Turning and finishing pink ivory

[Eddie123]

Hello people.

I am in the process of turning some pens for a colleague in pink ivory, and it is a wood pretty easy to turn.

But, when I sand it, i see little bits of the wood beeing thorn away, leavin glittle dents in the wood. It has happened on 3 blanks now.

Anyone had similar experience, and can shed some light on the problem ?

Thank you

Vegard

 

[thewishman]

What grit of sandpaper are you using. It may be too coarse.

 

[tim self]

Agreed to aggressive on the sandpaper. My experience is splintering while turning but rarely use anything below 320 to start sanding. Remember, this isn't a race, just take time to get it round. Another thing to do is stabilize with thin CA before sanding.

 

[Eddie123]

Hi

Thanks for answers.

I usually start with 240 grit, and then work up with 600, 1200 and MM.

Maybe start with 600.

 

[KenV]

You may have "contaminated" with larger grit the sandpaper you are using.

You may be putting pressure on the sandpaper, This can happen at the edge of cheap paper from the lack of control in the mfg process also -- Have to let the abrasive do the work.

Try some stiff backing on the sandpaper (tongue depressor, small piece of wood) with some spray ahesive and lightly use it.