Stabilizing bone and the super glue trick...

[The Hound]

Hey, I've found several great pieces of bone out in the woods over the years and I want to use them whole as handle material. Now I know that bone is weaker than antler, so I need to stabilize the pieces so I can use them. Also, I've heard about a trick using super glue before buffing out the bone. Can anybody elaborate?

Much Appreciated,

Hound.

 

[RHankins]

Depending on the condition of the bone you can stabilize it several ways.
Sand to around 200 grit in its finished shape and coat several times with THIN superglue. Hobby stores are good for stocking this stuff. Then sand/buff to finish.
OR Buy thin superglue in bulk and vacuum stabilize it.
If it were me I would just get some Gloss polyurethane from Home Depot, thin it with acetone 50/50, heat the bone in the microwave for 30sec and soak in the Poly for a couple days. let it dry completely and finish.
Try a test piece first.

 

[B Finnigan]

I have also found that Minwax wood hardener soaks into bone and antler real good and adds strength to it. The pith inside antlers will drink up quit a bit of it.