Turning white tail antler

[Dale Halterman]

About to try turning antler for the first time. Anything special I should know before I start? Going to try to make some vent picks and pan brushes.

Dale H

[T.C.Albert]

Be careful of hitting the pith. It turns okay but looks pretty funky.
TCA

[Mark Elliott]

I recommend very good quality HSS chisels, very sharp.    Also, take the cutting slow to start.   I would also wear a dust mask/respirator. 

[Tim Crosby]

 Your better off if you can start with a tine or crown piece, they are mostly solid. If you run into pith you can stabilize it with thin super glue. Look up making pens from antler for more on that.

  Tim

[Dale Halterman]

Thanks for the tips, guys.

I tried one yesterday but ran it to the pith before it was slimmed down enough. Kept on turning for practice but it isn't worth using. Need to practice turning things this small.

Dale H

[Rifleman1776]

I recommend very good quality HSS chisels, very sharp.    Also, take the cutting slow to start.   I would also wear a dust mask/respirator.

Good advice. I have turned several antler items. It is not hard to do. End results may not always be what you expected but that is part of the fun of using natural materials.

[hornturner]

You might try steeping the piece of antler in warm/hot water for an hour or so before turning.  This will somewhat soften the surface and facilitate easier turning.  Be sure to use antler that is as solid as possible, either from tip or crown base depending on your purpose.  Avoid using the pithy part as much as you can.  It will often crush and not hold form in use later.  For a powder horn tip, it is best to get a piece that will turn true and still be about 1" in outside diameter, to assure a good result.  If you can get the crown of the antler still attached to the skull, cut it from that section and utilize the bone from the skull also.

[Rifleman1776]

Opinions vary. I have no problem turning down to the pith. It gives the item a very unique and natural look. Pith is not as delicate as some have suggested. My personal carry pen is turned antler with about 1/3 of it in pith. Beautiful and a conversation starter. If you want to avoid pith, however, try to locate some antler from Axis deer. There are some hunting ranches there that specialize in Axis and might sell antler.

[snapper]

If you get down to the pith and want to strengthen that area try minwax wood hardener or epoxy.

Fleener