I just got a few axis deer antlers myself, that is why I am also researching. I only got 2 pairs/sets but it is probably enough to make 14 pens or so [] []
Here's my piece of advice ..... get yourself a really good dust filter mask (like a Trend Airshield) .... then get an air scrubber for your shop. You're gonna be turning organic material and catching a respiratory infection is easier than you think.
I can see from your posts that you are very passionate about this and rightfully too. Question is how much more likely is antler dust to cause infection than wood (which is also organic if I may add)?
Was yours caused by something (i.e. bacteria, virus, etc.) that came from the animal that got transferred to you?
Thanks for the links Dario! And Doc, don't worry. Being a bodyman, I don't take chances with any kind of dust.
Fangar, as for wearing them, at the Goldwing board the title of my post was simply "looking for antlers". Upon seeing that, several of the members feared I was wanting them to mount on the front of my bike!!!
Probably going to save the smallest set to use as a display for the pens I'll eventually make.
Dario ...... yep, I am kind of passionate about inhaling antler dust. I learned a big lesson last Spring. I cut/sanded/turned about 25 or so blanks from elk, deer and buffalo. My only filtration system was a Dust Bee Gone mask. A few days later I developed a cough that lasted about a month. My doctor finally figured out that it was a bacterial infection. I'm willing to bet that it was caused by the antlers. I completely stopped turning for almost 6 weeks. Then I spent big bucks on an air scrubber and a Trend Airshield. It was some of the best money that I've spent (other than on pen kits).
Rudy ... you'll find tons of useful reading information on the links that were posted. Barry Gross also put together a nice article in a recent Woodturning Design issue. If I were you, I'd do some background reading from those references and then give it a try. The trickiest and most frustrating part for me ..... drilling the antlers! Just get it in your head that you won't be successful trying to drill the narrow, thin antlers. Don't throw those parts away, they make cool pen holders when mounted on a nice burly piece of wood.