Horn shaping plug

[BillinOregon]

After Horner 75 posted about using heat to reshape cowhorn, I got inspired to make a plug. I recently got a small Jet wood lathe, and a shaping plug is so easy even a total pilgrim like myself can make one. I used a piece of Pacific dogwood I have had on hand for a couple of years. I know you're not supposed to turn a round branch, but that's what this was and it came out OK:

Now, the funny thing is I have some good horns, a shaping plug, proper tools and the Sibleys' excellent book, and just you watch, I will still be unable to make a decent powder horn!

:rotf:

 

[Black Hand]

I know you're not supposed to turn a round branch, but that's what this was and it came out OK:

Out of curiosity, why?

 

[BillinOregon]

BH: This is something the guys talked about on the UK "bodger" forum -- guys that turns things out of green wood using foot and spring-powered pole lathes. They insisted you needed to quarter a round chunk of tree, then work down the quarters to round before turning. I admit I made a few things from green branches on the old pole lathe (which wasn't very well made) and they did tend to check and warp. But I am pleased with this totally cured dogwood.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Looks good, Bill! Bet you make a winner!

 

[lonehunter]

Beautiful piece of wood, It would make pretty knife handles.
Nice job! :thumbsup:

 

[MSW]

"Be ye not afraid." The very worst you can do is spend a horn in the learning process. Nothing is wasted that does not gain knowledge by its use.

You will make a horn, and then the next one will be better and so on, and you will down a path of hornmaking.

The coolest tools are the ones you make yourself, so GO FOR IT!

good luck with your project!

 

[ohio ramrod]

So true about the ones you make yourself. Over the years I have acquired several beautiful schrimshawed horns in trades. But the ones I and my boys use are ones I made.!

 

[longbow-hunter]

I just finished my first horn. It may not pass muster with some who've been doing it for years but I'm satisfied, and I think must of the horns done in the day would have been done in the field with just a knife. So dont worry how it turns out. You will be satisfied because you did it yourself.

 

[gus13]

Now, the funny thing is I have some good horns, a shaping plug, proper tools and the Sibleys' excellent book, and just you watch, I will still be unable to make a decent powder horn!
:rotf:

Geez! You sound just like me! I've lost track of the number of horns I've made so far and not a single "decent" one yet! :haha:

 

[fatboy]

As long as it holds powder and keeps it dry your good to go

 

[omarick1948]

Bill, It's not brain surgery! Just takes a little time and a bunch of practice, and practice, and practice etc. etc. etc.

Nice forming pug! ... :thumbsup:

Rick