Latest Powder Measure

[luieb45]

This is my fifth, I think. I've never put any detail into them until now so this is my first one made to look good. It's a 75 gr. measure from a deer I found dead back in the fall.

 

[S.Kenton]

I like that....the antler has some nice natural features as well. How did you make your designs?

 

[lonehunter]

There ya go, That will work! :thumbsup:

 

[DanC]

Looks good t' me!

Dan

 

[luieb45]

Just thought about what might look good and I filed it. I only used a modern tool to drill the initial hole for the measure, otherwise I carved it out with a knife and files. I need to find a better way to put writing on it, though beause it's hard to do with a knife.

 

[S.Kenton]

ya..can't figure that one out either, scrimshaw, or anything like it, I've tried a few times with less than acceptable results...
I've tried with a scribe, exacto knife and a really sharp nail.. I GIVE UP.. :idunno:

 

[hoochiepapa]

I was told that some use a large needle and sharpen it into a triangular point. Then put a handle on it so it's easier to use. :idunno:

 

[Jim Perkins]

An old Victrola (sp) needle inserted in an exacto holder works good to skrimshaw. Antler is hard to do even with it. I have cheated and used a dremil. Not pcbut I hear it being done all the time at Pow wows :-0

 

[paulvallandigham]

You can buy a "scratch awl" in your local hardware store for less than $1.00 that can also be used. You may have to sharpen the point for fine work, but you should learn to do this kind of sharpening for other purposes, too.

 

[BrownBear]

Just thought about what might look good and I filed it. I only used a modern tool to drill the initial hole for the measure, otherwise I carved it out with a knife and files. I need to find a better way to put writing on it, though beause it's hard to do with a knife.

On antler I have the best luck using cheap needle files. Cheap is best, because the more often they're broke off, the shorter they get and the easier to use. Antler is really hard and any kind of "needle" is mostly good for scratching lines you can use as guides. If I didn't have some broken ones already laying around, I'd buy a cheap set and snap off the front 2/3 of each and use the butts.

The fine teeth on needle files are just right for rasping away hard antler that the scratch awls and glovers needles (the trinagular ones) won't touch. Nice thing about needle files, they come in a set of different shapes for not much money, so you can swap between them for best affect as you try to do different stuff.

 

[S.Kenton]

I used a dremel for this measurer..it turned out ok. I can see what you guys are saying about the " hardness" of deer antler..after several attempts at scratching, I gave up sanded it down and let it set in some tea for color ( which didn't show up in the pics too good)It's a kinda fat for a 100 gr measurer..not sure if I'm gonna use it, or try again. http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l610/fourwheelhorseman1/Picture205.jpg

 

[ohio ramrod]

The best tools for schrimshaw work I have found is dentil picks. Just ask you dentist for a few old ones. :hmm:

 

[S.Kenton]

HEY thats an idea!..All the money I give him for my wifes, kids and my teeth...I figure he kinda owes me..

 

[gmarc]

Order a set of sail needles....the smaller the number, the larger the needle. They range from #1 to #16.

The steel in these is typically very high quality, esp, the UK-made variety.