horn softener

[bubba.50]

dixie gun works used to sell some kinda chemical to soften powder horns for fitting the plug. can't seem to find it in my new catalog. anyone know what i'm talkin' about and can ya offer any help? thanks friends, bubba.

 

[rabjr]

:haha: I just got done using a heat gun, worked like a charm for me.

 

[gus13]

heat gun, deep fryer - even boiling water, in a pinch - should work for fitting a plug for ya!

 

[bubba.50]

thanks for the replies swampy and gus. warn't workin' on a horn. wanta soften/flatten some deer hooves to try a cuppla small inlays.

 

[ladysmithtrading]

should work the same on hooves, worth a try!

 

[ohio ramrod]

To final fit my horns I put the horn and the plug both in an oven set at 200 degrees F for an hour this drys the plug and some what shrinks it and softens the horn. When I take the plug out of the oven I rub it over a lump of beeswax and then slide it into the horn.The beeswax helps seal any imperfactions. :hmm:

 

[bubba.50]

so, i guess the answer is no-one knows what it was dixie used to sell, how to use it, or where to get it?

 

[gus13]

yep! I have actually never heard of such a product before, all I've ever done is one of the three mentioned above. :thumbsup:

 

[napolean]

The only thing I found in my 1998 Dixie catalog was a tip in the General Information section in the very back that says "To soften ivory or horn and render it flexible, steep in a diluted phosphoric acid in a container that can be covered. Then wash it in cold soft water and dry.
The horn will then be soft and flexible"
It goes on about thickness and scraping the horn & such.
Thats all I could find.
Jon D

 

[omarick1948]

I've received about every Dixie Catalog since the 70's and being a Horner. I think that product would of caught my attention. Do you think you might be thinking about that OLD BONES antiquing solution they sell?

Rick

 

[bubba.50]

it's hell gettin' old. i think it must be what jonb here found. thanks to one and all for the help

 

[rabjr]

Hmm they said Ivory too? I might havta try it on a piece. :hmm:

 

[rafterob]

steep in a diluted phosphoric acid

Coca-Cola? It sure softens teeth.

 

[napolean]

I ain't givin up my Diet Coke.
I noticed the "tip" didn't give a ratio of this solution. Your all on your own there.
Jon D

 

[omarick1948]

heat gun, deep fryer - even boiling water, in a pinch - should work for fitting a plug for ya!

Best way I know...Do it this way several times a month!

Rick