Shaping a Powder Horn Spout

PathfinderNC said:

Hi folks,
I thought I would share some photos of how I shape a powder horn throat and spout. It might be a bit unconventional but it’s a personal technique that I developed that seems to work well. (Note that I do the base plug first- just personal preference.)
I work by using a 1/4” steel rod which is inserted deeply into the nozzle hole and, with my free hand to support the horn, I rasp and file the horn to shape.
Care must be taken to not exert too much force at the risk of cracking the spout. As the horn material is removed, less pressure is used. Final shaping with a scraper, knife, needle files and sandpaper is done off the bench (usually outside in a comfortable chair)
I have been using this method for a good while and at horn #70 (shown), I have never had a horn crack.
Hope this is helpful.

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longcruise said:

Why did I never think of supporting with a rod like that. Have never seen it written anywhere before.

I admire your workmanship with every horn you show us.

A question; what method do you use in shaping the spout hole if any? Speaking of the inside. Do you form an interna bevel or is it drilled straight?

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ScottK said:

Beautiful work and please keep posting. I’m just starting down this path and good tutorials and pictures are hard to come by. What are you using to get the solid black color? India ink?

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Antelope Pete said:

Good idea and great looking finished horn. I'm going to do a buffalo horn just need to figure a spout shape. Thanks.

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PathfinderNC said:

Hi folks,
I thought I would share some photos of how I shape a powder horn throat and spout. It might be a bit unconventional but it’s a personal technique that I developed that seems to work well. (Note that I do the base plug first- just personal preference.)
I work by using a 1/4” steel rod which is inserted deeply into the cut and drilled nozzle hole and, with my free hand to support the horn, I rasp and file the horn to shape.
Care must be taken to not exert too much force at the risk of cracking the spout. As the horn material is removed, less pressure is used. Final shaping with a scraper, knife, needle files and sandpaper is done off the bench (usually outside in a comfortable chair)
I have been using this method for a good while and at horn #70 (shown), I have never had a horn spout or neck crack.
Hope this is helpful.

Click to expand...