Wolley mammoth molar

[Penpal]

I searched the world found a Siberian Wolley Mammoth Molar. Phoned around three countries ,bought one on recommendation from the USA. Delivered in three weeks. Wilma and I joined the Canberra Lapidary Club. This gives me use of Diamond Saws etc,no Stone Lathe. I bought the nearest Artu Drill 3/8. I cut the Molar with a small bandsaw ,clean as. Drilled the blank with the 3/8 Artu Bit then normal 27/64 metal drill. Normal preparation of the blank. Turned over three hours using a Carbide Square bit using the four sides, sharpened every hour on a Diamond File. Terribly slow process of turning, slow and sure. This pen kit is very fine at the tip and top, took it down as far as I dared.The blank had been stabilised and the light bands are pure silica,all very treacherous.

The conclusion for me was never use water with these teeth,this shared before I started cutting and turning. A business in town run by a Miner and Gem and Stone specialist has 6 staff in Thailand and Bali who only use wood lathes and normal tools. I can now relax and get some sleep.

Peter.

 

[Unique]

Absolutely wonderful.
Great match between this unique blank and the fittings - and of course the 'back story' totally completes it.

Tony

 

[Cumbrian Craig]

Yet another triumph Great looking pen, which is well deserved after all your effort.

Regards

Craig

 

[Phil Dart]

Wow, that's some devotion to your task. Excellent result. Do you have a photo of the uncut tooth?

 

[Les ELm]

Nicely done.

Les

 

[Penpal]

Wow, that's some devotion to your task. Excellent result. Do you have a photo of the uncut tooth?

No I am glad really to reach that 7/8 square by 5 inches long and cover in plastic would be for me a nightmare, it took me hours turning. It is very typical of these molars I viewed countless ones. The banding is pure silicon, harder than the black area and colour .They are sold by some dealers this way thank goodness,fully genuine.The kit I used said hand press the top cap on I had to press it on, because the tip and top do not allow much meat on the blank I retained as much on the blank that stuff is dynamite tough.Pressing the clip top was tight as as was the lower pressing.My first use of these kits, many more left to go.

Peter.

 

[flexi]

That is stunning and well worth the battle.....
Nice kit too.....looks familiar

 

[yorkshireman]

Your patience and skill is a lesson to us all Peter

 

[clement]

Absolutely stunning ! Congrats Peter

 

[AllenN]

Very impressive Peter. It is a beautiful result.

 

[johnny5]

Peter, that is a stunning looking pen
a mammoth effort

 

[sammy]

Your determination is a great attribute Peter, and the pen is a stunner.

 

[Paul hd]

Hi Peter,
Fantastic looking piece of work.

 

[Penpal]

Grateful for the kind comments Wilma suggested I keep the other half of the blank for quite a while before I turn it. I have contemplated making a small version of a rock lathe that would consist of a turning mandrel under a depth adjustable Diamond wheel. I dragged out a single wheel device for cutting Cabachons etc from my seventies journey into minerals and rocks. Heaven only knows how Wilma and I found time in the busiest few yrs while we had the Studio and the huge activity list we followed. I joined Masons visited various towns around Goulburn at the time every week, our full complement of children all six five of them teenagers,I asked Wilma how we ever achieved so much, she said youth .I enclose a pic of us at this time.The beard was temporary but great fun.

Peter.

 

[silver]

Certainly a lovely pen Peter..

Great perseverance on getting what you wanted as well.

 

[wm460]

Not what I thought it would look like, great pen Peter.

 

[Penpal]

My first query was the colour apparently the area it was found is Cobalt country my next one coming is toward the browns and gold .I am making a Fossil Stone lathe.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

My first query was the colour apparently the area it was found is Cobalt country my next one coming is toward the browns and gold .I am making a Fossil Stone lathe.

Peter.

Fossil stone lathe?
Never heard of one, tell me more.

Sent from my E6883 using Tapatalk

 

[Bucks]

Wow that’s a stunning pen Peter, sounds like quite a tast to get the end result, well done

 

[Penpal]

Fossil stone lathe?
Never heard of one, tell me more.

Sent from my E6883 using Tapatalk

My own idea taking steps now to fruition,another heath robinson device. I met a real long term mate again yesterday , a close friend who now works from his extensive property outside town, kitchens and stone, he has C and C gear to cut marble, he said mother nature has provided out of this world colours in stone. Going out to see him this week. The creative juices are flowing.

Peter.