[TheForge] Elk Antler fireplace set

[Jim Guy]

I'm looking to make a fireplace tool set for my son, and I'd like to
incorporate an Elk antler for the stand.    What should I look out for in my
design?  I would think it would be pretty durable, but most fireplace tool
sets using antlers seem to avoid steel to bone contact.  

My original thought was to drill a hole in the burr (the end that connects
to the skull) and epoxy a threaded rod so I can attach it to the base of the
stand, and then hang the tools from the tines on the far end.    The tools
would have a oak leaf and acorn on the end with a bark texture.  

Should I instead use the elk antler to hide a shaft in the back and use it
end most branches to lean the fireplace tools against?     Let me know what
does and doesn't work!


Thanks in advance!


Jim Guy
Conyers, Ga.
Jguy1 at ix.netcom.com