The best way to do anything is the way that works for you. I like watching you because you come at things from different directions than a lot of others. Very smart idea, yet so obvious when you think about it. Great tip. Thanks.
The antler dust, is said by some, to be equivalent to asbestos. I am not certain of that but a long time turner who teaches turning and wood working advised me to wear a very quality mask. Just a suggestion
Try using a centering drill on the tailstock end. It gives a perfect spot to keep your antler centered. Just drill enough to get the 60 degree entry spot. I still use a drill press and I made a jig that works just like using the lathe and I have several outline templates for different pens to help when drilling curved pieces of antler. This allows me to drill much thinner pieces. All these in a kit.
Interesting approach, though I would definitely drill a small indent on the tailstock end in order to stabilize that end of the antler. I use my small bandsaw to "straighten" the material a bit, then use a drill press (much like you use the lathe). So far I haven't had any blowouts or issues. Just lucky I guess.
By far the best way to drill an antler... This is the ONLY method that practically guarantees a successful antler blank... Thank you...
The best way to do anything is the way that works for you. I like watching you because you come at things from different directions than a lot of others. Very smart idea, yet so obvious when you think about it. Great tip. Thanks.
+Tenspeed TheBikeHanger Thanks I appreciate your support.
Thanks for showing that. Finally i think i have the confidence to use that piece of antler.
+Willem Kossen Thank you Willem, good luck with that piece of antler.
The antler dust, is said by some, to be equivalent to asbestos. I am not certain of that but a long time turner who teaches turning and wood working advised me to wear a very quality mask. Just a suggestion
Try using a centering drill on the tailstock end. It gives a perfect spot to keep your antler centered. Just drill enough to get the 60 degree entry spot. I still use a drill press and I made a jig that works just like using the lathe and I have several outline templates for different pens to help when drilling curved pieces of antler. This allows me to drill much thinner pieces. All these in a kit.
+Steve Overton Good idea on the centering drill. Email me some info on the kit you mentioned. Thanks for watching.
Interesting approach, though I would definitely drill a small indent on the tailstock end in order to stabilize that end of the antler. I use my small bandsaw to "straighten" the material a bit, then use a drill press (much like you use the lathe). So far I haven't had any blowouts or issues. Just lucky I guess.
+. ward459 thanks for watching and commenting.
I turn the antler to a cylinder on my lathe first, then take it to drill press and use a pen vise.
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Why not just turn it between centers (multi-tooth dead in headstock and live center in tailstock) to round, then chuck it up and drill it safely?
Very good looking. Is that a penstate kit? Good instruction. Thanks
+Charles Reicks Thanks Charles I think I got the kit from either Beartooth Woods or WoodTurners Catalog
that is a plyers not a vice grip
Very nice pen/blank, but i leave this one to the pro's...
+Robert Evans Well that leaves me out 😊 Thanks for watching Robert
I don't know how many antlers I have blown out. 50% sounds about right on a drill press
+Dave White yep that about right for me as well, until I started drilling like this. Thanks for watching Dave.