Axis Antler Question

[wdcav1952]

I can't remember how I finished the last axis antler pen I made. Is a finish needed, or just buff and shine?

TIA,

 

[rtjw]

Depending on how good of antler it is. I have had some axis that doesnt need a finish. But there is some that you will have to use a finish. i use CA with mine.

 

[tnilmerl]

Depending on the density, you can buff ti a high shine. However, the material can more readily absorb oils and other contaminants. I ALWAYS seal antler, usually with CA but occasionally with a friction polish.

 

[wdcav1952]

Thanks, Johnny and Travis. This one finished to such a high shine and no porosities that I wasn't sure whether or not to seal it.

 

[alamocdc]

Cav, I do like Johnny does. I've had some that needed nothing but buffing (I still add a coat of TSW or Ren Wax though), and I've had some that I needed to use CA on. You should be able to tell when you let the light hit all the surfaces. If there are any spots that appear a bit more dull than the rest, I'll use a CA finish.

 

[wdcav1952]

Billy,

Thanks for chiming in. I did a seal coat with thin CA, back through all the micro mesh grits, then decided to buff with carnuba wax. I think it turned out well, just hope the guy I made it for thinks the same. I'll try to get a pix tomorrow, I have a bad case of the yawns right now. It's hell, getting old. [8D]

 

[Rifleman1776]

Originally posted by wdcav1952
<br />Thanks, Johnny and Travis. This one finished to such a high shine and no porosities that I wasn't sure whether or not to seal it.

I once asked Tom (ole Griz) what his method was because he does a consistently oustanding job with antler. He always seals with CA.
My personal Baron is CA sealed antler. The porous marrow bit still wore off and now has a textured feel. Many would not like this but I don't mind.

 

[wdcav1952]

Frank,

With white tail or mule deer, I definitely agree. Axis antler is very different with almost no marrow space.

No pictures of the pen. When I decided to use carnuba wax, I had to apply some friction pressure to smooth the wax in the cold weather. It looked awesome when assembled, but cracked before the day was over! #%$&!!!! I think my bar of carnuba is going to take a trip to the landfill!

 

[Rifleman1776]

Originally posted by wdcav1952
<br />Frank,

With white tail or mule deer, I definitely agree. Axis antler is very different with almost no marrow space.

No pictures of the pen. When I decided to use carnuba wax, I had to apply some friction pressure to smooth the wax in the cold weather. It looked awesome when assembled, but cracked before the day was over! #%$&!!!! I think my bar of carnuba is going to take a trip to the landfill!

I have some axis from Johnny that I haven't used yet. I know about the narrow marrow bit. Cracked? Interesting. Can you fill with a color contrasting material? In addition to toothpicks being and indispensible part of my shop, so is a hair dryer. Heat softens lotsa stuff. Throw that caranuba bar this way. []

 

[alamocdc]

Cav, don't throw it out. Melt it down w/some bees wax and coconut oil and use it to seal the ends of green blanks.[]

 

[TellicoTurning]

Cav,
You may have had some other pressure that caused the crack.. I've never had any trouble with any of my antler cracking from friction... it has cracked when I pressed the parts together if I didn't have the tube exactly square to the press.. got in too big of a hurry.. I use a little Ca on the marrow part, but on the solid horn, usually just sand to high grit and leave natural.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I agree, antler cracking is a puzzlement to me. It is tough stuff. Used for knife handles, pistol grips, many other tools. It's even used to chip flint. Methinks other gremlins are at work here.