AWGB Woodturning Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: The Bowler Hatted Turner on July 17, 2018, 09:14:57 AM

Title: Alternative Ivory
Post by: The Bowler Hatted Turner on July 17, 2018, 09:14:57 AM

I wish to buy some alternative Ivory but the prices of the suppliers I have looked at are ridiculous and I would rather not buy than spend that sort of money. Does anyone have a good, reasonably sensibly priced supplier please?

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: Les Symonds on July 17, 2018, 09:38:49 AM

What sort of sizes are you after, John? I used tegua nuts recently for restoring a carved wooden elephant and it as ideal for tusks and toenails, but not much use for anything larger.
Les

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: John Plater on July 17, 2018, 10:08:11 AM

Hello John
I have used tagua nut for small items too and also a cast resin product which I think that I bought from Ed Oliver.
ATB John

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: willstewart on July 17, 2018, 10:14:41 AM

I have also used tagua nuts quite successfully.  $62 for 15 50mm nuts including shipping (ebay, from US) - not sure if you regard this as expensive! 

The nuts are fine and turn well, but note that they have a hollow in the centre - so you can make a round object quite easily (I made a light cord pull perhaps 30mm or a bit more across) and no finish is needed - just polish with very fine grit (like a CA finish).  You can also slice and stack to get a longer straight section (for a pen for example) but this is a bit fiddly. There are typically cracks radiating from the central hole (it is a seed after all!) but these can be seen as patina!  Small pieces fine for inlay.

Good luck!

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: Lazurus on July 17, 2018, 12:17:02 PM

How about casting your own resin and coloring to suit the project in hand, I do a lot of resin work and is a simple reliable process if you get the correct resin. try easy composites for advice very helpful.

Stuart

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: Dave Atkinson on July 17, 2018, 01:13:41 PM

Hi John

Try looking at these suppliers:


http://www.gpsagencies.co.uk/where-to-buy/ (http://www.gpsagencies.co.uk/where-to-buy/)

GPS Agencies are a corporate member and on the Awgb Website thet offer a 10% discouint.

I have a bit if you don't need much send me an email and I'll see if I have enough to help out.

Cheers dave

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: The Bowler Hatted Turner on July 17, 2018, 10:47:40 PM

Thanks all for your help, I have Tagua nuts in stock but they are the wrong size for the project I have in mind. It is a shame GPS doesn't sell direct to the public. I will bite the bullet and buy the sizes I need (for the November competitions) Stuart I wouldn't mind casting some do you have  a website address?
Many thanks Dave for your kind offer.

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: Lazurus on July 18, 2018, 07:31:40 PM

Quote from: The Bowler Hatted Turner on July 17, 2018, 10:47:40 PM

Thanks all for your help, I have Tagua nuts in stock but they are the wrong size for the project I have in mind. It is a shame GPS doesn't sell direct to the public. I will bite the bullet and buy the sizes I need (for the November competitions) Stuart I wouldn't mind casting some do you have  a website address?
Many thanks Dave for your kind offer.

I can thoroughly recommend Easy Composites http://www.easycomposites.co.uk

I use their Water clear polyester resin but worth a call or email to see if they would recommend something different, very helpful people.

S.

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: Derek on July 18, 2018, 08:00:28 PM

Have a chat to some of the penturners HERE (http://www.penturners.co.uk/) someone may be able to help if no other leads pan out

Title: Re: Alternative Ivory
Post by: The Bowler Hatted Turner on July 18, 2018, 10:07:23 PM

Thanks all.