How to Make a Deer Antler Bolt-Action Pen

Turning a Deer Antler Bolt-Action Pen with a new Easy Wood Tools Carbide Tool!
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My Website: www.woodworkingmaniak.com

[@charleyandsarah]

Glad you got a new tool out of the project. That's always fun.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Slowvannah Farms Thank you! A mighty fine new tool as well. :)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Great job on the video Timmothy. You know I love the antler pens. Regards, Bob

[@WoodworkingManiak]

RJBWoodTurner Thank you! I do have to say, you've made some awesome antler pens too. And the letter opener you posted recently on Facebook looked great!

[@jimmydiresta]

Very cool. I will now pick up the carbide lathe tool for sure. I was just in the wood craft in Louisville ! Last week

[@WoodworkingManiak]

jimmydiresta They cut like butter and hold an edge for a very long time. That's the very same Woodcraft that the little video snippet was taken... :) Now I want a larger lathe more than ever.

[@peterstewart9376]

Beautiful pen!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Peter Matthew Thank you very much.

[@mcremona]

Awesome!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Matthew Cremona Thank you sir!

[@Petrolfox669]

Brother you gotta get a respirator on when working with bone and antler especially. Super gnarly for your lungs.

[@MikeKapotsy]

Nice box-o-antlers! Cool pen too.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Mike Kapotsy My dogs are always interested in that box. :)

[@mikeribelin7822]

Nice job, enjoyed your process!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Mike Ribelin Thank you!

[@TedAlexander24]

Beautiful pen Tim.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Ted Alexander Thank you sir!

[@combatmedic363]

I've done several antler pens and I found carbide tools are the best to use. I don't know if you are aware but you really want to use a respirator when cutting/turning/sanding on bone of any kind. It is very dangerous and can cause lung issues. The pen turned out really nice. They do polish up very nice.

[@lauraswan8647]

Awesome. I love antlers and sure would love an antler pen

[@WoodworkingManiak]

I have them available on my website on a made to order basis.

[@adrianbutler2623]

another great video.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Adrian Butler Thanks for watching!

[@chilezchingon1592]

perfect i love it :)

[@MichaelLawing]

Great overview! (I know this video is a little bit older) Learned a lot!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Michael Lawing Great to hear. Glad I could help.

[@EazyEVM]

Very cool!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

EazyEVM Thank you!

[@Ticky66MN]

Another very well done video Tim. Seeing more of the carbide turning tools really makes me consider trying it. I never liked the idea of all the sharpening involved with the traditional tools. Also, your last video encouraged me to finally put my Earlex 5500 to work. I've had it for a while and watching you use yours prompted me to take the plunge and I love it. Thanks for a great channel! I hope your family is doing well and comes home soon if they haven't already.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Ticky66MN Thanks for watching! The Easy Wood Tools carbide cutter I used was awesome. It cut through the Antler like butter. And the carbide will stay sharp for so long! I'm glad to hear I was able to encourage you a little. It's a fine machine, I've only used mine a couple times so far too. Thanks for following along. My daughter is still in the hospital. Not sure how much longer, but she's doing pretty well. All in good time. :)

[@eddiejulian8550]

Awesome pen, yeah I finally bit the bullet and switched to carbide insert tools, I know everyone says it's cheating but progress is a good thing why live in the past? I'll still use my hss from time to time but these new easy tools and the axe set from carter are amazing.

[@CharlesDearingScroller]

Gorgeous pen Tim. When some money comes my way I'd like to buy one from you. Great job!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Charles Dearing Thanks for sir. I'm a big fan of the bolt action pens.

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

Wicked pen, love that kit! Antler is neat, I'm going to have to look for some to turn :) Oh... I LOVE that pen case!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

McGinn's WoodShop Thanks man! I'm a big fan of the bolt action pens. Contact a local taxidermy. They often have extra antler that they would be willing to sell/trade/give to you. As far as that pen case, it's ok... The top part is kind of a pain because only certain pens will fit tight enough to stay when you open it. I'm planning on building one something similar to what +Dema's WoodShop made.

