Deer Antler Help

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dweir

Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2008
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81
Location
Deltona, FL, USA.
Little Gloat -- a friend gave me some shed deer antler from one of his trips to PA. I am in need of some turning and finishing tips. I have cut the antler down to workable blank size and it is in good shape. I have heard that the blanks need to be soaked in water for about a day, before working and turning it. Is this a good idea? Also, what would make a good finish for it? I have some sierra BlkTi kits just waiting...

Thanks in advance,
Dave
 
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Thanks for the info. I think I will just drill and turn. I will probably try the natural finish (sand to 12000mm) and polish with WD. I will post pics of my results soon..

Thanks again,
Dave
 
I have turned quite alot of antler and I find it easier to turn the pieces on the lathe between centers to make a "dowel" of sorts and then to drill and mount tubes, the little curve to the antlers is a bear to drill without blowing out the side or bottom and I never loose a blank when drilling when I do this first. good luck Howard
 
Originally posted by Stevej72

Dave, I have never heard of soakng deer antler. All I do is drill it and glue in the tube, then turn it. I use CA as a finish.
Click to expand...

There have been times I soaked very old antler for a week or two before turning. It takes away some of the brittleness. But, that said, is not really necessary. The rule is sharp tools, light touch.
 
I have turned and left natural as well as finished with CA. soaking and finishing with CA is possibly better if you have porous marrow sections. Here is a gold ti & black ti Sierra with deer antler, some marrow & CA finish MM'd to 12000.

20083122131_AP00030A.jpg
 
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