Any tips for turning deer antler?

[Jon Kaplan]

A friend gave me two small deer antler racks. Before I jump in, I wanted to see if anyone has any advice/tips for this material. Best tools to use? Suggestions for finish?

 

[Ian Thorn]

I use the same tools as other pens ,I try to cut the antler so there will be part bone white and part hair the bone turns like plastic the hair is soft I sand to 1200 then use ca this firms up the hair parts other wise if you just polish it wont be smooth then i cut the pen with1200 amd use eee and polish with friction polish this gives a nice finish.

Cheers Ian

 

[hockenbery]

You may not like the smell.
Good ventilation might be a consideration.

 

[Dave Fritz]

If you intend to turn pens and other desk items you may want to check out pen making sites. They have a lot of really great tutorials on cutting, drilling and turning antler.

I second the smell factor.

Dave F.

 

[Dolan Brown]

I use a small roughing gouge to rough it down then finish up with this http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/7/2/31/131/-/5386/Easy-Wood-Tools-Easy-Pen-Turner

Then I only use Micro Mesh and Huts plastic polish to finish it. I don't us CA on it like I do with wood pens.

And yes it does STINK.