Antler powder measures???

[msuspartan]

I have acquired a dozen antlers tips for the attempt at making some powder measures. I have been on many sites that sell them but have a few questions before I start.

1. What hazards to watch out for when carving them? (probably using a dremel and files)
2.What are period designs? Books?(1700's to 1840)
3. Can you stain them? and what is used?
4. Do you seal them after staining?
5. Anything else I should know.

Thanks all for any advice.

BTW, what kind of brush materials do people use for making a flint pick and brush?

Cheers, DonK

 

[DNICK]

If you use power tools wear a dust mask DONT breathe the dust,drill out the measure carefuly it is easy to drill out the side or crack the measure if you get in a hurry, they can be dyed using strong tea, coffee or leather dye. I prefer to leave then to age or pick up color from the powder residue on your hands it gets in the lines or grooves of the designs and looks natural sometimes the dye gives it to uniform of a look for my taste.I dont put any sealer on them, just never found it necessary.

 

[Ranger1759]

Dnick is correct in DONT Breath the dust...can cause serious lung problems! :nono:

I just did a batch of them a few weeks ago...from 50g up to 70g....I like the way the brown leather dye looks on them...I cover them with the dye, but only let it stay on for about 10/15 seconds, then I wipe it off with a shop towel...give them a nice aged/antique look to them...

I will put some pics on when I get home from work...

YHOS
Ranger

 

[hoochiepapa]

I just got this one. See the bead inside? Great work from Hawkthrower!

 

[msuspartan]

I saw that earlier!!!! Most cool and well done Hawkthrower!!! Someday maybe.

I have a good respirator(?) but is getting dust in the eyes bad?
Thank you on the dye views. Will have to try them all out and see. Maybe up to people themselves what they like better!?!?!?!?!!
Look forward to more comments.

Cheers, DonK

 

[S.Kenton]

MAN..I didn't know about the dust be harmful..I'll wear a respirator from now on.I too am interested in this subject. I made a very simple 70 gr. powder measurer out of a deer antler..I would like to elaborate on it..anyone have any carving ideas or patterns? What would be the primary carving tools? I don't think I want to go too crazy..maybe just a simple design..
thanks!

 

[S.Kenton]

Ive also seen some made out of deer leg bone..anyone done that here? Which leg bone would be the best I wonder? front or rear? I can get leg bones all the time,antlers however are a bit harder to get..

 

[Ranger1759]

Hey Kenton,
use your mask on the bone too! Any kind of "bone" dust is very bad for your respitory system....too much and it can actually kill you!

 

[ladysmithtrading]

Don a couple tips from one who has made enough mistakes with antler,

1, only drill the antler once, do not try a pilot hole and then work your way larger, that's how they crack, drilling antler is like drilling powder horns, low and slow, I use a Stanley#12 hand drill, clean your bit often as the material will build up in the flutes and wedge in the hole and cause it to crack

2, if you need to open the hole up a bit, then use the dremel or needle files

3, sharp files!enough said there

4, Have FUN! and enjoy the creative process

5, log on to the horners bench, lots more there on working horn, antler and bone

 

[LRB]

Here's a leg bone mounted on a brass finial.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Way cool, Wick!!

 

[rabjr]

I had Scobrien a member here make me several measures posted here. He has a Tutorial posted on The Horners Bench (google it) the Tutorial is well worth the time to look at it. I had him scrim basically what he wanted but my request was to do it in "Folk Art".
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/254014/

 

[LRB]

Thanks Mike. That's a solid brass lamp finial from Ace Hardware. Here's one made from antler a year or so back.

 

[hoochiepapa]

THat spiral is perfect! Way, way cool!

 

[msuspartan]

THAT is a very nice piece!!! I have a long way to go but it gives me some wonderful ideas.

Hope to see some more examples.

Are there any period examples? If so what books?

Thanks.

Cheers, DonK

 

[BillinOregon]

Don: Not sure if these go back much beyond the early 1800s. Seems the few 1700s measures are often tin. Just info, no PC nazi stuff ...

:wink:

 

[S.Kenton]

WOW!

 

[S.Kenton]

AWSOME!

 

[hoochiepapa]

Nice lookin' stuff, Swampy!!

 

[DNICK]

the lower bone on the front leg seems to be the best size that iv'e found, if I remember correctly Claud has one made from a turkey bone that looks great if he reads this maybe he will show it