Flattening cow horns?

[riarcher]

I'm pretty sure I saw a thread on softening cow horns for working, but, I don't seem to be able to find it.
Wasn't there some comon household item added to the water when boiling the horn to softness? (or am I all mixed up)

 

[Rebel]

horn is to just put it behind your truck tire and back over it. :: :: Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Griz]

I have never used anything other than plain water, boiled for around 1 hour + or - depending on the thickness. That is the same way I make them soft for forming a round plug also. Some will say to use oil in a fryer, but you better know what you are doing or you will cook it and then they become brittle and will break like glass. I have been working horn for 8 years and never used anything but water. Good luck and have fun with it.

 

[riarcher]

Reb, :shocking: I'll bet THAT would work! :no:
Griz, thanks. I'll try your idea (especially before Reb's /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif)

 

[Rebel]

first, it's much faster. ::

 

[Gary]

At Conner Prairie they heat the horns in a rice cooker and dip it in for a few minutes. It's then pressed in a huge vise and allowed to cool in it.