First Antler Pen

[Skip Spaulding]

Thanks to all that gave me input on turning antler. I turned a pen today, had a slimline kit on hand. Its not great but its a start. It has CA finish and sanded to 1500. Comments welcome, thanks again for the help.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Skip - that is a great looking pen! Really like the color variations! Very nice work! You should be happy with this one!

[Paul Douglass]

Very nice pen. Absolutely great color. Antler is fun to turn, never know what it will look like until done.

[Allen Neighbors]

Nice looking pen!
I'm anticipating the arrival of one I ordered from George's son, after I saw his "Homework Ultimatum" video. I told them to send me one of their choice. I'm going to give it to Her Majesty. :D
That's a nice pen, Skip!

[Pete Jordan]

Great job Skip!

wonderful colors!

[michael gallagher]

Very nice pen....how did you like the, uh, aroma while turning the antler?

[Jim Kountz]

Great job! Did it stink when you turned it? I made a knife handle out of deer antler years ago and remember it smelling really bad when machined!

[Mark Hix]

That is great looking antler and a fine pen. Hang onto it!

[Skip Spaulding]

Thanks for all the comments, I found the odor to be stronger when I was drilling the blanks. Probably I should slow the drill speed down a little so it wouldn't heat up as much. You Guys were right, it is a nasty smell! I'll try a couple more slimlines and if they go ok I'll order a couple of the larger and better quality kits. Thanks, Skip

[Jon Lanier]

You really got nice color out of that. By the way, when you are turning antler you are basically burning hair, hence, the smell.

[Dewey Torres]

I'll say... that is very nice. I especially like the color throughout:)

[Cody Colston]

I'm not normally a fan of wasp-waisted pens but in this case, it worked because you were able to preserve some of the natural grain of the antler. The bone white along with the gray/blue and the brown grain texture really add to the pen.

BTW, antler does not have nearly as strong a "burning hair" smell if it is cured for a year or so.

[Barry Stratton]

I'm a sucker for antler pens and that one looks great! Drilling and turning bone (antlers are bone, horns are hair) always reminds me of a bad trip to the dentist.

And I'd say you are ready for the higher end kits now:D, order some up.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Great job and a great looking pen.

[Billy Tallant]

Great looking pen...

I bet there was a little smell in the air though. My dad has been grinding bones for projects the last 20 yrs or so... His shop always has that smell in the air.

[Scott Lux]

Its not great but its a start.

I have to disagree. I think it is great.