Antler Finish...CA???

[massman]

I have used a friction polish on all of my antler pens until this weekend. I did my first CA finish and liked the friction better. Any tips? I did the BLO/CA four coats with MM to start and finish. One thing I have learned is to never use 0000 steel wool on Antler. Any advice??

Thanks
Bernie

www.writingwood.com

 

[Monty]

I use CA minus the BLO on my antlers. Just a thin coat to seal it then MM.

 

[ctEaglesc]

I have found there is no "set" instructions to finish antler.The density and porosity changes between different pieces and in each piece itself.
In my early attempts to wet sand using BLO and MM aon a solid white piece of antler I got a gorgeous smooth finish.
When the pen warmed up it turned amber.I believe the BLO that had soaked into the material rose to the surface.When the pen cooled down it turned white again.I use thin, medium and thick CA to seal and finish my blanks along with the dust to fill the porous sections.
I Use MM all the way through the grit and buff with a plastic polishing compound.
The more antler you turn and work with the easier subsequent pieces are to do.
I was supposed to have a lifetime supply of axis antler and have a few pieces but nothing big enough to make a pen with.
Since that is more solid(ivory like) I imagine finishing that would be easier.

 

[Dario]

I am curious too.

This weekend I tried making my first axis antler pen. It did not turn as plain white as I hoped it to be. I sealed the pores with CA before final sanding but still got a few tiny dark dots.

One question...is antler supposed to be sticky when turned??? Everytime I try to wipe the dust off, I create a powdery/paste like mess. It is easy to clean, just wipe off but just curious if the antler is not fully cured yet.

 

[bonefish]

Dario:

Not usually, but it might be if it is fresh from the deer. The organization that keeps up with game records has a mandatory drying time, about three months or else about six months, I can't remember.

The soft core part, or marrow, can definately be sticky, and I don't know how long it would take to dry.

Bonefish.

 

[gerryr]

I use two coats, rarely three, of thin CA on all the antler pens I make, then MM through all grits and it gives a really nice finish. I've never used BLO when doing a CA finish on wood or antler.