Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: HoBow on July 04, 2010, 12:47:22 pm

Title: Antler straightening
Post by: HoBow on July 04, 2010, 12:47:22 pm

Has anyone ever had any luck using heat?  I tried to boil a piece and it cracked???

Title: Re: Antler straightening
Post by: Pat B on July 04, 2010, 01:13:17 pm

Jeff, If you put a straight form over the developing antlers now on a live deer you could come out with straight antlers.  ;D

Title: Re: Antler straightening
Post by: HoBow on July 04, 2010, 01:20:43 pm

Pat, I'm not even going to ask how you know. Brought back visions of my doberman as a puppy ;)

Title: Re: Antler straightening
Post by: Pat B on July 04, 2010, 01:32:16 pm

Just a wild guess!  ;)   ;D

Title: Re: Antler straightening
Post by: jthompson1995 on July 04, 2010, 09:13:54 pm

I've heard you can add some vineagr to the boiling water to help soften the antler a bit or you can let it sit overnight in water without boiling then clamp it between boards in a vise until it dries. Never tried it but have heard of people being successful with it.

Title: Re: Antler straightening
Post by: Hillbilly on July 05, 2010, 02:18:47 pm

I think the best way is just to soak it in water for a long, long time. The vinegar weakens it. It'll smell like hell on earth after you soak it, but it'll be fine after it dries back out.