Coconut shell carving

[daveholte1]

Any carvers have any experience in carving these shells? Look hard maybe need power? I am in American Samoa for a temp stay and have found a few carved shells around the island. Mainly they use the shells for drinking ava or kava for ceremonial events. Not bad at getting2 shells out of one cocount I big whack with my new machete knife and that is all it takes

[Ron T]

Hi Dave, you can use a jewelers coping saw or a Dremel with a cutting disc. I just cut an abalone shell using the Dremel and cutting disc.

[daveholte1]

I kind of thought power was the way to carve them I have no power here just my knives gouges but the shell may be too hard

[Ron T]

Dave, if you can find a coping saw to cut out the rough, you can use a file to shape it.

[Ron T]

Hi Dave,

Thank you for visiting my website. I'm glad you liked it and happy I was able to offer some suggestions.

Please post some pictures if you're able.

Check out some local craft stores and see if they can tell you about their local woods.

[Big John]

Don't know if this is anything like you had in mind, but I definately had to go the power route. (Looks better at night.)

[daveholte1]

Hey Big John
That is clever Yeah they are hard I am sure I will not be able to knife or gouge them
Where did you get the shells? I am collecting a bunch for my trip back to US in the spring
Dave

[Big John]

Dave,
That's your standard, garden variety, grocery store coconut. Trouble with them is that they are scored, to break open easily. (Horizontal line near the middle.) If you can get some natural ones they would be the best to work with.