author:  Laurent Brondel [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Another vote for David Warther at http://www.ivorybuyer.com/sales/.
He's a very pleasant and knowledgeable fellow, and will find what you need. He has extremely nice Mammoth ivory for reasonable prices as well, all is kosher and comes with paperwork.
Author:  Lillian F-W [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
You can also check with knife making supply houses.
Author:  John Lewis [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Google "giraffe leg bones" and try ebay too.
Author:  MRS [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Thanks everyone. I'm gonna check out ivoryseller.com
Author:  Jon L. Nixon [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
Quote:
Old ivory items on ebay? Watch for fake ivory though


Ebay supposedly banned the sale of ivory this year although I don't know how carefully they police it

Allparts has bone blanks 1/4"x 1/2"x 4"
Author:  gchir [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
i asked my butcher to save some bone last time we brought the steers in.
i found that the bone was way too fiberous, mabey it would be diferent if i tried a different species.
Author:  mateo4x4 [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Bone blanks
gchir wrote:
i asked my butcher to save some bone last time we brought the steers in.
i found that the bone was way too fiberous, mabey it would be diferent if i tried a different species.


I've heard that cattle bones are good, but to be sure you go for the leg bones. I guess they might be denser? I would think that is also what makes horn so good...has to be a strong dense bone to handle the abuse it is supposed to get (in the wild, anyway)

Corrections and thoughts are welcomed. beehive laughing6-hehe

-Matthew
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