How Do I Make Shells Into Inlays?

[Cam]

So I have massive amounts of nice shells. but my question it, how do I flatten the curved and rough shell so that i can cut an inlay out of it?

[ToddW]

Check out Andy DePaul's site.:

http://www.luthiersupply.com/tipsfaqspage.html

I'm sure there's more info online too.

[Woodenspoke]

Check out Andy DePaul's site.:

http://www.luthiersupply.com/tipsfaqspage.html

I'm sure there's more info online too.

At that part of the process outdoor equipment should be considered and a respirator. Thats why it is cut in third world countries where their is little in the way of health codes. This stuff in large quantity's is dangerous to breath in.

You many want to consider having it done overseas. Probably cheaper than tooling up for it.

[cSuttle]

To be honest, not worth the trouble. Let someone else do that nasty parts and you do the fun parts.