WWA Info Exchange

the deer were at the apple trees again this year . So I got some handles for some mugs I made from an elm limb that was in the fire wood. The antler is fastened on at the base with a cut off drywall screw into both the antler and the cup and with high strength epoxy at the top. To prevent the handle from turning.

Clever! Do you plan to put them into actual use? What wood & finish could you suggest as proper to use for a coffee mug or do you think it advisable?

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Cheers - Dennis

I like them!
Did you try to polish the handles?
Zulu

They aren't finished yet. I sealed the wood with a CA glue and will apply lacquer for a final finish. The antlers are lightly sanded to smooth them out. I usually use oak for making mugs but I thought I would give the elm a try. Elm really wants to tear out bad on a lath,e so it was more of a challenge just to see if I could get it finished .They will definitely be put to use for cider and wine. I like the look of shellac on elm and oak but shellac and alcohol don't mix so the lacquer wins out. With oak you can get by with just a salad bowl finish most of the time but I don't wantto risk these cracking and an oil finish just isn't as durable as the lacquer.