Fleabit-the "ripple" is a white spot-has been present in all 3 I have turned. WARNING: I turned one that was not stabilized, the crack that developed was huge. The one other stabilized that I have made has survived 2 months or so, so I am hoping that was the answer. CSUSA provided my stabilized blanks and they seem to be good.
Pastorbill-I refuse to turn deer antler because of the smell. Buffalo horn is hard to drill-heats up rapidly so I choose to do it in numerous sessions (about a half inch at a time.)
Turns easily, polishes with plastic polish. I don't wax because there is a faint texture that I like to leave intact. This is not the bible according to st. ed, I have only done a few and the results are very good, not spectacular! There may be a better way.