I know this is probably a touchy subject but I was wanting to turn some split grips from legally purchased ivory or an alternative ivory. I've looked at a couple of pool cue building sites but they seem to have only small pieces. I need some that are aleast 5" long and 1.125 to 1.25 inches in diameter. Anybody know of a source and any tips on turning ivory?

Thanks,
Steve

If you can't get ivory, try American Holly. This wood is very white and easy to turn. Don't use Birchwood-Casey or ureathene to finish.. They are too yellow. The best thing I have found so far is permagloss. There may be other very clear finishes out there but I am not aware of them. If you find a legal source of ivory I would like to know. American holly is not quite as nice as ivory but it is as close as anything I know of that you can get legally.

Ed Smith

You may tryu to contact U.S. Customs and/ or U.S. Fish and Wildlife to see what they do with confiscated ivory. They may "legitimize" it and @#$%& it(?) Just an idea . . . and most of my ideas get me into trouble!

Good Luck!

JC

Steve

You might check out Boone Trading [www.boonetrading.com] I used to do scrimshaw belt buckles and bolo ties and got some fossil ivory from them. A walrus oosik might make a nice grip. I don't know how any of it would turn on a lathe but you might give them a call and ask.

Bob

I haven't had much luck trying to use Holly. Everything seems to discolor it including the sand paper.

Craft Supplies USA has alterative ivory in 1 1/2" x 6"

Don't know what it looks or works like since I haven't use it.

[www.woodturnerscatalog.com]

Tony

Warthog tusk, walrus tusk, hippo tusk are all ivory of sorts. You just may not be able to get a complete handle out of one.

You might try Texas Knife Supply on the internet.

The alternative ivory from Craft Supplies USA is good stuff. You can get a 20% discount ordering online until November 21 if you use the following code during checkout, 05FAYAH1. I do a lot of business with them and they're great people. You might also want to check out the Tagua nuts, also called vegetable ivory, which is also very easy to work.