Recommendation? Filling antler pores

[spareparts]

Any recommendations for sealing the pith/pores in antler handles.

Been working with some local elk antler sheds.

I grind off the bark for a more bone-like look, often taking it down to the pith.

In the past, I mix up epoxy, spread it on thick over the exposed pith, then use a vacuum to suck it down deeper.

I sent a batch off the K&G thinking they would come back solid polymer, but alas, the antler is only slightly improved. Still very porous.

What do you guys do to seal?

 

[imill3567]

I’ve only used it once, have another one planned for Christmas. It was a bolster so the whole pith was exposed at the front. I just wicked super thin CA into it until it stopped running down, seemed to work fine.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Why waste antler trying to make it look like bone? Just use bone.
The whole charm of stag is the "bark" outside surface.

 

[spareparts]

I just wicked super thin CA into it until it stopped running down, seemed to work fine.

Thanks, I give CA a try.

Why waste antler trying to make it look like bone? Just use bone.
The whole charm of stag is the "bark" outside surface.

I live in elk country and I find myself getting ahold of elk sheds to be alot easier than bone. I also think it seems to be tougher/harder than bone (excepting rhe pith of course).

I used to find appeal in the bark, but after doing a few without...well I don't know how to describe it but it's like fine chocolate to the hands. There's a warm, buttery feel to it...like real ivory piano keys. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

[Horsewright]

Yep the thin superglue will work for ya. Its what I use and I use a lot of elk.