antler finish question

[massman]

I have a nice clean piece of Antler cut on the lathe. When I sand all is well but I start to pick up greyish specs. I think its the MM. Any suggestions??

Thanks
Bernie

www.writingwood.com

 

[mrplace]

Your MM is possibly brushing your bushings and drawing the fine metal dust on your work.

If you have no marrow showing, wet sanding and then a wax is a great finish![]

 

[gerryr]

I put 2 coats of thin CA on all the antler I turn.

 

[Skye]

I agree with the bushing problem. Try wiping it with some DNA.

One thing about CA, dont get it on the bark. Sometimes it turns white. I was wondering about treating it with DNA first, dunno...

 

[TellicoTurning]

Bernie,
I do a lot of horn pens.. if you sand through 12000 or so ... any very fine grit .. I sometimes use a plastic backed extra fine grit from Michael's...
you don't actually have to finish.. but if you want, I use either Hut's regular pen wax or a good acryllic polish.
As Skye said you can wipe down with DNA or just plain water.. it's probably a fine metal dust from the bushing.

 

[Skye]

Just be careful with using water. It'll cause the CA to turn grey if you leave any moisture in the antler when you apply the CA finish (if you use CA as a finish).