Powder Measure made from deer antler

[wvamountaineer51]

I've made a couple but need some ideas on drilling out the center of the antler. How have some of you accomplished this task without getting to close to the sides.

 

[nwtradegun]

start with the smallest drill , and work up to the size you want. drill at slowest speed. if you have access to drill depth collars use them, if you go to deep you can use bees wax to lessen the charge. remember you are looking for volume not weight for the charge.

 

[jeremiah ingraham]

I usually "eye ball" the center of the antler. I use this method for crude no frills powder measures. You could also mark an "x" in the center and then drill it there. I usually start with a very small drill as rj suggested. You could also use a nail or center punch to have a good place to start.
I recently used a small center drill and it worked great. I think this is going to be my method from now on.
For my depth I used electrical tape to mark on my drill bit how deep I needed to go.
JI

 

[mooman76]

Just go slow a careful. The starting with a small drill first is a good idea.

 

[Katahdin]

I center drill, as close as possible, with an 1/8" bit, as a pilot hole. I drill into a piece of wood the see what size bit I need to get the powder measure I am looking for and that fits the antler size,,Corn meal works as a substitute for powder to get the hole the correct size and depth. Then I take the bit and drill out the measure to the final size,Then test the measure size with powder,make any final adjustments as necessary.

 

[mooman76]

That's a good idea using wood so you know better what size the final should be.

 

[tenngun]

ff above is all good. I think it's funny how we think antler is pretty neat, but the museum of the fur trade has an antler measure that's been stained to look like birds eye maple

 

[Woods Dweller]

I have drilled a small hole. Then with a Dremel Rotary Tools, and using a Stone Point, [cone shape] drill out the horn. If I get to close to the outside of the horn it will get hot and I know to back off at that spot and replace the stone with a smaller one. And I don't have to worry about a drill bite breaking through.




http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XHOYGA...e=df0&creative=395133&creativeASIN=B00XHOYGAG

 

[Rifleman1776]

start with the smallest drill , and work up to the size you want.

Don't agree. :shake:
Trying to drill into an existing hole is almost guaranteed catch and disaster.
Like others, I simply eyeball the straight line in the antler and drill. I hold the antler in a machinist vice (padded) and use a drill press. Other times I have simply put the antler in a vice and used a hand drill.
Understand, failures and coming out the side is part of the equation. It won't work everytime.

 

[MSW]

never tried the stones, but the grout bit works well for me ... I have a variable speed Dremel, so go slow, and keep clearing out the spoil (and be sure not to breathe in any of the stuff - doubtless very bad for you) ... then I follow up with sand paper wrapped around a stick

 

[Spikebuck]

Like others have suggested, I start with a small bit and work up in 1/64" drill sizes at a time. Any jump in size much larger than that and it grabs like Rifleman said.

I have made some with extremely thin sides at some point because the piece of antler may bend. One easy trick I use is to hold a flashlight with a very tight beam (like a small AA sized Maglite focused narrow) on the outside and I look down the hole. When the sides start to get thin, the light will shine "through." That's when I know not to take any more out of that area. When I get to a point where I feel I'm getting close, I check often with the flashlight.