[@McGinnsWoodShop]

Sweet, I'll check out the local places and some hunters I know too! I'll have to order some of those bolt actions!

[@gregkenrick3880]

cool watch!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Thank you!

[@NickFerry]

neat, it almost looks like pearl

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Nick Ferry Yeah, antler does have a bit of an antler sort of look.

[@NickFerry]

WoodworkingManiak antler has an antler look? and pearl

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Nick Ferry Ok.. so I'm a little tired... I meant to say, Antler has a bet of a pearl look... :)

[@WoodworkingManiak]

bit............

[@Patricksworkshop]

Great work Tim I love deer antler pens . I have one that RJBWoodTurner made and it's awesome. These style pens are my favorite to use and soon I will be getting in to making them thanks for the great vid and for sharing Patrick

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Patrick's work shop Thank you! RJBWoodTurner Makes some mighty fine pens for sure! I like the Bolt-Action pens. They are fun and pretty quick to make. Hope to see you make some soon!

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

Great looking pen! My pen turning gear is a little old school. :) I needd to get one of those things that lets you use the mandrel without the nut. I see you also use the teflon bushing for CA application... good idea and I have just never done that. Old dogs you know! :) Chris

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Chris Pine Thanks for the compliment! I've been pleased with the mandrel saver and using the HDPE bushings for the CA finishing.

[@jarodmorris611]

Nice project. I subscribed.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Jarod Morris Thank you!

[@DemasShopforEverything]

Very nice, my video on this shows up in the suggestions lol

[@WoodworkingManiak]

***** Awesome! I had a feeling a few cool videos would. :)

[@DemasShopforEverything]

WoodworkingManiak Yeah, its nice to have others show their methods, i like to watch a few videos on a topic to see what others are doing and sometimes combine them to make my own ways. Great work,,

[@WoodworkingManiak]

***** Absolutely, I feel the same way. Everyone has their own little tricks.

[@DemasShopforEverything]

WoodworkingManiak i really like your lathe setup, everything is nice and neat, everything has a place, i should steal some ideas for my lathe area :)

[@WoodworkingManiak]

***** It makes it easy when my tiny lathe is sitting in the same shelves that I'm using to organize with... I really want a bigger lathe.

[@custommicarta3914]

When I have to finish bones or antler I use sanding paper up to 400 and then steel wool size 000. And linseed oil. It makes a perfect sureface with a natural feeling and it emphasizes the grain. Yes bones and antler have a very nice grain.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Custom Micarta I agree, with it's porous nature, an oil would emphasize it well. I haven't tried that...

[@g.work.specials6859]

Absolutely awesome!! Australia? gr Gerard

[@WoodworkingManiak]

G.Work.Specials Thank you! I'm in KY, USA. :)

[@joespina308]

I like to take the antler down on the disc sander then turn. Wont eat up the tools. Dust mask and a good dust collector is important working with antler/bone.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Joe Spina That's a good tip. However, I don't have a disc sander right now... But I do use dust collection. That does make a big difference. I also usually wear a respirator.

[@kuldeepkarki8659]

Yes

[@JM-se7xo]

Great job but please make sure you remove your ring when working with a lath

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Probably a good idea. :)

[@nothosaur]

Can you make one that will use a Pilot G2 Gel pen refill cartridge?

[@MrDrummerdude03]

That pen looks very elegant! Do you sell them? If so, what is the price? Thank you for your videos!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

MrDrummerdude03 Thank you. I do sell them, and from my experience, people charge different prices around the country so I messaged you what I charge privately... Thank you for watching!

[@bnaivar]

Great work! Way off topic, but what kind of watch are you wearing?

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Bill, I was wearing a Samsung Gear S at that time. Thanks for watching!

[@robertgaritano7718]

What kind of tool rest is that?

