antler

[Animyzo]

I have a guy who is going to hook me up with a bunch of sheds he finds while prepping for hunting season. Any tips on cutting and drilling blanks? Any tips or suggestions for pen kits to use with it> (i currently only have a few slimlines left.)

Thanks!

 

[jimm1]

Make sure you "age" the antlers. Don't use new or fresh antlers. I have boxes with dates on them leting me know they have aged. I usually let them sit for a year. Maybe a long time to wait, but that's me.
They look Todd on Bolt Action, Cigar, Wall Street and Southwest.

 

[Jim Burr]

It is a must to use a PAPR and have a way to provide total exhaust from the work area. Antler, bone, horn and the like will kill you with minor to moderate exposure.
Sierra styles work well, Cigars and bullets, twist and bolt action are kinda cool too. Not sure a slim would be the best bet, but can't hurt to try!

 

[Edward Cypher]

There is a great video on youtube of drilling antler. Can't find it right now but I will try later. It involves drilling on the lathe and holding the blank with a channel lock or similar wrench so you can drill items that are not straight.

 

[southernclay]

There is a great video on youtube of drilling antler. Can't find it right now but I will try later. It involves drilling on the lathe and holding the blank with a channel lock or similar wrench so you can drill items that are not straight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAEEaF8z2jM

This the one? It's the best that I've seen and makes drilling antler much easier.

 

[paintspill]

i recently started turning them round first between centers then drilling them on the lathe in a chuck. made life so much easier.

 

[Animyzo]

I dont plan on using slims. I want to try a new kit type, but Im not sure which direction to go... I have the sierra, and it was ok...

 

[terry q]

Turn them outside with the wind at your back because they stink.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Turn them outside with the wind at your back because they stink.

If you are smelling them you're in trouble. Get that respirator on! Turned 4 today and didn't smell a thing.

 

[Rodnall]

Try to get pieces as close to the size you want. If you turn too much, you go through the enamel and It's a lot more work to fill the pores. As previously mentioned, the bullet and bolt action kits are great. Also, craft supplies has a key chain knife the goes great with antler.

 

[terry q]

Turn them outside with the wind at your back because they stink.

If you are smelling them you're in trouble. Get that respirator on! Turned 4 today and didn't smell a thing.

Dan that's not an issue it's after when you remove the protective gear. The smell lingers and it makes me nauseous. I just can't turn antler. Wish I could, I like the look.

 

[Animyzo]

So I ordered some bullets and bolt actions. I got four 6+ point antlers and the promise of more when my friend goes out hunting.