what's the easiest way to make scales from antler

[cedar_fluteman]

I just wondered how everyone cuts the antler to get scales out of it. Never goes very good for me. Do you use hand tools or machines or what is best?

[Fox Creek]

Fluteman,
It's tough to do, but what I do is spend some time looking at the antler and trying to figure the best way to cut it get the flatest, widest, thickest scale. I then draw lines with a grease pencil. I clamp the antler in the bench vise, wrapping it with leather so I can sieze it in the vise with out harming it. Then saw it with a hacksaw. then smoothand flatten them up. I sand it on the belt sander. To do it with files and sanp paper tacked to the bench would take longer. it is amazing how hard it is to cut good scales. it makes you really respect he old 19th century workers that specialized in such work.

[navajas]

CUT THE SCALES AT THE WIDEST POINT YOU CAN, AFTER CUTTING THEM, FLATTEN THE CUT SIDE AS EVEN AS POSSIBLE AND GLUE THEM TO A PIECE OF FLAT BOARD THAT YOU CAN USE AS A GUIDE ON A BAND SAW AND CUT OFF THE PIECES OF ANTLER TO THE THICKNESS THAT YOU NEED USING THE GUIDE ON THE BAND SAW. THIS WAY VERYLITTLE FLATTENING IS NEEDED AND YOU WILL KEEP YOUR FINGERS. I HOPE THIS IS CLEAR, IF NOT, E-MAIL ME AND I WILL TRY TO EXPLAIN IT BETTER.
Roland Sorry I didn't mean to yell. but I don't type fast enough to do it over.