Jerry, Jerry, Jerry:
Your observations are entirely opposite from what I experience. We(here at IAP) are one of the most sharing groups I know. New questions are usually answered...quickly and happily. Maybe your (preconceived)expectations of getting no help are coming true. Maybe you should ask again...in a somewhat different manner. Questions that have been asked 10 times over are answered just as enthusiastically. We have no secrets or special tricks. Check the library to see the articles and videos showing the special techniques that many of us have developed and shared. You will find enough material to keep you busy for two years or so...maybe more. And, my experience has been that woodturners are the most knowledge sharing of all woodworkers...I would even venture to say that woodturners are the cream of the wood working world.
Now, to answer your question. I assume by stag that you mean antler of some kind. You can drill and turn antler into pens using the same tools that you use for wood. If the antler sections are not straight you can mount them between centers and rough turn close to a cylinder which will make the section of antler easier to drill. Curved pieces can be drilled, but drilling out the side of the antler is often a possiblility. I've not miss-drilled an antler blank since I starred rough turning them into a cylinder first.
Boiling antler is another way to soften it enough to staighten it prior to drilling. I do not boil antler but searching on "boiling antler" will find some info. We have a great search feature here.
I turn most all of my pen (all materials) exclussively with a skew, but a sharp rough out gouge also works well with antler. I sand with sandpaper from 320 to 1000, then I sand with micromesh up to 12000. Buffing follows using white diamond. CA can be used as a finish but I've stopped using CA over antler. I don't really see a need since antler polishes to a brilliant shine...smooth as glass.
Some species of antler are porous inside from the bone marrow in the center. Antler is bone, not horn. Horn is an entirely different material. Anyway, if the antler has porous bone marrow inside and if you turn into it, then use CA to fill the voids with a mix of CA and antler sanding dust. Continue turning and refill the voids as needed.
Judicious drilling can often leave some of the outside bark visible on the finished pen. This effect is quite unique and makes for a nice effect.
Some think that antler stinks as it is being drilled, turned, and sanded. The smell is not so offensive to me. Do wear a mask when sanding so you don't breathe the sanding dust. This is a good practice no matter what the material is that you are turning.
Antler makes really nice pens. I do wish you good fortune with you turning and antler pen making.
I hope this gets you started and do ask your questions as you have them. But, ask them with expectations of getting answers. Welcome to the IAP penturning forum.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
I live in san antonio,tx and just started turning pens. I can't seen to find many people here to share their tricks. Not being ugly, just new and most turners I've met don't seem to have time for newcomers' questions. I have stag and would like to know what tools to use to drill and turn with. How do I finish the pen? I have a 3-wheel buffing system, will that work? I know I am asking alot, thanks for your time. Jerry in S.A. TEXAS
. If you are interested PM me and I will send my #.