First post, first horn

[Mockingbird]

So this is my very first post hereI have been laying low and just reading for quite a bit. A little backstory to start. I have always been a history nut, my love of the 18th century portion of it exploded when I found out one of my ancestors (GR x 5 Grandfather) was an early settler of NE Pennsylvania and served in the Revolution. My love of flintlocks followed suit when I thus restored an old CVA kit my father had made back in the late 70's to working condition and fired it for the first time. I have always been a gun guy but making spark with flint and steel was addicting. So now I am hooked.

To the topic. So here I am working on my first powder horn. I started with a kit from Powder horns and more, But have been modifing and making it more to my taste. I have been working only with hand tools. This is what I have so far:

I love the process so far and the fact that the horn I recieved had a naturally dark tip that almost looks like it was dyed. I am going to scrimshaw a period correct map of the area my ancestor settled (modern day Lackawaxen/Mast Hope PA) on to the horn. My only question I have up to this point is what do most folks use to stain the base plug? I have seen mention of leather dye, or even just Rit dyeing it durring the antiqueing process. Anyone ever use aqua fortis? Thanks in advance. I am truly in awe of the talent I see on this board.

 

[Len Graves]

I love it when the horn already has the color like yours. Looks like a super good job. I guess any wood stain will work. I find leather stains tend to fade with sun light. aqua fortis will work also . When I turn one from walnut I don't use stain. I will often use the same stain I use on rifles, make the horn to match the rifle. I have made several end plugs from Apple and a couple from plum wood and all I did was use true oil ,left the original color of the wood . I think they look fine that way. I don't really know if there are any rules, just do what pleases you.

 

[hawkeye2]

That's a fine looking horn! Your first, heck I couldn't begin to match it if I did a dozen. Hope your 2nd. post will be to show us your progress on the horn.

 

[user 922]

Clean and crisp. Put a nice plug on it, make a stopper and leave it alone.

 

[satx78247]

WELCOME to the camp. - NICE start on your first horn, too.

yours, satx

 

[hoochiepapa]

It shows that you are handy with tools.
Nice work.

 

[Mockingbird]

I really appreciate all the compliments. It has been a lot of very slow going, measure twice (or 5 times) cut once mentality on my part. I am a digital artist by trade so I love using hand tools and getting dirty when I get the chance. As far as the finish on the plug goes I am leaning towards aqua fortis, and I will most assuredly post pictures as I move along. One more question..For the strap holder I see lots of staples and lots of carved nubs. Don't see vary many of the drawer pull rings. Is there a reason for that? Harder to come by? Not as historically accurate? Weaker construction? Thanks again for all the help and compliments I hope to some day be able to return the favor.

 

[jfaldo]

You definitely have artistic ability. The dimensions and lines are pretty perfect looking. Unfortunately I have to go more for function because my artistic ability doesn't even allow me to draw a straight line.

 

[Pete44ru]

One more question.
For the strap holder I see lots of staples and carved nubs.

Don't see vary many of the drawer pull rings.

Is there a reason for that?
Harder to come by?
Not as historically accurate?
Weaker construction?

Welcome, and congrats on your work ! :bow:

I would opine that drawer pull rings might be noisy afield - a minus when hunting.


.

 

[Mockingbird]

There is definite beauty in function. :thumbsup:

 

[hawkeye2]

Drawer pull rings look amazingly like drawer pull rings and not like powder horn parts.

 

[user 922]

Agree on the drawer pull rings. You've made everything so far and it looks great. Keep it simple.

 

[MSW]

that's a great looking horn! my counsel (for whatever it's worth) is to leave it undecorated for a bit. I think it looks great 'as is.' use it for a bit and then decide if you want to scrim it or tinker with the color.

regarding the butt plug, I would go with a bit of walnut or apple, and instead of a 'drawer pull,' I would make a staple. (a bit of coathanger wire works well for this.) I've tried drawer pull and they just don't seem to have the right visual 'feel.' they just look a bit odd and out of place - 'forced' if you will.

OK - that's the ranting of the cranky old man ...
leave the horn unstained
don't scrim the horn (at least, not yet)
staples look better than drawer pulls
go with a simple stopper: stylistic consistency is important
make a similar powder measure
your horn looks great!
you should have a horn (and measure) for each muzzle loader you own

nice work, and good luck with the rest of your project.

make good smoke!

 

[hawkthrower]

Aqua fortis will work great for staining the base plug unless you use walnut and then I would agree that just a tung oil finish would look good. For the type of horn you're are doing a staple would look better than anything. You are doing great so far ,can't wait to see it completed.

Ron

 

[Mickc01]

Wow!!! I'm so impressed. I can't wait to see the finished map horn. And I'm with some of the other guys, the color is so well done in the natural horn already, I wouldn't worry about dye, just put a nice plug in it and go. :hatsoff: Mick C

 

[Mockingbird]

So, while waiting for the Aqua Fortis to arrive I went out the other day and got some 3/16 round stock to make a staple. I hammered it square and it has a very nice look to it. My only concern is that looking at this, it just seems rather "beefy". Also I wanted to ask which way should the staple mount; horizontal/across the curve or vertical/with the curve? I have seen both and tried looking for reference as to one vs the other but have turned up empty. Again thank you for all the help. If needed I will post some pictures with the unbent stock along with the plug and horn later for scale.

 

[omarick1948]

On most of my horns with a strap staple, I like to use wire clothes hangers or 1/8" wire. I usually mount my staple to be horizontal, but that also depends on what type of strap attachment will connect to the horn. It's mainly a personal call!

Another thing is making a staple with a twist in it. First, I have never seen an original with a twisted staple used in it, plus those twisted staples some people like to put on their horns are covered when the strap is attached and probably adds to a little unwanted wear on the strap end. JMHO

Rick

 

[suzkat]

Very nice start to your horn. I did a map of my ancestors trek across Pennsylvania too. It's a nice way to pay homage to their lives.

 

[brubincam]

how about nails with a twist to keep from pulling out of lumber nailed together

 

[fleener]

The great thing about a horn is that they are cheap to make. I bet that this is not your last horn, so don't worry about what you want or should do. Just do it and start planning on your next horn.

You stated you got the bug, if so and you enjoyed making this horn, you will make others.

I agree with the others, it is a really nice horn, one that anyone would be proud of.

GOOD JOB.

Fleener