matvoz
Member
Does it matter what kind of deer antler is used to make antler pens? Is there any difference between a whitetail, mule, or black tail antler in regards to the quality of pen?
thanks
Matt
thanks
Matt
antler pens
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Not sure what you mean by quality.
I have turned both white tail and mule deer.
There is a difference in coloring.
At one time I tried to get what they call"axis" antler(I think)
After turning and polishing the result mimics ivory.
I have since decided that each antler is unique when finished.
Even the larger pieces of mule deer with a lot of "pith" when stabilized make gorgeous pens.
One of the prettiest sets I have ever made was from a rack that was sun bleached and sat outside a taxidermists shop in the elements for 3 years.( he could not sell me any antlers but he could give me that one because it was found.
In my state, complete antlers cannot be sold.
When I cut it, bugs crawled out of it!
The more you work with it the more tricks you pick up.
I made a post yesterday on the finishing forum about a polishing compound I recently discoverd that will improve the final finish or cut down on finishing time depending on how you use it.
I have turned both white tail and mule deer.
There is a difference in coloring.
At one time I tried to get what they call"axis" antler(I think)
After turning and polishing the result mimics ivory.
I have since decided that each antler is unique when finished.
Even the larger pieces of mule deer with a lot of "pith" when stabilized make gorgeous pens.
One of the prettiest sets I have ever made was from a rack that was sun bleached and sat outside a taxidermists shop in the elements for 3 years.( he could not sell me any antlers but he could give me that one because it was found.
In my state, complete antlers cannot be sold.
When I cut it, bugs crawled out of it!
The more you work with it the more tricks you pick up.
I made a post yesterday on the finishing forum about a polishing compound I recently discoverd that will improve the final finish or cut down on finishing time depending on how you use it.
rtjw
Member
I havent noticed any difference in the quality. I have found that the fallow deer antlers I have been turning lately turn out a lot better than whitetail. I think there is more color to them.
Whitetail 3&1/4" long for"long wood" style slimline
Natural color
coach
Member
The only antler pen I turned was Axis that a fellow coach gave me. I have a pic in my photo album. I think it came out great. You are right, it is like ivory kind of.
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