Stag Antler Scales?

[onotoman]

Hi Guys,

About five years ago I was visiting an English Country Estate and whilst running around with my son, I tripped over what I thought was a tree root - when I gave it a tug, out came a full antler from a stag that had been buried in the swampy area.

The antler has been on display in my garden (yard to you guys over the pond) ever since and I was just wondering if I could maybe make some scales out of the antler - even if I cut a scale sized portion off, there would be plenty left.

Anyone have an idea if it would be possible?

[Mike H]

Yes, it can be done. You might want to play with a few sections, sometime being exposed to the elements for long periods will make the antler brittle. There is also the odor, I have been banned from working on antler in the house.

[onotoman]

Thanks Mike,

I'll have a go (in the garage)

[mycarver]

I haven't used Deer antler,, but i have made scales out of Elk antlers. Same thing only different I guess.

[ladykate]

I haven't used Deer antler,, but i have made scales out of Elk antlers. Same thing only different I guess.

I noticed over in another thread that a member boiled the antlers and then slit them and flattened them out. I have a shed deer antler that I was going to use. Is boiling necessary or can you just bore them out and/or saw them? My antlers aren't all that big but certainly seem to have enough acreage to make a couple of scales.

[Jporco]

I read that you can put them in the microwave in a bowl of water and do the same thing...I think less damage than boiling, but I have never worked with antlers so YMMV. If I recall there is a bad stench with boiling, but not as potent with a microwave.....