powder measurers

[sneakon]

I made a powder measure out of a small bone fragment I found. It was easy because the bugs had cleaned out the marrow and everything else. All I had to do was a bit of sanding.
But...what about antler tip powder measurers? How are these hollowed out? I guess with a drill, but how exactly? My builders bench experience is limited to the very gross framing part of construction. eace:

 

[vradin]

But...what about antler tip powder measurers? How are these hollowed out? I guess with a drill, but how exactly

I know a couple of methods- as you mention it can be drilled out. Put the antler bit in a well-padded vice and use a drill press. Need care to not drill thru a side or go too deep. I like to use three or four drill sizes, narrow and shallow for the bottom, wider towards the top. Seems to allow more control in getting the measure to be accurate as I can ream at the transitions to allow for more powder. Start with a small drill and remove material to "x" depth, use next drill size up in the kit and drill to 3/4 'x', next drill size go to 1/2 'x', and finally last and largest drill size down to 1/4 'x'. Check your measure, and increase depth of each size drill until you're almost there, then just using the largest drill increase depth until the measure is accurate for whatever gr you need.

Another method is using hot wire and burn our the center. Lots more dangerous, and very aromatic in a burning hair and bone way, but less chance of blowing out a side. Coat hanger wire cut to 6 inches or so and held in a vice grip works. This is not one where you want to check accuracy with live powder. The hot and carbonized antler does not like live powder and will get mad at you and make loud noises in protest.

Both methods need patience. For the patience-challenged, just chuck a length of straight antler in a lathe chuck and drill the inside to 1/2" x 4" deep and then trim off the open end to your measure point.

vic

 

[crockett]

Depending on how deep you want to make the cavity, you could consider a demel type tool with an abrasive bit or a bur type bit. They work well on horn and probably most other materials.

 

[sneakon]

Thank for the info folks. Looks like I need to start buying some tools.