Cutting Mammoth Ivory

Please note that this article exclusively relates to the process of cutting mammoth ivory, as opposed to stabilised mammoth molar. Stabilised mammoth molar necessitates different tools and methodologies.

Thorough Inspection

Before you begin cutting, take your time to carefully examine the particular piece‘s grain and structure. If there are any cracks or fissures, note where they are located and which direction they go. Further, pay attention to any curves that might be present.

While mammoth ivory commands respect, do not be afraid to work with this material. Keep in mind that our mammoth ivory is extremely stable and solid, resembling more of a soft metal than wood. Proper inspection of the particular piece to be cut helps in preventing any unexpected mistakes.

Choosing the right saw

A crucial point to note: Do not use water or cooling liquids during the cutting process. Mammoth ivory is a natural material. The heat generated from friction during cutting causes the pores of mammoth ivory to open slightly. If you add water / cooling solvent, a tiny portion of the liquid will be absorbed and stain the material.

Listing all of the available saws goes beyond the scope of this article. Following are the commonly employed types to consider:

1. Hand saws

You can generally use any hand saw which is suitable for fine woodworking, jewellery making or bespoke metalworking. Hand saws with fine teeth are important for artisanal precision, facilitating control during intricate, small-scale cuts and work that demands a tactile connection with the material.

2. Band Saws

These are generally the go-to for mammoth ivory cutting, especially when handling larger pieces. They allow for clean, straight cuts, and their steady nature means less risk of chipping or breaking.
Use marking tools to draw the desired cut lines on the ivory. Ensure your lines are clear and precise, as they will guide your cutting.

When using power saws, maintain a steady feed rate. Pushing the ivory too fast can lead to chipping or breaking, while too slow can burn or discolour the ivory.

A lot will depend on the choice of your saw blade (read below).

3. Scroll Saws

For more intricate patterns or when precision is paramount, a fine-toothed scroll saw is your best bet. It enables the craftsman to achieve detailed shapes and curves.

Once the ivory is cut to the desired shape, the edges might need refinement. Fine-grit sandpaper or specialised ivory files can be used to smooth any rough edges, ensuring a clean finish.

Choosing the right saw blade

While the type of saw plays a significant role in mammoth ivory cutting, the selection of the correct saw blade is equally, if not more, vital. When it comes to blades, the number of teeth per inch (TPI) determines how smoothly or aggressively a cut is made.

1. Low TPI (2-6): Saw blades with a low TPI are too aggressive for cutting mammoth ivory. Using such rough saw blades can lead to chipping, cracking or even breakage. Avoid saw blades with a low TPI.

2. Medium TPI (10-20): Saw blades with a medium TPI strike a good balance. For most common cutting tasks, a medium TPI blade provides a good blend of efficiency and smooth finish.

3. High TPI (20+): High TPI saws are ideal for intricate, detailed work. They cut slower but leave a very smooth finish. When precision is the main concern, or when working with delicate sections of the ivory, high TPI saws are a favourable choice.

Please only use quality saws and saw blades to ensure a successful cutting process – avoid purchasing cheaply manufactured, low-quality tools.

For any further questions, please email us: info@arcticantiques.com