Antler powder measure

[L Meadows]

Have a few antler tips laying around so thought I would try my hand. I know it's a newbie question so be easy on me, do you drill out the antler before starting on the outside or after the outside is finished?

[B.Barker]

Put the hole in after you carve the outside. On original the hole is cone shaped and the lip is pretty thin.

[B.Barker]

Like this.

[Mike from OK]

Like this.

Thanks for this Bob. I have a better idea now how to screw mine up. Lol

I have a tapered reamer that should work well for this.

Mike

[Bob McBride]

That was Brian. Your'e thinking of America's Game Show Host.

[Mike from OK]

That was Brian. Your'e thinking of America's Game Show Host.

You're right Bob... Several hours into a shift has got me a little bit addled.

Sorry Brian.

Mike

[Tim Crosby]

 Now I'm just the opposite, I drill and shape the hole first. My thinking is; if I carve the outside first then drill/file a hole out the side I haven't wasted much time.

  Tim

[prairieofthedog]

Exactly,Tim! I can always fix a drill out, but it bugs me.Here's a tip to keep the side drill outs minimal,or damage minimal.Grasp the tine you are  drilling out tightly in the palm of your hand.If the drill bit is getting close to busting out the side it will heat up first,and you can feel it.

[Jim Spray]

I do it the way Tim does. Drill the hole first and then shape.

[B.Barker]

I've done over a hundred and never had any problems with drilling after. I like to leave as much of the tip as possible to hold to while shaping the antler. However if you feel better about drilling first it's better to do it that way.