[@pcbn2u]

I would have really liked to see well lit close ups of the finished product. Great video though.

[@garydgdk]

Love the finished product. Question. Did you find that the deer antler stunk badly when you were turning it? I have only turned one and I found it was horrifically stinking when I was turning it. The final pen was awesome but I am afraid to turn another one because of the smell

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Thanks for watching! Yes, it stinks. Smells like a dentist office when turning it.

[@timrhyne97]

very nice! this is the 3rd time i have watched this video. i was wondering where i could get these pen kits? thank you for the educational and inspiring video's.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Tim Rhyne Thanks for watching I get my Bolt-Action pen kits from Penn State Industries. Here's a quick link to their Bolt-Action kits: goo.gl/jYZvtL

[@roblever8099]

Curious, does antler lend itself to tool marking? Buffalo horn seems to pick up internal stress marks easily

[@WoodworkingManiak]

I've never had that issue with deer antler.

[@hspringsteen]

Tim, can you stain deer antler? Not that I would have with that one. The white color on it is very nice.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

Howard Springsteen I have not done it, but I know you can dye antler. I have some transtint. I might have to try it sometime just to see what kind of results I get. Hmm... You've got me thinking again.

[@franciscob2640]

Did you spray something while sealing it with CA GLUE?

[@WoodworkingManiak]

I don't remember. If I did spray anything, it was CA activator to make the CA set faster... I don't usually use that though because sometimes it will cause it to turn white. So, in a reply recommendation: Don't spray anything on the CA to make it dry faster... ;)

[@franciscob2640]

+WoodworkingManiak at 6:23 you spay it on right before applying the CA. I'm looking into a lathe soon, found a few used on Craigslist for a good price. Haven't decided what to go with. I like the Jet 1221 vs.

[@MrEdsster]

Ahh you forgot about the smell.. I'm sensitive to smells and they have a unique smell. How's the kiddo and mom? Thanks for the video.

[@WoodworkingManiak]

MrEdsster Yeah, the smell of antler isn't great for sure... Kiddo is still in the hospital, hitting some bumps in the road. :( I posted a more detailed update on my Facebook page. My wife and I are dealing with some extra stress this week. Thanks for watching and asking about the family.

[@twzlah6044]

I just bought one of these mine is wood handle and nickel plated

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Twzlah Cool!

[@CharliePace1]

I've made a few slimline pens but want to try expanding the types of pens I make. Any helpful suggestions?

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Sonja Bauer Get an organizer for all of your different bushings.

[@CharliePace1]

Will definitely do. Is there anything different about the process? It seems all the same and pretty straight forward

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Sonja Bauer yeah, each kit has their own assembly directions, but all are about the same as far as the turning goes.

[@CharliePace1]

Thanks!

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Sonja Bauer no problem.

[@TheXChapter]

How much would you charge me for one?

[@WoodworkingManiak]

+Devin Hightower (TheXChapter) I'm almost sold out of what I have right now. Currently only 1 left right now in Black-Enamel. I can make them in different finishes with about a 2 week turn-around on custom orders. Check out my website: www.woodworkingmaniak.com/shop/30-caliber-bolt-action-pen-with-deer-antler/ I'm still working on adding my products to my website. So not much on there yet...

[@asiareid9657]

Can you make me one

[@WoodworkingManiak]

I sell them on my website made to order. Thanks for watching!

[@alfkey4155]

You need to lift the handle ,,.

[@colegrant3609]

Hey I would like to buy one since my teacher gave me a pen like this but with a bolt action would you mind selling me one with antler and wood and I am willing to pay

[@WoodworkingManiak]

I have them available to order on my website. They are made to order, so expect a short delay for me to make it. www.woodworkingmaniak.com/product/30-caliber-bolt-action-pen-with-deer-antler/

[@rolandalbert7290]

he´s demonstrating the steps of the process like hundreds of thousands youtubers done before. not really exciting. i terribly miss a detailed pic of the result… is there a reason for?