horn comb
- Thread starter GJP
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Haven't made one myself, but here's a logical guess:
Take a piece of relatively thin horn from the back of a horn, the side that was once nearest the head. Cut the round section off, then make a lengthwise cut so that you have an open circle, like a rolled-up piece of paper. Boil this circle in water, dunk it in hot oil, or heat it carefully with a heat gun until the horn is pliable. Using gloves, unroll it partly or completely, depending on the pliability of the horn, being careful not to crack or split it. Put it into a vise with just enough pressure to keep it opened up (if it's completely flat you could put it between two boards and pile books on top of it. Let it cool, and then repeat the procedure as needed until you have a completely flat piece of horn. Draw out the pattern of comb you want onto the horn, and then using a jeweler's saw, cut out the comb. Use a file and some sandpaper to smooth out the edges, and you have your comb.
This just comes from making one or two horns, including one flattened one, so others may be more knowledgeable, but this should work well enough.
Show us the finished result!
Take a piece of relatively thin horn from the back of a horn, the side that was once nearest the head. Cut the round section off, then make a lengthwise cut so that you have an open circle, like a rolled-up piece of paper. Boil this circle in water, dunk it in hot oil, or heat it carefully with a heat gun until the horn is pliable. Using gloves, unroll it partly or completely, depending on the pliability of the horn, being careful not to crack or split it. Put it into a vise with just enough pressure to keep it opened up (if it's completely flat you could put it between two boards and pile books on top of it. Let it cool, and then repeat the procedure as needed until you have a completely flat piece of horn. Draw out the pattern of comb you want onto the horn, and then using a jeweler's saw, cut out the comb. Use a file and some sandpaper to smooth out the edges, and you have your comb.
This just comes from making one or two horns, including one flattened one, so others may be more knowledgeable, but this should work well enough.
Show us the finished result!
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This is simular to the way I have have done it, but haven't made any flat work for quite awhile.
One thing that I wouldn't do is use boiling water and DUNK it into hot oil. Water and hot oil can be very dangerous from oil splatter!
A Heat Gun or Hot oil....gets things hotter and easier to flatten, BUT DON'T BURN OR SCORCH THE HORN OR YOURSELF!
One thing that I wouldn't do is use boiling water and DUNK it into hot oil. Water and hot oil can be very dangerous from oil splatter!
A Heat Gun or Hot oil....gets things hotter and easier to flatten, BUT DON'T BURN OR SCORCH THE HORN OR YOURSELF!
Go here
http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/efts/ARTFL/projects/encyc/searchform.html
and for Type of Entry type in plate
That will get you all the images. Helps if you know what the different trades are in French. :wink:
and for Type of Entry type in plate
That will get you all the images. Helps if you know what the different trades are in French. :wink:
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Thanks eveyone! Jerry P and I have worked on a few horns, so I had an idea of what to do. Thank you very much for your thoughts. This is always a great place to run ideas past "like minded" friends. Sorry, I won't be able to post a picture, but I'll let you know how it goes! Thanks again! - Mrs Jerry P
