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How to Cut Piano Key Ivory

Piano key ivory is often cut for use in inlay work. Fine jeweler's handsaws and electric band saws are both used to cut the fragile ivory. Sharp blades are essential to cut without scorching or cracking the bone. They also keep your cutting lines from wavering off the intended design. To cut piano ivory precisely, you need good lighting, a jeweler's coping saw and a jeweler's jig with a small hole. Cutting ivory is similar to sawing other inlay materials. Use a steady hand with a light-pushing pressure to cut this ivory.

Things You'll Need

Jeweler's jig
C-clamp
Coping saw
Fine jeweler's blades
High-speed electric drill

Instructions

- 1
  Draw pencil lines to indicate your intended contours.
- 2
  Examine your pattern before you begin to cut. Decide on a plan for cutting that involves the best sequence of cuts. Remove the largest outer sections first and proceed to tighter areas.
- 3
  Attach a jeweler's jig to a table edge with a C-clamp. Position the hole over the edge so that the pencil line to cut is positioned over the opening.
- 4
  Hold the saw vertically in your right hand and support the majority of the ivory on the flat surface of the jig, with your left hand.
- 5
  Use a fine jeweler's coping saw to follow along the outside edge of the pencil lines. Make sure the saw teeth cut on the downward strokes.
- 6
  Advance the ivory over the jig hole with the left hand, while the right hand saws. Steady the the ivory with downward pressure of your left hand, while you cut with steady downward strokes.
- 7
  Cut straight lines in one continuous motion without stopping. Use the whole blade for each smooth stroke.
- 8
  Drill a small hole with a high speed drill to cut interior areas of your design. Thread the coping saw blade through the hole and fasten it to the saw handle.
- 9
  Put ivory in mineral oil for two days if humidity is low or in dry climates. This keeps ivory from cracking and shrinking by absorbing some of the oil. Wipe the oil off and place in a plastic bag for storage.
- 10
  Use white glue to seal the pores on cut surfaces and prevent cracking.

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