Moose antler carving

lhow2000 · #1 02-15-2007, 01:06 PM

Hi every body,
I have started carving some moose antler and would like to see if anyone can give me some tips on which dremel bits would be best for me to use. I am only tracing some animals on the antler using carbon paper and just carving the outlines, nothing fancy. I posted a couple pictures of my antler carving in the animal section of the picture gallery. They are nothing fancy, wish I had the talent of some of you guys!!

whitecree · #2 02-15-2007, 11:37 PM

Just keep working at it. Before you know it, you'll be the envy of all your friends.

squbrigg · #3 02-16-2007, 07:34 AM

Moose antler is a great material to power carve, but stinks like old blazes. Be sure to wear good dust protection, as the dust can be lethal, it contains bacteria. The antler is actually made up of dense hair fiber. After you carve, also wash your dusty clothing immediately, and shower to get it out of your hair and skin.

For burrs to use, diamond and ruby burrs work best, though you can use carbide Typhoon and Kutzal's, they are more for surface preperation. Antler is similar to carving stone, so take your time.

Have fun with it and please show us your results.

Bob

Wilfred Charbonneau · #4 02-16-2007, 11:17 AM

There is a good book out by Bill Matz who was just profiled in Woodcarving Illustrated. I carve antler exclusively and would be happy to answer any questions. Nice start with the little moose out of antler, I did one that was almost identical when I started. Take Care...Will

lhow2000 · #5 02-16-2007, 07:00 PM

Thanks guys for the replys. Will I checked out your carvings and they are incredible! If i could carve one quarter as good as you I would be very happy. I am gonna check and try to get the book you mentioned. When you carve do you carve your scene into the soft interior of the antler or try and stay into the hard outer surface? I am using a dremel rotary tool. What burrs or cutters would you suggest to use? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Leonard, Newfoundland, Canada

Wilfred Charbonneau · #6 02-17-2007, 11:06 AM

Hello Leonard, Thanks for the kind words. I find any of the more aggressive burrs work well. I use High speed steel, Carbide, Kutzall, Typhoon and even burrs from my Dentist...Carving in Moose Antlers is the book Bill Matz wrote. It gives a good overview of what you will need. I learned the same way you are, asking questions and a lot of trial and error. I started with a dremel and upgraded as I sold pieces. I went to the Grizzly power carver, very inexpesive compared to most and I still use it today. I have since added a more powerful Foredom which can handle the larger burrs up to 1/4". I primarily use a scroll saw to rough out the scene and use an angle grinder to strip the surface on other pieces. Check out Shane Wilson Sculpture to see a real master. He was the person I asked some of the questions you are and will be asking. Anything I can do to help do not hesitate to ask. Will

Krum · #7 02-18-2007, 02:47 AM

Well the tool part was pretty much covered, and when you get the antlers pretty much stay with a solid antler. Bleached antlers aren't worth carving as they get holey. There are several options on carving antlers. if your going to have areas cut out plan your pattern carefully. Use a drill bit to put a jig sawblade in it and to cut areas around your pattern to speed up the cutting. Also when doing this keep part of your pattern attached to the antler. I have heard that later down the road the piece can shift. I myself just was careful on that part and so I don't know by experience. Also using a glue with dust you collect you can make a mixture to repair if something breaks. I can't at the moment think of the name brand but will post if you want to know when I find the bottle. Be careful as this mixture smokes a bit and gets hard real quick! I also did this method to use a part of an antler to attach a base to help hold the antler. When I was carving I had my husband make a dust collector to hold some pretty good size antlers. If you smell burning hair-your breathing it! Very serious so make sure you take precautions! If your serious on doing antlers I can email you the measurements to make a dust box. Another tip is you can use polishing compound to shine up the antler. Really looks like ivory and can highlight areas if you want. They are fun to do and can be carved with power and do anything like wood.
Good luck! Will be watching to see what you have carved. I don't have my pictures online anymore. I'm back to carving just wood.
Krum

lhow2000 · #8 02-19-2007, 10:17 AM

Hi again,
i would like to get some of the polishing compound that krum mentioned. is there a certain brand that is best? would i polish with a felt wheel on my rotary tool? another question for will, is it best to clamp the peice i am carving or do you find it easier to hold work in opposite hand?
thanks for all the replys, i am sure to have a lot of questions yet. i was also in contact with bill matz through e mail and i am going to order his book soon.

Wilfred Charbonneau · #9 02-19-2007, 02:13 PM

Carving a large antler is rather awkward at the least. I like to use a stool with a cushion on top to support the bulk of the antler. There are times when you are working on a very detailed piece where both hands are needed. There are many carving devices for holding work but an antler is very heavy and awkward to clamp. I have found that a regular steel vise with pipe jaws work great. I wrap the billet end of the antler and use the multi pivot capacity of the vise to position the antler where I need it, they are also quite strong being made to hold steel. I can also recommend micro mesh sanders or corian sanders to polish your piece. I have recently completed three pieces and sanded them to 12000grit by hand, they have the appearance of marble when finished. Hope this helps...Will

Krum · #10 02-19-2007, 04:20 PM

The white polishing compound you I am waiting for the item number to come in and I'll post where you can get it. I use the cone shape polishing wheels for the dremel you can get at Home Depot etc. They are not metal more of a cloth looking type. But be careful using them as you can't stay in one spot or you will end up burning marks on the piece. As far as holding the antlers I had mine in the dust box and had no problem. Even the bigger ones. You can hand hold them but don't breath in that dust! Good luck and I'll pass on the information when it comes in.
Krum