Drilling deer antler

[Woodchipper]

Have some that I need to use but how do I drill the antler as it's curved a bit? How to center it?

 

[mg_dreyer]

Here is a quick (who am I kidding "quick") video I did on the topic. Hope it helps.

10 Minutes To Better Penmaking - Deer Antler Prep

 

[Paul in OKC]

I hold mine in a vise (regular with 'flat' sided jaws). Just line up the drill bit to the blank so it goes through the antler in the meatiest part, or just off so you get some of the 'bark'. Easier said than done, but….

 

[Woodchipper]

Mark, I now recall seeing the video in the list. Will watch and go from there. Thanks for the link.

 

[Woodchipper]

Watched the video. Very detailed and shows what to do and what not to do.

 

[sbwertz]

When I make pens from antler, I like to leave some of the antler unturned, I drill a curved piece and the inside of the curve will not be turned, leaving some of the antler's surface showing.

 

[randyrls]

I have made the cap portion from the tine end. It is ALL "bark". Slime line or other two blank pen. No through hole. I have a "plate" with a divot in it. I extend the drill bit until it almost reaches the plate and then adjust the plate with the antler just behind the drill bit. DO this from both sides at 90 degrees. Clamp the plate down. Slip a thermo shrink piece of tubing over the jaws to keep from marring the antler and hold the tine with pliers. Drill only as deep as the pen kit requires. I used to make dozens of these. Turn the base of the antler to match the shell casing. You can darken the turned portion to match the bark with potassium permanganate. I don't know if you can still get this. Wear chemical proof gloves! (NOT just nitrile or latex!)

During deer season I helped a local farmer to process deer. Would ask the hunter to give me a tine and the shell casing. I cleaned it out and install the transmission in it. I bought bare bullets, drilled them and made the pen.