How I Drill An Antler Pen Blank

In this video I'll show How to drill a piece of deer antler for pen turning. There are many ways to accomplish this task and this is MY method for doing this. Please take all safety precautions in drilling any pen blank.
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sclaimer: My videos represent how I go about my woodworking. They are for your entertainment and not instruction. My safety is MY responsibility and YOUR safety is YOUR responsibility. Before beginning any woodworking be familiar with your equipment and always - always wear the proper personal protective equipment. When performed safely, woodworking can be fun and rewarding. Keep it fun by working safe.

[@glong2720]

The antler dust, is said by some, to be equivalent to asbestos. I am not certain of that but a long time turner who teaches turning and wood working advised me to wear a very quality mask. Just a suggestion

[@glennbaird8671]

By far the best way to drill an antler... This is the ONLY method that practically guarantees a successful antler blank... Thank you...

[@davidbondi]

Why not just turn it between centers (multi-tooth dead in headstock and live center in tailstock) to round, then chuck it up and drill it safely?

[@hankuhrig765]

that is a plyers not a vice grip

[@williampeak8851]

👍

[@ralphedman7753]

I turn the antler to a cylinder on my lathe first, then take it to drill press and use a pen vise.

[@ward459]

Interesting approach, though I would definitely drill a small indent on the tailstock end in order to stabilize that end of the antler. I use my small bandsaw to "straighten" the material a bit, then use a drill press (much like you use the lathe). So far I haven't had any blowouts or issues. Just lucky I guess.

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

+. ward459 thanks for watching and commenting.

[@steveoverton1736]

Try using a centering drill on the tailstock end. It gives a perfect spot to keep your antler centered. Just drill enough to get the 60 degree entry spot. I still use a drill press and I made a jig that works just like using the lathe and I have several outline templates for different pens to help when drilling curved pieces of antler. This allows me to drill much thinner pieces. All these in a kit.

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

+Steve Overton Good idea on the centering drill. Email me some info on the kit you mentioned. Thanks for watching.

[@turnersparadise8368]

The best way to do anything is the way that works for you. I like watching you because you come at things from different directions than a lot of others. Very smart idea, yet so obvious when you think about it. Great tip. Thanks.

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

+Tenspeed TheBikeHanger Thanks I appreciate your support.

[@charlesreicks648]

Very good looking. Is that a penstate kit? Good instruction. Thanks

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

+Charles Reicks Thanks Charles I think I got the kit from either Beartooth Woods or WoodTurners Catalog

[@DavidWhite]

I don't know how many antlers I have blown out. 50% sounds about right on a drill press

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

+Dave White yep that about right for me as well, until I started drilling like this. Thanks for watching Dave.

[@willemkossen]

Thanks for showing that. Finally i think i have the confidence to use that piece of antler.

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

+Willem Kossen Thank you Willem, good luck with that piece of antler.

[@robertevans6481]

Very nice pen/blank, but i leave this one to the pro's...

[@LynnLaceyLLWW]

+Robert Evans Well that leaves me out 😊 Thanks for watching Robert