First attempt at a horn

[Shadowalker164]

A kit project: a raw and funky smelling (my wife’s opinion) buffalo horn, spout, cord, blank base and base plug.

I have never done a buffalo horn before, or any other kind of horn, but I could see unlike cow horn the buffalo horn was rough! Deep long straight cracks running base to tip. I could have left it rough, a primitive look, but I chose to go jet black, with that high gloss finish. The only difference between the two is hours of sanding.

I replaced the plug with curly maple and used silver nails to secure it to the horn.

Comments and critics welcome

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Nice, very nice! My comment: Too bad it is yours and not mine!
Larry

 

[Trapper Scott]

A kit project: a raw and funky smelling (my wife’s opinion) buffalo horn, spout, cord, blank base and base plug.

I have never done a buffalo horn before, or any other kind of horn, but I could see unlike cow horn the buffalo horn was rough! Deep long straight cracks running base to tip. I could have left it rough, a primitive look, but I chose to go jet black, with that high gloss finish. The only difference between the two is hours of sanding.

I replaced the plug with curly maple and used silver nails to secure it to the horn.

Comments and critics welcome

Wow! I have never fooled with any type of horn-making project and I can't believe the difference. You did great!

 

[Eutycus]

Some years back I mentioned brass nails in the base plug. Several members here told me it was a no- no. "Use thorns instead." They said the nails or brads would be too secure and that you want the base to blow out if the horn should explode. With thorns the base would just blow out and no harm done. With nails holding the base in, the horn would act as a grenade or bomb. That's also why you carry it with the base pointing to the rear.Good advice, but the nails are still there. They are far more decorative than thorns.

 

[oldwood]

Now see.....that wasn't too tough to do , was it? Looks good

 

[Shadowalker164]

I am no explosives expert, but if my horn lit off, it holds almost a pound, nails in the plug would not be my problem! I think popping off a pound of black powder on my hip might spoil my whole day no matter what

 

[Ranger94]

IMPRESSIVE!!!

 

[BoomStick]

Looks great! After sanding and buffing, did you apply a finish of any kind...wax or a varnish?

 

[Shadowalker164]

Broomstick
I applied one coat of Truoil after finish sanding/buffing. It’s amazingly, the horn went from pretty much black to classic black lacquer!

 

[Red Owl]

You can use toothpaste to polish horn. That's after 600 grit sand paper.

 

[waksupi]

Some years back I mentioned brass nails in the base plug. Several members here told me it was a no- no. "Use thorns instead." They said the nails or brads would be too secure and that you want the base to blow out if the horn should explode. With thorns the base would just blow out and no harm done. With nails holding the base in, the horn would act as a grenade or bomb. That's also why you carry it with the base pointing to the rear.Good advice, but the nails are still there. They are far more decorative than thorns.

Much ado about nothing.

William Shakespeare

 

[JEBMs]

Handsome horn

 

[Eutycus]

Much ado about nothing.

William Shakespeare

You notice I said the nails remain.Meaning I don't put much into that bit of advice either.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Nice job.

 

[deertraks]

Looks really nice!

 

[oldwood]

Well, the hook is set. Now you must do another horn. No one said m/ling is a walk in the park. Nobody knows when you will reach the sweet spot , of how many toys is enough. Enjoy

 

[Shadowalker164]

Well, the hook is set. Now you must do another horn. No one said m/ling is a walk in the park. Nobody knows when you will reach the sweet spot , of how many toys is enough. Enjoy

I have a cheap eBay horn. Bought it on a whim, but never liked much. After seeing all the fine horns on this forum, maybe I could do a complete rebuild on that horn, maybe try some of the techniques horn makers here do so well.

 

[TDM]

You did a fine job on your horn. I like it!

 

[Lucky]

Much ado about nothing.

William Shakespeare

No nails is a comment by people who believe in urban legends. If your horn explodes it is going to be bad regardless of nails or thorns. The reality is this: Since the inception of the powder horn nails have been used. I could post 1000's of pictures here of original horns with brass nails, iron nails, cut finish brads, rose head hand wrought nails....you name it.

The people making the "hand grenade" claim have not done their research and only work off rumors. Black powder is volatile and will seek the path of least resistance. In theory it could all blow right out the tip. If you read in the Dixie Gun Works catalog how they test barrels you will understand. They take a 12 inch piece off barrel, weld one end shut, thread the other end with a breech plug, fill it completely full with powder and light a fuse that goes into the vent. When it explodes a good barrel will stay intact and the entire explosion comes out the vent. A weak barrel explodes dues to weak spots in the barrel.

Use nails, make a period correct powder horn and enjoy!

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Make sure the stopper is in when you shoot, keep sparks away from it and you'll be fine. Nice horn.