turning horn, bone and antler

[zimmerstutzen]

It has been many years since I tried this. I once chucked an antler tip in a four jaw chuck and used files to shape the turning antler tip into a really fine looking powder horn plug.

I've done the same with some horn ends. But they are far more difficult to hold in the chuck. Anyone else ever try this.

 

[bingo1952]

I have turned horn and it reacts to the machining process about the same way as a plastic. Never tried bone or antler. I would think they would be more brittle especially the bone.

 

[wetpowder]

I really like the smell :grin:

 

[omarick1948]

I've done it on antler, ivory and mostly horn, when I make some screw-top's or applied spout powder horns. Starting out with very sharp gouges is the main thing when turning anything!

Rick

 

[Draftsman]

I've also experimented with this; had some luck drilling a small hole in the piece of antler and then glued a rod or wooden dowel in place then I would place the dowel or rod in the jaws of the chuck. Very sharp tools and a light touch seemed to work the best.