Antler is really easy to turn. I always stabilize it with thin CA glue
before turning. It will soak down into the weak and unstable parts of
the antler. It does indeed smell bad when turning. Off-white can be
rather pretty if it is accented. Antler is coarse and is often pitted.
I have a couple of old stainless steel bushings. I put those on the
mandrel and using a fine sandpaper (240 or higher), I sand lightly
(very little sanding is needed) and with the dust on the sandpaper,
touch up the antlers. It fills in the small pits with silver. The
effect is nice and everyone that sees it have said that they love the
accent. I then finish as normal. Use this if you would like and ignore
it if you wish.

MHR