Deer Antler?

[Wood Knot]

For those of you that have turned deer antler, how hard is it to turn using carbide turning tools?

Thanks!

 

[JohnU]

That's the easiest way to do it.

 

[bsshog40]

Turns easy. Just get ready for the smell. Lol

 

[Mortalis]

Wear a respirator! Seriously!

 

[Wood Knot]

Wear a respirator! Seriously

Turns easy. Just get ready for the smell. Lol

I agree with the smell, I've used a grinder on it before.

 

[mg_dreyer]

I cover deer antler turning in this video.

10 Minutes To Better Penmaking - Deer Antler

 

[Wood Knot]

I cover deer antler turning in this video.

10 Minutes To Better Penmaking - Deer Antler

Thanks, that's a great video.

 

[John Murray]

Here are some I did a few years ago.

 

[Mortalis]

I agree with the smell, I've used a grinder on it before.

Its not the smell I worry about!
Wearing a respirator when turning deer antler is mandatory because the dust created is harmful to the respiratory system and can cause serious lung infections or irreparable damage.

• Toxicity and Irritation: Antler dust consists of microscopic, jagged particles similar to bone dust that can clog lung air sacs and cause minute tissue scars that the body cannot repair.
• Pathogen Risk: The dust may contain bacteria, fungus, or microbes from the antler, particularly if the antler is not fresh, posing a risk of infection or allergic reactions.
• Inhalation Severity: Unlike wood dust, antler dust particles are difficult for the lungs' natural defense systems (mucus and cilia) to remove, and once inhaled, they are next to impossible to cough out.

 

[Woodchipper]

Mortalis, thanks for the information. I have a piece of antler but pondering how to cut it as it is curved. Maybe cut small pieces for segmenting?

 

[Wood Knot]

Here are some I did a few years ago.

Very nice looking pens.

 

[Gary Beasley]

Mortalis, thanks for the information. I have a piece of antler but pondering how to cut it as it is curved. Maybe cut small pieces for segmenting?

You can boil the antler to soften it and straighten it out. Hardens back up on cooling.

 

[Wood Knot]

You can boil the antler to soften it and straighten it out. Hardens back up on cooling.

How much can you straighten it? And how long do you boil it?

 

[Woodchipper]

Thanks, Gary. Waiting on the answer to Wood Knot's question.

 

[John Murray]

Very nice looking pens.

Thank you. Besides the recommendations given above, another "trick" I picked up has to do with the color of the antlers. Sometimes they can be very light and/or bleached out. If you want them darker or with more color, get some used coffee grounds ( I opened up a couple of Keurig k cups) and let them soak in water for a few hours. Then take a rag and some of the coffee water and rub into the antler until it darkens to your liking.