stabilizing antler

[bailebr3]

what is the best, cheapest, and easiest way to stabilize antler for scales? the outer most layer of the antler will be ground off during shaping...so it will just be the inner layer exposed.

thanks guys
brandon

[KHALVERSON]

ca glue (super glue)
use a surgical glove apply a liberal amount and rub on
i hope this helps
kevin

[Wampus]

Not the cheapest, but Nelsonite is a great stabilizer for both antler/horn and wood.  A quart will do many knive scales.

 http://elliscustomknifeworks.hightemptools.com/nelsonite.html

[bailebr3]

ok thanks guys...one question for khalverson....how do you know when enough is enough with the ca?? and how long in between, or does that depend mainly on the scale size?

[KHALVERSON]

my experience with the ca glue is that it soaks in and dries very quickly  only so much will be obsorbed  and will start to build up after a couple coats it can also be used to fill snall nicks and worm holes in wood
i have only used it on antler once
so  i hope my limited experience helps
thanks kevin

[bailebr3]

ok i figured it would start to build up once it absorbed so much.

thanks