Turtle Shell Bowl

[Coots]

Hello The Camp:
Have couple of 10-12 inch snapping turtle shells and was just wondering if any one has ever made a bowl from one.. I would like to use one as a bowl to eat from. How did you do it and what did you use to seal it and how did you clean it after use? Would you do it again????
BobS aka Ole Coots :hmm: :idunno:

 

[mazo kid]

While I have seen some bowls/plates made as you describe, I don't have any first-hand info. I would say that you would remove the "bone" structure by sawing/grinding and sanding smooth. As far as sealing, I don't know how porous the shell is. Maybe a coating of cooking oil? I've got 3 shells myself, so will be watching this for more ideas.

 

[Coots]

Thanks for your input. I had thought about sealing inside with a diluted epoxy. I know that is not PC and just not sure about the oil treatment either. I have already cleaned and sanded the inside but just not sure where to go from there. Thanks again for your post.
BobS aka Ole Coots

 

[Lonegun1894]

I wonder if brewer's pitch like has been mentioned for cups would work, but also not having done this, I can't speak from experience. I would imagine beeswax would be fine if you weren't planning on eating from it, but I don't think I'd use it cause the first time you decided to have a hot meal it would start melting on you.

 

[Birdman]

Bob I'm not real sure I would want to use a shell for hot food, a turtle shell is actually made up of several sections held together by both inside n outside membranes. As they age they eventually fall apart at the seams, at least in nature anyway. I've heard of guys useing a food grade poly to coat it inside but don't know of anyone personally. I have seen several used as wash basins though. Among other things. --just some thoughts YMHS Birdman

 

[smo]

Mr.Ole Coots,
I hope those aren't sea turtle shells :nono: If they are they will be wanting to drag you South down the Island and tar and feather you at the front gate of the St.Lucie Power Plant.... :rotf:

 

[Many Klatch]

An oldtimer at Friendship used a set of snapping turtle plates for years. He was a painter and he coated the inside of the shell with white epoxy paint. They stood up to his use quite well.

Many Klatch

 

[Giovanniluci Arroyo]

i need to know how on earth to make a turtle shell bowl out of turtle shells bc i need it for a survival project in college. My name is Pilgrim

 

[appalichian hunter]

Scrub it out good and use it. Why coat it with anything, when the turtle was wearing it, he didn't leak out did he. I got one I use for a water dipper, put a deer horn handle on it and it has worked fine for years.

 

[necchi]

i need it for a survival project,,,,,,,

Then you need to understand the bacteria and fungus in life,, how they affect humans and the common practices to eliminate them.
A "bowl shape" item can be used for many things beside holding food for immediate consumption.