Antler stabilizing

R Dockrell

R Dockrell

Joined
Mar 26, 2000
Messages
658
I have come across a great supply of elk and deer sheds. I have been sending sticks to K&G for stabilizing. Has anyone ever pre cut and flattened scales of antler then sent them out to be stablized???
I am worried about it warping durring the stabilization process.
I have two compleat racks to start cutting, large 6X6 and a small 7X7 with verrry heavy beams with lots of nobby texture. Maybe not as good as stag but convenient and looks good.

------------------
Robert
Flat Land Knife Works
rdblad@telusplanet.net
http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html
 
I like using elk antler. I usualy use rounds that are the right size. I do have a bunch of main branch thats to big for anything. I try and fill the inside with epoxy. I use a real thin mix called rot fix for firming up rotted wood in foundations. I think it comes from Rockler. How do you flaten elk antler?
Take Care
TJ
 
As you know from using the Elk yourself the main beams arn't round, they have flat sections. I have a peice with me right now that measures over 2.5 inches in diameter with a large long flat side 12 inches long that the hard outer shell is over .5 inches thick. What I want to do is split this antler lenghtwise and sand it down on the platen to about .5 inches thick and make scale slabs 1.5 X 5 X .5 inches thick then send them away to be stablized. I'm just afraid that they will warp. To send as a large round stick the pithy core will soak up to much weight in the stablization material, and most places charge by finished weight. This center core will in the end be throwen away anyways.
This fear comes from having some wood scales warping during stablization.

------------------
Robert
Flat Land Knife Works
rdblad@telusplanet.net
http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html

[This message has been edited by R Dockrell (edited 09-05-2000).]

[This message has been edited by R Dockrell (edited 09-05-2000).]
 
Robert,
I had reasonable success with cutting the Elk horn to the length that I wanted for my scales and then cutting it in three pieces lengthwise. Then I discarded the middle section(the punky part anyway). You can flatten them on your platten, but don't worry too much about flatness as they will warp a bit in the stabilizing process. Hope this helps.
 
Robert
I think Mike has the right idea.Split the antler lengthwise leaving a little for waste. Don't get into sanding flat until after stabilizing. I'm going to try that with some of my antler as I have some pretty large stuff also.
I thank you guys for coming up with that solution
Take Care
TJ
 
I use a vacuum pump and a small chamber and stabilize my own. An 8 to 1 mix of oil based Thompsons brick and masonry sealer and MinWax wood hardener will do wonders for stag, fossil ivory, oosik and wood.
Long term the cost of the system will more than pay for itself, and it is very easy to do.
Mike
 
8 parts thompsons sealer?I have been using the wood hardner under vacumn and it seems to work.
take Care
TJ
 
A salvaged compressor from a refrigerator will pull 29 to 30 in of vac if you are carefull with the tubing connections and your vessel doesn't leak. Cheaper than a new vac pump and easier than a hand pump.

James

------------------
Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither, and in the end, seldom retain them!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top