Drilling old elk teeth

[nmkid]

A Native American friend of mine is working on a project for me and I would like for him to use a set of bull elk teeth I have had for years. My question is... Do the elk teeth get brittle with age?(30 years old). My friend isn't sure if it's ok to drill into the tooth's root due to the possibility of the teeth being too brittle. Thoughts?

 

[cmysix]

I have Buffalo teeth that have been drilled, give the worst one a try.

 

[jmm03]

maybe if you use a small diamond tipped burr it won't put too much pressure on the tooth like a drill will.

 

[KMart]

If you have a friendly dentist in the area, he most likely has the tools and skills to do it.

 

[Prairiedogger]

Just a random thought.... Soak it in water for a day if you think it's too dry and brittle.

 

[GotRDid]

Do you mean the Ivory Canines?

 

[CharlieNC]

Once cleaned, the ivories are hollow . I filled with clear epoxy with a silver eyelet protruding to make a necklace.

 

[GotRDid]

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[nmkid]

Do you mean the Ivory Canines?

yes

 

[muleystalker]

If I was going to try it I would use a small hand PIN DRILL, you roll between your fingers. Manicurist use them to drill through fingernails. I have used them for delicate stuff, I have even drilled through my fingernail to relieve pressure when I smashed my finger, dam what a difference that makes.LOL
If not that I would use an abrasive bit of sorts, go slow and keep it cool.

 

[jcm800]

I'd use a high speed Dremel / pin drill bit and water for lubricant. Basically the same thing a dentist uses.
As another poster stated it wouldn't hurt to soak in water first.