Antler will turn much like plastic (figure A), and like plastic, it comes off in small pieces, not in long shavings. It doesn't have to be turned into a perfect cylinder; the textures and contours of the antler add interest to the finished form (figure B and figure C).
1. Using the roughing gouge, apply the same techniques used on wood and plastic to form a cylinder. 2. Change to the spindle gouge, which has ground back ends for shaping. Roll the tool to create curves and raise the handle as the diameter gets smaller. Shape as desired (figure D). 3. Sand slight imperfections in the surface by hand. Finish by sanding on the turning lathe, using 150- and 220-grit sandpaper and nonabrasive woven pads. Apply carnauba wax and buff to a shine (figure E).
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