Whale bone needle

[Burner]

Hi all,

this is my first proper post on here.

Back last year i managed to get hold of a slither of whale bone so i decided to make a whale bone needle.

i split off a small splinter around 50mm log and 5mm square, i then sanded it down using some glass paper and them some fine emery cloth untill it was an acceptable (in my eyes) shape. i then took a 1mm twist drill and ran it between my fingers to produce the hole for the thread.

if i were to do another one i would drill the hole first and then shape the needle afterwards to ensure that the hole was in the center.

the needle is very strong for its size and i did try it out a few times before i gave it to someone as a gift.

unfortunatly i didnt take any pictures whilst i was making the needle but i did take a few finished pictures.... here they are

http://s1324.beta.photobucket.com/user/burner111/library/whale bone needle

Burner

 

[Robbi]

sounds good but can't get access to see the pictures, comes up private album

 

[Mesquite]

sounds good but can't get access to see the pictures, comes up private album

Same for me

 

[Burner]

settings changed!

 

[Mesquite]

settings changed!

Looks really good

 

[crosslandkelly]

Nice job!

 

[grey-array]

Nice Needle there, would love to give one of those a go sometime.
Time time where does it stay ^^
Yours sincerely Ruud

 

[British Red]

Very neat!

 

[John Fenna]

Nice work!
I have yet to try whalebone but have made a few from bone and antler - some like you with modern tools and a couple with flint tools - getting the eye right is the hardest part alright!

 

[copper_head]

I like it Burner, nice work.