Deer Antler Pen

[@bwrd1976]

Looks awesome Bob. Great job and look forward to seeing more great things from you.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Robert, I'm having fun making videos and sharing them. There are many times where I'll go out and make something and forget to turn on a camera to share it with you guys. I hate forgetting but I love woodworking. As long as it stays fun, I plan to keep making videos. Regards, Bob

[@bwrd1976]

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience so that we can make fewer mistakes in the future. I love learning new things by watching what others are doing.

[@paultyler5989]

Mr Bob, you did it again, I purchased a new pen kit that a tenon needs to be created. Lo and behold you have a video that shows how to make one. :-) Thanks for all your videos.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Paul Tyler You're welcome Paul, I'm glad I could be of service. Regards, Bob

[@JoseAlvarez-qd1wk]

beautiful antler pen.when i was a little kid i used to play with antlers.the best antlers are the white tail deers.we used to make some sharpy tools.hahaha.thank you for sharing this excelent video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Jose Alvarez Thank you Jose, Regards, Bob

[@JayBates]

That pen looks fantastic! Love the contrast.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Jay.

[@firewormdragon8321]

I am planning on making an antler pen for a Christmas gift and found this video to be extremely helpful. Thanks.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That's great! If I can be of any assistance or answer any questions, please let me know. Regards, Bob

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

Excellent work Bob! I have never turned antler! I am sure I will soon! Pens looks fantastic! Chris

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Chris, I hope you get the chance to turn some antler soon. Regards, Bob

[@CarlJacobson]

Great looking pen Bob, I really like your sled setup too. Take care, Carl

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Carl, The sled has been wonderful, It's not to pretty but it works like a champ. Regards, Bob

[@HarryWatts65]

Great looking pen Bob, Great video very well demonstrated and explained, Thanks for sharing. Regards Harry

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Harry, I really appreciate the comment and the support. Regards, Bob

[@kevincostelloe4463]

What a great idea about the 10mm wrench! 👍

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Kevin. Regards, Bob

[@Sweepy372]

Another great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Fredrik, This was a fun video to make and I believe Walter will love the pen when it arrives. Regards, Bob

[@mosteam3985]

Great job, Bob. Love the high gloss finish!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I use multiple coats of CA glue then sand to 12,000 and polish with One -Step acrylic polish. Regards, Bob

[@walterwpg]

Thanks for an excellent video! This past weekend, I finished making a set of 15 pens from a moose antler, for a friend of mine at work. The original antler has some large, thick flat sections, and it was an interesting challenge cutting the blanks. I used a similar technique as yours for finishing, although I did not use as many coats of CA. Overall, the antler material was more time consuming to work with than wood, and you also have to deal with hardness and finishing differences between the hard outer "shell" and the more porous inner section. I'm definitely going to make a set of those nylon bushings, and that table saw sled looks really useful too.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you for commenting, I'm glad you liked the video. When I get the really porous sections of antler, I fill them with C/A glue to solidify them and make that section of antler useful. It takes care of the brittleness and sometimes the marrow really addy to the appearance of the pen. Regards, Bob

[@MikkellTheImmortal]

Nice work. I also use wrenches as a sizing gauge. I have an entire set that I ground down to be turning tools

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Steve, Wrenches are the quickest way to get a perfect tenon every time. I love using them. Regards, Bob

[@itslivthnx]

Ahh God, as soon as I heard that high-pitched squeal it took me back to when i made a deer antler pen... oh the smell and the sound!!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

LOL, It does stink. Regards, Bob

[@rogerjustice3357]

Thanks Bob. I do appreciate your guidance!!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your welcome Roger, If I can ever help, please let me know. Regards, Bob

[@weedersstuff5715]

as a deer hunter and an artist, I love your video and would love to make one of these myself. If I only had a lathe!!! Thanks for the detailed video & instructions!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You are welcome and thank you for watching. You never know, you may decide to purchase a lathe one of these days. If you do, prepare to get hooked on turning, is is an amazing way to make some extremely beautiful pieces and you are only limited by imagination. Regards, Bob

[@deaconmcdaniel783]

I love turning deer antler! its some of my favorite..

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Deacon, This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner. I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos. If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos. I've made a bunch of the over the years. Regards, Bob

[@PCman70]

nice job Bob that turned out real well. Sean

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Sean, I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos and to comment. Regards, Bob

[@MakeSomething]

Very nice! I'd like to try this now.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

David, Antler turns about like wood, it reminds me a lot of rose wood. You just want to make sure you have a recent antler, the ones that have laid around a while, especially outside, dry out and become chalky. Regards, Bob

[@PlaustrumWoodworking]

Another really great video Bob - it's got me wondering where I can get antler from - Thanks for sharing your shop time with us.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank You Bob, I burned my lathe up right after turning this pen. It's time for a new one but I don't have the funds for what I want. I have located an inexpensive but solid lathe that I will pick up soon and once I get it up and running, I'll make some more videos. Hopefully one bay soon I will be able to purchase a really nice lathe. Regards, Bob

[@PlaustrumWoodworking]

RJBWoodTurner Sorry to hear you're having lathe problems - I hope the replacement lathe works out for you and you can get back into action real soon.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

PlaustrumWoodworking Thanks Bob, I can't wait to get it. As soon as they get back from Disney Land I'll be in business. Regards, Bob

[@SMOKETHATBUCK]

Excellent work!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Brian. Regards, Bob

[@baconsoda]

That's good work. There's a deer head lying somewhere being cleaned by Nature and I'm going to be given it when it's done so I'll be using your tips for holding it to drill.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That sled has come in handy with several projects. I've wanted to build one for a long time and now I'm kicking myself for not building it sooner. Regards, Bob

[@lauraswan8647]

Liked and subscribed 😊that is such a fine looking pen

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Laura. Regards, Bob

[@paulyanchus1949]

Nice video very informative Could you go over the usage of a 10 mil open-ended wrench again to make the set back on the pen Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Paul, Here’s a link to an older video I made about creating a box wrench tenon tool. I use them all the time. Purchased a bunch of cheap wrenches to make all the sizes I regularly use. Regards, Bob Home Made Tenon Tool kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXbUo6KBbNZ8iLs

[@daletprescott3458]

good lookin pen and thanks for video

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dale. Regards, Bob

[@haroldkirk2213]

Have you ever used a friction wax after you polish your blanks I use it and it really brings out the shine on antler and acrylic blanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Harold, I have used Hut Crystal Coat and Shellawax friction polishes. I still routinely use both but mostly for items that aren't handled much like ornaments. I switched to C/A for pens because it is more durable and the pen stays shiny for many years. The friction polishes tend to dull if the piece is handled often. Just my opinion, thank you for watching my video and I hope you enjoyed it. Regards, Bob

[@charlesreece1704]

In this video at 4:30 sec you show your Ryobi 618 midi lathe head stock with the mandrel. I have spoken to you prior and I have the same lathe, However, mine has a large nut on the threaded spindle and won't allow for a chuck to be threaded on. How did you remove the nut? I know this sounds crazy but I don't want to damage anything so I am asking. The amount of threads that would then be exposed WILL allow me to install a chuck. Thanks for your response.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Charles, I purchased my Ryobi used and the nut was already missing. I would love to help you resolve this issue so I am giving you my e-mail address co we can correspond more easily: [e-mail]. My first thought would be to liberally soak the nut and any threads in front or behind with a product called PB Blaster. Cover the rest of your lathe so you don't get it everywhere and then soak it down. PB is a penetrating oil used to remove rusty nuts and bolts. I have used it to remove seized up bolts from an old camper and after about 15 minutes of soaking they came right out. My guess is from years of use particles have worked their way into the threads. I will take a look at my Ryobi tonight but I believe there is a hole in the collar of the headstock that you can place a tool in to get leverage when removing things from the headstock. Please e-mail me a photo of the headstock so I can see what we're working on. I also know that the Ryobi headstock will accept a #1 Morse Taper. I bent the mandrel used in that video and had to replace it. I purchased a #1 MT and used it without issue. I do recommend the Mandrel saver when you purchase a mandrel, you'll love it. Looking forward to hearing from you. Regards, Bob

[@dbcooper913]

Looks like pen making can be a lot of fun.Great hobby very interested in getting started..

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It's addicting Kevin, As soon as you start turning you'll be hooked. Regards, Bob

[@scott0071000]

Hi I am new to pen turning in the video on deer antler turning you said you were wearing at dust mask when drilling them out do you need a dust mask when turning deer antlers. I like your ideas

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello, Yes, I wear a mask the entire time I'm working with antler. You don't want that stuff in your lungs. Regards, Bob

[@charlesburroughs3095]

Almost all of the turnings involve taking the antler down to the porous core and finishing as a normal blank. However, Penn State and others show their completed pens with some of the rough outer shell intact. How would you finish a non-concentric blank with the rough outer shell and some of the inner core exposed? Enjoyed the video!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

That's a great question Charles, I start with the lathe off and use Denatured alcohol on a towel to clean the bark thoroughly. I then apply thin C/A by putting a drop on a clean towel and wiping it over the bark. I put on several coats this way then use my Micro-Mesh pads, wet, and sand back and forth. I continue to apply coats of C/A until I like the look of the finish. I hope this kelps. Regards, Bob.

[@faronleclerc4305]

What bushings did you use for this pen. I have a kit but can’t find the bushings for it

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I got the bushings from Penn State. The bushings are pkpark-bu. Regards, Bob

[@wdsuits]

Can you tell me where you got the non sticking bushings from. They look like the answer to a problem I have encountered using the CA glue. Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Dennis, I make them, here's my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYS7nYZubtagea8 You can also use UHMW plastic. It works just as well and is a bit cheaper. One correction to the video, drill a 1/4" hole in the bushings not 7mm. Let me know if you have any questions. Regards, Bob

[@carlbruschnigjr1757]

Dennis Suits Woodcraft is starting to carry them as well. I've been using them for a little while.

[@virus058910]

Great video. Where do you get your pen kits from? I've heard of people making them on the build quality of Mont Blanc pens... not sure where to start here.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I get most of my kits from Penn State Industries, I get a few from Woodcraft and Craft Supply. There are some Pen turning groups on FaceBook and the people on there may know of some places you can get really high end kits. I know they make them, I just can't afford them. Regards, Bob

[@markaeschliman3694]

Can you recommend a source for such uniformly white deer antler pen blanks?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Unfortunately Deer antler is hit or miss with the coloring. I got luck with this shed. Regards, Bob

[@NortelGeek]

Oh man, that is a beautiful pen! Thanks again for the videos, I'm really enjoying them. Quick question for you--compared to something like ivory, how would you describe the texture and overall feel of deer antler once it has been sanded and finished?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Perry, I have never had the opportunity to turn Ivory but I can tell you once sanded to 400, antler has a satin feel. It gets very soft and smooth and takes a finish easily. Regards, Bob

[@wijenayakanayana2435]

nice work sir,,,

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@rogerjustice3357]

Nice video.... I like your presentation style. Your tips on the nylon bushings is very much appreciated. Look forward to more of your videos.Do you have plans for your sled? I have had antler Ii found in the backyard for years trying to figure out how to efficiently drill the antler. Beautiful pen!!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Roger, I purchased some HDPE from Amazon and made my own bushings, it's a lot cheaper. I have a video on my channel of how I did it. I also did a video called preparing antler where I show how I prepare and drill it. I'll add the links. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Making non-stick bushings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYS7nYZubtagea8

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Preparing antler to turn: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZKodGOqlJx8ZpI

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I hope these videos help you and if you have any specific questions pleas let me know, I'd be happy to answer them. Regards, Bob

[@MrNeelyjohnson]

Great looking pen. Is that the classic gunmetal kit from Pennstate?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Neely, It is the Penn State Classic. Regards, Bob

[@garrettnorris3083]

I am planning on making a deer hunter bolt action pen with antler for my cousin. Any advice or problems you have exclusive to antler?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Garrett Norris Wear breathing protection. Antler turns a lot like wood but it is hard on the tool edge. Other then that it's pretty easy to turn. Regards, Bob

[@garrettnorris3083]

+RJBWoodTurner alright, thanks for the heads-up. Keep up the great videos!

[@dlwightman]

Thanks for the video, going to make some out of moose racks, wondering what you are using to put the CA glue and polish on. Are you using standard paper towel or white rag?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Your welcome, I apply the C/A and Polish with paper towel. I just split the towel in half and cut it into strips about an inch wide. Regards, Bob

[@kenzalhunter]

This may sound like an odd comment, but what kind of camera/mount do you use for the "behind the lathe" perspective you used to shoot the turning/finishing portions of this video?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Kenzal Hunter Hello Kenzal, I attach my tripod to an 8 foot ladder with some clamps and position it over the lathe. Regards, Bob

[@MichaelDavidHiltner]

Walter should be pleased!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Michael, He really liked the pen. Regards, Bob

[@st-germainreal2622]

thanks !

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Regards, Bob

[@xiaoli8380]

can you tell me the name of the machine you use at 4:30?

[@xiaoli8380]

:(

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Xiao Li, I apologize for the delay. I am still searching for the raw footage. I do not watch my videos from KZbin because they will accuse me of trying to boost my numbers for personal gain. Please bear with me as I believe I found the back up I need to answer your question. I will follow up with an answer soon. Regards, Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Xiao Li, I hope this is the information you are looking for. If not, please let me know. The lathe is a: Ryobi model ML618. I no longer use it because the potentiometer burned up and I don't have a replacement. The mandrel is a: Mandrel Saver from pennstateind.com Regards, Bob

[@xiaoli8380]

RJBWoodTurner thanks a lot ;) I thought you missed my comment

[@RJBWoodTurner]

No sir, Just had to do some digging to get the info. Have a great day. Regards, Bob

[@terrypen]

LOL, I was thinking "You know, if you stop saying Super Glue you could stop putting CA glue on the screen!" haha Funny how our brains get accustomed to saying brands... Cresent wrench, Channellock, Bubble Wrap, Dumpster, Frisbee, etc..

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Terry Pendergrass Sometimes I don't even realize I said super glue until I edit the video. It's a tough habit to break. Bon

[@billgross3964]

rj this is Bill loved your Antler presentation ,but antlers are light brown not white ! Use Potassium Permangaate to turn the back to brown and make the natural looking!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Bill, this was an older antler and probable really bleached out. Regards, Bob

[@timothymcswain6235]

Nice

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, Regards, Bob

[@cmelton.photography]

do antler pens smell bad after using for a wile?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Shastarocks OI if sealed with C/A they done but I have had Friction polish wear off and they will stink. Bob

[@cmelton.photography]

ok thanks, I am probibly going to get a kit and find a shed out in my grandmother's pasture and use that, I also would have to barrow a lathe to do it and a few other tools sadly.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Shastarocks OI I understand, I started in about the same place. Be sure to wear a mask, antler is super bad for your lungs. Bob

[@-NewDay-]

Freakin sweet.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, This new YT tool is showing me all the comments I missed over the years. Apologies for not responding sooner. I hope you're still watching and enjoying my videos. If you haven't checked out the channel for a while, please stop by and see some of the newer videos. I've made a bunch of the over the years. Regards, Bob

[@abstractbybrian]

what table saw do you have?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+abstractbybrian I have a Porter Cable TS. I believe it was purchased from Lowes, I've seen this model saw there. It was given to me when a business closed and they were clearing out the building so I'm not 100% sure of the origin. Bob

[@abstractbybrian]

Good to know. I tried being a traditional "hand" tool woodworker but that is driving me nuts. I'm looking for a table saw where I can at least cut my blanks from a s4s board. I don't want to have to spend $2000 for a PM1000.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+abstractbybrian I believe this one was around $500.00. Not real expensive but it's a nice saw. Bob

[@abstractbybrian]

That's good, maybe a Rigid rs4512 might be ok for just ripping blanks. I can xcut by hand and then sand to the barrel.

[@joyler2446]

Do you stabilize it

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You can but I don’t. If you do, think about maybe adding some color, it makes the antler look really cool. Regards, Bob

[@tugboat_actual]

would like to see deer antler with a type of stain, should be interesting.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Great idea, Once I get into my permanent shop, I want to order a pressure pot. With antler being so porous, that would be a great way do get the dye through out the blank. I'll try this. Regards, Bob

[@tugboat_actual]

thanks! would love to see it when you get it done.

[@unclegrizzlyscountrycorner2400]

+RJBWoodTurner An old way the natives would dye their pieces of bone or antler was to brew a very strong tea and let the pieces soak in it until the desired shade was achieved. You can also use strong brewed coffee for darker shades. I have some Elk Antler I would love to get some thing like your pens made out of. Thanks for the videos.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Richard, I had no idea that this was even done. I'd love to try dyeing antler. Once I get I to my new shop, I may have to see just how cool this would look. Thank you for an incredible idea. Regards, Bob

[@unclegrizzlyscountrycorner2400]

I used to help a guy make clothing buttons out of deer antler and the Tea gives a nice warm brown and the coffee gives a dark bolder shade of brown almost black depending on how long it is soaked.

[@None_yabusiness69420]

celtic knot with dear antler

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+spence brooks Cool idea. Regards, Bob

[@dwighthobdy4623]

Can u send me that deer antler pen? Love to show it off at work.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Dwight, I have discontinued making that style of pen because the kits had problems. I now make Bolt Action Bullet Pens. Take a look at my FaceBook page to see some examples. The account is: RJBWoodturner. Regards, Bob

[@Robbiethewoodturner]

great video bob personalty i don't like turning antler the smell of it drives me nuts :-( great job on the pen all the best Robbie

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thanks Robbie, It does stink. I have a mask I wear while turning antler but you can still smell it. regards, Bob

[@keithmurray4025]

I wish Walter would send me some deer antler

[@RJBWoodTurner]

😃

[@Terminator1000]

Hi Do you also sell them? I would like to buy one

[@RJBWoodTurner]

+Nitin Rai Hello, I do sell them when I have some made up. I am really behind in the shop so I have no stock at their present time. Regards, Bob

[@Kingpinsuited00]

You have a stronger stomach than I do. There are not many things that smell worse than burning antlers

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I have a mask that filters out the stench. I can't stomach it either. Regards, Bob

[@louiscurrier7535]

Several times in the video you reference "super glue" and then correct yourself and call it "CA glue"...is there a difference?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Lewis, Both are cyanoacrylate, I just consider super glue to be the stuff I get from Wal-Mart that I use to fix things. C/A is distilled and comes in many different viscosities. I use thin for finishing, it is runny like water. I use medium for repairs, it is the consistency of regular super glue. I use thick for gluing tubes into blanks. I hope this helps. Regards, Bob

[@kaylie1761]

I loved this! I seduced this crease.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

😃