Antler Prep

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
K

kooster

Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2012
Messages
197
Is there any preparation necessary for antler prior to considering it for turning ?
I'm talking about finding antler in wooded areas.
Does it have to be dried, cleaned/disinfected, or anything similar to wood prep ?
I know it is available commercially but I'm talking about finding antler.
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
i dont do anything to mine i just turn it and the put a ca finsh on it or u can leave it natural. if it is found during the shedding season i would let it dry for a few months before turning it. just my 2cents
 
KnB Polymers said:
The most necessary preparation in my opinion is to wear a gas mask! It stinks to high heaven!:eek:
Click to expand...

I personally don't mind the smell but the dust can kill you. (per a buddy who works for MO Dept. of Conservation). After doing more research on it last night, I'm not sure if it's toxic or if it is like asbestos but I wear a full blown chemical mask when turning antler.
 
Antler does have a moisture content and will shrink when it dries. Make sure you give it at least a couple of months to dry before turning it. All of the major scoring agencies of which I am aware require a 60 day drying period prior to scoring trophy antlers.
 
StephenM said:
KnB Polymers said:
The most necessary preparation in my opinion is to wear a gas mask! It stinks to high heaven!:eek:
Click to expand...

I personally don't mind the smell but the dust can kill you. (per a buddy who works for MO Dept. of Conservation). After doing more research on it last night, I'm not sure if it's toxic or if it is like asbestos but I wear a full blown chemical mask when turning antler.
Click to expand...
As I understand it, the tiny bits of antler that you breathe in are basically tiny barbs that can destroy the alveoli, basically doing the same damage as a good case of emphysema.
 
mrcook4570 said:
Antler does have a moisture content and will shrink when it dries. Make sure you give it at least a couple of months to dry before turning it. All of the major scoring agencies of which I am aware require a 60 day drying period prior to scoring trophy antlers.
Click to expand...

Yes and DITTO!! Commemorative Bucks of Michigan has this on their web site
Antlers on deer and elk along with cleaned skulls of bear require a 60 day drying period before they can be officially measured. (A minimal amount of shrinkage takes place during this time)
Click to expand...
Now also understand that SHARP tools is a plus. along with wearing some kind of dust mask of course.
You are going for sheds so you may want to let them sit a wee bit longer.
 
Last edited:
Thanks again to all for your help & insight. Frankly, after reading your information, I'm not too sure I want to pursue any antler turning, especially as a NuB. Plenty of other options available. Do any acrylics or man made materials simulate antler or horn of sorts?
 
I would encourage you to give it a try. I'm a newbie. Turned an antler for my 5th (or so) pen. It was different, but fun. The outside was quite hard and uneven. The middle turned real easy. Had to be gentle and smooth near the end. I have another one ready to turn. My only real issue has been gluing in the tubes - I use medium CA - and it seems to stick much quicker on antler than wood.
 
kooster said:
Thanks again to all for your help & insight. Frankly, after reading your information, I'm not too sure I want to pursue any antler turning, especially as a NuB. Plenty of other options available. Do any acrylics or man made materials simulate antler or horn of sorts?
Click to expand...

I also would encourage you to try using antler. I don't think you want "fake" antler.
Get some slims and get busy. No matter if the first few are not the greatest, somebody will enjoy using the pieces that you are making to develop your skills.

Hint: Think segmenting.
If you can't find any in the woods, ask around, lots of antler laying around in someones garage. Check with your nearest place that processes wild game or domestic.

If you have any questions, pm me. I'll get you started.
 
Thanks again. Plenty of hunters & country folk available so perhaps I'll give it a shot.
I can always turn outdoors until it gets too cold. That should take care of the smell & dust at large!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom