Thread: first go at bone lace bobbin

time will colour it now you need its mate lace bobbins usually in pairs

This has given me ideas !!!!

ta ... Greg

Originally Posted by Mutawintji

This has given me ideas !!!!

ta ... Greg

As long as its not skinning your misses for the long straight bones we're happy.

Any finish needed ? I've looked for information on bone turning but found little.

Not all those American Bison bones went to fertilizer, lots of bone handles around

and lace bobbins of course. Another " lost art?"

[QUOTE=pommyphil;1641528]Any finish needed ? I've looked for information on bone turning but found little.

the guy on Norfolk island was very helpful, he said just fine sanding was all he did with his carved pendants, but getting the marrow out is imperative as it causes yellowing, and to wash in warm water and napisan to soak off any meat etc on the bone!
I got the butcher to split the bone long ways and let the dog help clean it up! then just bandsawed the blanks up

Hi Chuck 1,
I make a few Bobbins, now & then.
Never had a go at Bone though.
So, do they have to be " Green " or can you Turn Dry ones.
I have some Buffalo Horn, & plan to have a go with that, if I ever get time to myself.

I think the One You Made was very Good.

I have used beef bone for few things, including lace bobbins.
Cut the bone in half and let ants get rid of the meat. Soak the bone in 50/50 detergent and water overnight, in hot water to get rid of the fat. Do not boil them, that makes the bone quite hard (damhik). Keep the bone moist, it turns better. Soak the finished piece in strong tea or coffee to get an "aged" look. Sand to about 400# wet and dry and burnish with another piece of bone. No other finish is necessary. If you want a nice clean white finish, soak in any commercial bleach, like "snow white", then wash in clean water and dry.
Hope this is of some help.
Jim

Originally Posted by powderpost

I have used beef bone for few things, including lace bobbins.
Cut the bone in half and let ants get rid of the meat. Soak the bone in 50/50 detergent and water overnight, in hot water to get rid of the fat. Do not boil them, that makes the bone quite hard (damhik). Keep the bone moist, it turns better. Soak the finished piece in strong tea or coffee to get an "aged" look. Sand to about 400# wet and dry and burnish with another piece of bone. No other finish is necessary. If you want a nice clean white finish, soak in any commercial bleach, like "snow white", then wash in clean water and dry.
Hope this is of some help.
Jim

Great information, and all in one place..

Thanks

Originally Posted by chuck1

Need to find bigger shin bones due to the arc in them!

I've been looking into bones after turning my first a week ago (see earlier post). One thing I seem to have come across is that these days, animals are slaughtered very young. Older animals don't come onto the 'for human consumption' market and therefore getting the bigger, stronger bones is difficult.I am taking about the UK here, no idea if it's any easier in Aus.

Hi Chuck1

Last year at Turnfest, Bonnie Klein talked about turning "Bovine Ivory" - aka cow bones, but it sounds so much nicer. You may find some info by looking up Bonnie on the net. Turning bone (and antler) is a big thing in the US, so you may find lots of info there. Another option is Kip Christensen.

Cheers,
Paul

P.S. A good mask is essential as bone dust is not the best for the lungs.

P.P.S. On of the members of the Woodturners of the Hunter (WOTH) specialises in making lace bobbins. I can ask him about how to finish bone if you wish.

I just love this forum Thanks everyone. Phil

I give them a couple of coats of CA superglue as it makes them just that bit stronger.
Kryn

I cook/boil and bleach my bones, as recommended by Bonnie Klein, it ensures all the nasties are killed and the bone remains then more stable. Yes it makes them harder and hard on the chisels.