THO Game Calls Forums

The Art of Handcrafting Custom Game Calls => Handcrafting Custom Elk Calls => Topic started by: Greg at PTDO Game Calls on March 08, 2012, 11:55:21 AM

Title: Elk antler??
Post by: Greg at PTDO Game Calls on March 08, 2012, 11:55:21 AM: I've never turned antler before. But I have an old spike that I'd like to use. My question is, the antler is quite weathered it looks like a stick. Is it still worth using ? Will it look new again under the old exterior? Or should I just throw it out?
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: BigB on March 08, 2012, 12:45:56 PM: Is it chalky or is it solid? Are there any cracks in it?

Brian
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: Jon @ JRwoods on March 08, 2012, 01:33:36 PM: The elk antler ive used is a shed antler. Its very porous on the inside. Ca thin helps it out quite a bit. Smells like burning teeth when you turn it.
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: Greg at PTDO Game Calls on March 08, 2012, 01:50:23 PM: Its a little chalky not horrible and I don't see any cracks
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: BigB on March 08, 2012, 04:54:11 PM: If its a little chalky, then there's a chance it might not work for ya. It just depends how deep that chalky stuff goes. The middle part of elk antlers (where the marrow is) tends to be very porous. So, depending on how big the diameter of the porous area is and how deep the chalky area is will depend if you can make calls from it.

The short answer- cut into that sucker and see what you find!

Brian
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: Greg at PTDO Game Calls on March 08, 2012, 05:11:42 PM: Thanks guys I'll give it a shot
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: Prairie Game Calls on March 08, 2012, 05:41:43 PM: You can always have it stabilized too!

Larry
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: Austy on March 08, 2012, 11:46:32 PM: I just got done turning about 10 Elk Cow Calls out elk antler and I had absolutely no problem turning it. It cut like butter with the cardbide Easy Wood Turning Tools that I was using. I turned some antler that was white (Older) and I turned some that was brown (Newer) and I personally like working with the older stuff better myself. As for turning it I didn't experience that burning smell of bone at all while I was turning these calls. I to noticed that the interior of the elk antler is very porous and used super glue to help add strength to it as someone else on here had suggested.
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: VECtor Calls on March 09, 2012, 12:54:03 AM: Quote from: Prairie Game Calls on March 08, 2012, 05:41:43 PM
You can always have it stabilized too!

Larry

Good gravy SAVE MY NOSE HAIRS! Antler over plastic smell. Gag me with a maggot. :D

Great idea though Larry. That would be super cool, to have a stabilized antler with some kind of coloring added. I just wouldn't want to be the guy turning it. :D

Parker
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: Brad Robinson on March 09, 2012, 09:48:57 AM: I turn elk antler alot. Cracks and all. I use ca and fine saw dust ( I like to use rose wood dust) to fill all porus areas. Make sure you wear a dust mask or respirator. The dust from antler is quite harmful. When viewed under a microscope you will see tiny barbs on the particles.
i wouldnt throw any antler away unless it blows apart.
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: Prairie Game Calls on March 09, 2012, 10:39:26 AM: I have some ready to turn that I sent to have stabilized and it turns real nice no smell other than the stabil stuff.

Larry
Title: Re: Elk antler??
Post by: Jon Kennedy Custom Calls on March 09, 2012, 10:43:19 AM: If its to far gone i smear rubber silicone on bottom side fill with med/thin CA let sit and it will fill a marrow ares and the turn it, this works well for me on bad antler.
Jon