Drilling and turning petrified wood

[TNC]

Greetings everyone! I have a unique project and could really use some expert advice. First, I'm a woodworker who really enjoys making pens. How that connects to this forum is that I'm researching ways to use petrified wood as the material for a pen. So far I'm golden on how to cut the stock pieces, but where I'm still lacking in certainty is drilling and turning.

What I've found is that a diamond coated sintered core bit is the best way to go for drilling, with good water flow for cooling and evacuation. Does anyone have any other ideas/recommendations for that?

Secondly, for the actual turning process. I know a steel chisel is almost guaranteed not going to cut it (sorry, bad pun). I have carbide tipped chisels, but again I'm uncertain if that would destroy the cutting edge or possibly shatter the stone. Would it be best to use diamond grit files and simply shave down the stock piece, "wet sand" as it were?

Any and all advice is both welcome and appreciated. Thanks for reading!

 

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[TNC]

Just make sure to post us a pic when the time comes.

I will, and thanks to everyone here for the advice and ideas. Its been a big help in working out the processes.

 

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[kcm]

You're very welcome. But ya see, there's a bit of a catch. Our help and info ain't free, ya know! No, sirree! You gotta pay!!

You have to be "active" on the forum every single week for the next 5 years!

 

[TNC]

You're very welcome. But ya see, there's a bit of a catch. Our help and info ain't free, ya know! No, sirree! You gotta pay!!

You have to be "active" on the forum every single week for the next 5 years!

View attachment 1325993

Ya know, I think making these pens will be easier....

 

[kcm]

In light of that, we accept cash (only American), bank check, Am Ex, Visa, and some traveler's checks.

Hope everything works out great!!

 

[Eu_citzen]

You can get diamond grinding wheels quite cheap. The whole set I talked about might be about 200$ if you get Chinese stuff. Search "Diamond Grinding wheel".
Even flatlaps can be used for the actual grinding. I'd then mount/glue the to-be pen on a metal stick and put it in a (hand held) drill, which would help getting it perfectly round.
A vertical flatlap could be built cheaply and rather easy.

What ever product you get; make sure it can run with water.
Not all diamond products are made the same. (especially if run on a machine)