Scrimshaw with a Laser?

[smokinghole]

I was thinking about making a pen today. I want to make the body from some of that really ancient bog oak and the cap from mammoth ivory. I was thinking about commissioning somebody to do a scrimshaw mammoth picture on the cap, but then I got to thinking that it would be a LOT faster and cheaper if it could be done with a laser. But then I got to wondering if the laser would be too hot and damage the ivory. That stuff is pretty high dollar.

I came her to ask if anybody has tried laser engraving ivory and how well it worked. Thanks guys.

 

[yaroslaw]

Yes, it will damage ivory. Don't heat it!!!

It can be though done on CNC mill, I think. Would cost more, but still less then hand-made scrimshaw

 

[Lathemaster]

Scrimshaw - Laser

I make a Pen - Limited Edition Called "Thare She Blows" and I use Alternative Ivory (resin) and it works great with the laser.

 

[Jim15]

Awesome work.

 

[Dan Hintz]

If you don't overpower it, ivory works just fine in the laser (though the smell isn't exactly pleasant). A shallow engrave and some color fill makes for a nice scrimshaw look.

 

[bobkeyes]

Lasering ivory is fine. I do at least a couple of pens a week with inscriptions and initials. Not a problem. It's not the heat that cracks ivory.

 

[JH Customs]

How does the laser do with alternative ivory?

 

[Dan Hintz]

How does the laser do with alternative ivory?

No problem... it's no different than any of the other resins under the laser.