Deer Antler

[smitty]

I need some advice on turning deer antler.

A friend of mine works in a butcher shop and just gave me some deer antlers that were just cut off the deer before processing. How long do I have to let the antlers dry before I can use them to make a pen?

Thanks
Smitty

 

[England14]

I can't answer your question, but I did make one several years ago that I carry all the time. After a couple years it had shrinked to the point that I took it apart to re-square the ends. The transmission was so worn that it feel apart. Those antlers had been harvested several years before I made the or so I was told.

 

[Rifleman1776]

About two months should do it.

 

[Rmartin]

I would suggest you move your lathe outside. The stuff stinks!

 

[bitshird]

Smitty, let them sit a few months, also you can microwave them and check the weight, only zap them for 1- 1/2 min. each time, when they no longer loose weight, they should be ready to turn.
Ken Ferrell