[Steves Pens]

Hi All,
I just registered and would like to ask a question. I have a freind who is a carver. He carves bone, among other things, and is having trouble with keeping his dremil bits sharp. He tells me they don't seem to last long and would like to find a better type of bit or even a better tool for the task. I ask him if he uses carbide bits and he told me he does not.
Would carbide work better or perhaps a diff tool all together? Maybe a rotary tool of some sort.
By the way, he carves small intricate figures for necklaces and rings. He showed me one he carved from elk bone.
I would be thankful for any help you could give me.

Thanks, Steves Pens.

[Grimnir]

I've only ever used diamond bits when I've carved bone. I know there is something you can get which is supposed to clean up and renew the bits but I can't remember where I saw it.

One thing to be aware of is bone and antler are dangerous to carve, especially with power. The dust is similar in properties to asbestos. Make sure you use a good mask/respirator and have plenty of ventilation!

[chuckt]

Originally Posted by Grimnir

One thing to be aware of is bone and antler are dangerous to carve, especially with power. The dust is similar in properties to asbestos. Make sure you use a good mask/respirator and have plenty of ventilation!

I haven't tried any bone carving yet, but I'll have to keep THAT in mind. Thanks for the caution.

ChuckT

[Claude]

I'd recommend either fine carbide burrs or the diamond burrs. The carbide might be better for hogging out larger areas, as they are usually more aggressive cutters than the diamond ones. One place with a good selection of both is Wood Carvers Supply, Inc. I've bought from them - good quality and service.

Claude

[Mottles]

Hello and welcome
I haven't carved antler's, but have watched an instructor at Creede Rendezvous last year carve moose antler. He used a Foredom and as Claude suggested Diamond bit's. Home Page
He also had a electric dust collector and wore a rispirator. Even with all of that his class was outside.
Antler carving is beautiful, but please take safety precausions, you only get one set of lungs.
Here is a link to my dust collector that I use DC725 Portable Dust Collector at Penn State Industries
By the way, I have a Foredom and it's a wonderful unit. I use Typhoon carbide burrs, diamond, stone, and the Black Steel cutters.
Kathy

[susieq]

It is possible that your friend is bearing down too hard as he works, causing the bits to get hot and burn? Part of power carving is to learn to let the rpms do the work for you....... I don't know what kind of bits he is using but the diamonds and rubies will burn up too if abused. 30,000 rpms is pretty fast. An aggressive bit should work really well without bearing down to the point that the bit gets way too hot.

Antler, bone, wood, what ever you are power carving, please protect yourself. Wear a mask. Use a dust collector. No Excuses!!!

The dangers from inhaling that stuff cannot be overstated! I have a carving buddy who is fighting for his life right now because he inhaled dust from some tropical woods he used to work with. He can't carve anymore. He is really too weak to do anything but try to get air into his lungs.

[Keoma]

Hello-I would check the tools he is using. When I used to buy the little cute packaged dremel tools from over the counter...I was highly dissapointed. I ordered my BURRS from Grizzly Industrial. THEY ARE AWESOME! They are carbide and do not dull. I use them to carve antler and Shell...I cannot stress enough the importance of a mask! I have a really good respirator one.
Anyweay, regular metal bits are crap when it comes to bone and antler, try the carbide, and then a good set of Diamonf tipped ones, not the cheapies...there is a reason they are only $10 a set...they will not work long. They do work great for antler buttons and carvings on them. Good Luck!

[Steves Pens]

Thank you all so much for the responces. I am going to print this out and take it to him to read. If he has any questions, I will let you all know.
I think there are some good sugestions here to help him out.
Also, thanks for the concern as to the dust. I apritiate your thoughts for others safety.
Thanks again.

[mikeacg]

A couple of quick notes on this (a little late I know but I just joined the forum)...

I have a turbocarver with a misting system that I use when carving this kind of stuff. I use it on anything that can handle the moisture - bone, antler, ostrich eggs, etc. I also have an exhaust fan above the work area and wear a mask.

I get a buttload of bits from my friendly, local dentist so I never sharpen them. I use the bits until they are dull and throw them out. If you have a friend in the field (Dr. Sandy is a sweetheart!) or have a regular dentist, just ask. She runs them through the autoclave(?) so there is no problem with spreading any diseases...

Mike

[squbrigg]

I've carved bone and used both diamond and dental burrs. Carving bone you need some good RPM's, so a micro-motor or turbo carver works best. Dust is a concern, so protection is a must. A Dremel just wouldn't have the RPM you'll need and wouldn't give you the finish you'll want on the bone. Carbide burrs might be too rough, and I don't have much success with stone burrs, though some folks swear by them. Diamond and ruby burrs are what I'd suggest for the finish and dental burrs for shaping.

Bob