How To Drill/Cut Bone??

[livinghistory]

I would like to make a powder measure and a knife handle out of some deer antlers I found. However, I'm not sure what tool is best to use to cut/carve/drill antler & bone?? (Already broke one drill bit...) Also, what did they use back in the 1700-1800s when there were no power tools??

 

[fatboy]

Well I have used drill and dremel tool and files.
You can only do so much with a drill bit because it cant flex that much. What size bit are you using? Not sure what all they used back in the day hand operated drills did get used I never tried to burn a hole in antler with a hot steel rod but maybe they had done that!

 

[S.Kenton]

I've always used a 1/2 inch drill bit to drill my holes. I've never drilled any pilot holes..just a large drill bit, then rounded it all out around the pouring spout of the antler measure with a dremel, using a stone bit. I also carve my measure in the shape I want using different dremel bits for shapes and figures ect.
I honestly don't know how our fore-fathers ( meaning the European settlers) drilled holes in antler in the old days, they may have burnt it with a hot rod then carved the rest by hand?..I do know that Native Americans used flint points attached to a wooden rod, then another wooden rod with sinew wrapped around each end, then the same piece of sinew wrapped around the rod that held the flint point, this is known as a " bow drill".

 

[mazo kid]

If you broke a drill bit you must be putting too much side pressure on it, Try slowing down and cutting a little at a time. Work up to larger bits or use a Dremel tool make your powder lip area.

 

[dbutch]

Soak the antler in water a day before you want to work on it...
.softens the core.
I ban saw the antlers off the skull.(done outside)
cordless drill for the core..
round rasp to shape and core
wet and dry paper to smooth the hole.

 

[aquamanlr]

livinghistory

what little I have worked with antler and bone, a person wants to wear a dust mask when cut or sanding. When the dust gets in your lungs it adhears to the lining does not come out.

LeeRoy

 

[aquamanlr]

makeumsmoke

That gear is looking good, would it be OK if I did a measure like yours?

LeeRoy

 

[dbutch]

Take that idea and run with it...many ways to improve and modify.....
The pour spout allows for a larger range of powder to measure.
.If you work on the antler while wet this reduces the dust. :thumbsup:
Thank you for the reminder! :bow:

 

[dbutch]

Here's a whitetail I cut up today..saved it from the mice..out behind one of my hunting buddies's cabin..said he had no use for it..will send him one of the pour spouts from one of the skull piece's in the pic.

 

[S.Kenton]

HOLY MOLEY! Looks like MANY powder measures there for sure!!!! I wish I had that many extra antlers pieces laying around!... :thumbsup:

 

[Rifleman1776]

I have made many small items from antler and can't imagine how you broke a drill bit on it. Antler is soft and easy to work. I use regular twist bits. Be prepared for stink when you work it with power tools. As for the lung danger. A lot of people talk about it but I have never seen authoratative information about hazards. Of course, long term exposure to any dust is not good. I often wear a mask in my shop.

 

[Troy Allen Christianson]

Apart from inhaling dust of any sort the next most dangerous thing about grinding or burning antler/horn is the "WHAT IS THAT HORRIBLE STENCH!" bellow coming from The Wife. :surrender:

 

[S.Kenton]

for sure NOT the best project to do in the house... :grin:

 

[omarick1948]

Drill a 1/4" pilot hole with a drill and enlarge it with a 3/8" drill and then use a wood carving bur and a flex-shaft or Dremel tool to enlarge the cavity! ___ quickest and easiest!

Rick

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

Also, what did they use back in the 1700-1800s when there were no power tools??

As the natives/cavemen did befor whitey showed up; boil the antler/bone which softens the whole thing especially the center then dig out the pith with a sharp pointed tool. Like a previous sharpened piece of bone, rock, etc.
Can't get any simpler than that.
Gary

 

[Rifleman1776]

Also, what did they use back in the 1700-1800s when there were no power tools??

As the natives/cavemen did befor whitey showed up; boil the antler/bone which softens the whole thing especially the center then dig out the pith with a sharp pointed tool. Like a previous sharpened piece of bone, rock, etc.
Can't get any simpler than that.
Gary

Actually, there were power tools. Mule power, wind, water mill, etc.
But, that's not the point. With iron and steel most of the power was hand provided. There have been some very well designed spoon/spade etc. shaped drills and augers for centuries.

 

[livinghistory]

Thank you all very much for replying!
I had not thought of soaking the antler first...Good idea.
Awesome pictures there guys, you all have given great instructions for power measure making, I look forward to designing my own!

For making knife handles, would you drill the slot for the blade into the antler, and then pre-drill holes for your screw/bolt to secure the blade into the handle from the side...???

Thanks again for all your help folks! :thumbsup: