A word about Deer Antlers
A word about Deer Antlers
I'll qualify these statements with saying that I've never done anything with deer antlers before so I can't say whether or not this is the standard of what to expect or not.
I bought some deer antlers at a flea market the other day so I could use them for stem inserts. Cut one down in a place where the width/girth looked decent. Went to start sanding down the thing when I almost instantly gagged! The smell is so horendous I seriously almost hurled everywhere right on the spot. I contained my lunch and then did my best to stomach the stench for as long as I could and finished something I can use...
So the word about deer antlers is: It smells so bad that I don't think I'll ever use it again!
I bought some deer antlers at a flea market the other day so I could use them for stem inserts. Cut one down in a place where the width/girth looked decent. Went to start sanding down the thing when I almost instantly gagged! The smell is so horendous I seriously almost hurled everywhere right on the spot. I contained my lunch and then did my best to stomach the stench for as long as I could and finished something I can use...
So the word about deer antlers is: It smells so bad that I don't think I'll ever use it again!
Yep, that's what antlers smell like! Doesn't have to be "fresh" either -- I'm using a pair from a deer my father got 30 years ago, and it still has that unforgettable smell.
The smell, and the fact that it's hard to find a straight section, makes me lean more toward Corian or something for inserts...
The smell, and the fact that it's hard to find a straight section, makes me lean more toward Corian or something for inserts...
Burnt carcas is probably right - it's a smell which is like nothing else, and one you'll likely never forget. I made a couple of tampers out of the the "tips" on the antlers a few years back. Almost made me projectile vomit!
I'm making a pipe with a short extension now, but if I go real slow when sanding the smell isn't quite so bad (drilling will sure bring it out though!)
I'm making a pipe with a short extension now, but if I go real slow when sanding the smell isn't quite so bad (drilling will sure bring it out though!)
antler
If you guys don't like the smell of burning antler your just letting the best in life pass you buy! Water buffalo horn is another aromatic smell!
Greg Clemons
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Welcome Greg! Glad you joined the group.
The smell of antler (and ivory, bone, horn, etc.) is definitely unpleasant. It doesn't bother me though -- until today. I was working with some horn, and it was getting very hot -- too hot -- and it not only smelled like such things do when you are working them, but an added dimension of burning was there. It was much more intense and acrid, quite nasty. To cool it off so I could work it more, I grabbed a bottle of the nearest liquid... which turned out to be rubbing alcohol. I gave it a little squirt, and, without forewarning, I almost instantaneously gagged. The combined smell of the burnt horn with the alcohol vapors about did me in!
Tyler
The smell of antler (and ivory, bone, horn, etc.) is definitely unpleasant. It doesn't bother me though -- until today. I was working with some horn, and it was getting very hot -- too hot -- and it not only smelled like such things do when you are working them, but an added dimension of burning was there. It was much more intense and acrid, quite nasty. To cool it off so I could work it more, I grabbed a bottle of the nearest liquid... which turned out to be rubbing alcohol. I gave it a little squirt, and, without forewarning, I almost instantaneously gagged. The combined smell of the burnt horn with the alcohol vapors about did me in!
Tyler
Tyler Lane Pipes
http://www.tylerlanepipes.com
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antler:
Thats right, it's bad. The first time I used it I thought of the dentist! The hair stood up on my arms, still does. I have to plan to do it when nobody's home. Everyone has something to say, and it's not good! Best thing to do is wear a mask, it helps. Suck on a strong mint as well and exhale through your nose.
Dan
Gabrieli Pipes
Dan
Gabrieli Pipes
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Actually, antler isn't bone, it's protein -- keratin, whatever -- kind of like hair. Which also smells pretty bad when you burn it. Come to think of it, there really isn't anything from a living creature that you can burn and have it smell good. That said, I'd rather work with antler than acrylic any day. There are "whew, this stinks, but it's just a smell" smells, and then there are "I wonder what kind of nerve damage this is doing?" smells.