Let's see some powder horns!

[omarick1948]

I need some new inspiration, so let's see your powder horn(s)!

hotoSmile:

 

[MSW]

well, not to sound like a downer, but if you were to look to my work, I fear that you'd be inspired ...






to toss all your horn gear and take up playing the bagpipes!

:blah: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:

 

[CrackStock]

Here is one which I worked on a while back. Horn tip, potassium permanganate neck, cherry butt and horn strap attachment bud.

(Did not post elsewhere because everyone seems to think that I should ink up my work. )

CS

 

[ohio ramrod]

I'll try I have a lot of problems with photobucket.

Here are three I made and had Stumbling Wolf scratch for me, my grandson , and great nephew. :idunno:

 

[nwtradegun]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/t6iyky3zhf5yya0/DSC04813.JPG?dl=0

 

[Mickc01]

I don't think you should necessarily "ink it up". I thin it's beautiful as is....Mick C :hatsoff:

 

[MSW]

I like it!

 

[CrackStock]

Thanks - Just poking some fun at Horner with that comment. There were some comments made elsewhere among horners regarding my using pretty white horns and not etching them. The comment is not to be taken seriously.

I do an okay job with the machining, but I am far from an artist. Neither skilled or interested in drawing. The history of the times, places and styles of horns are why I do this. Most of my horns are for display and discussion. I may sell some at some point, but preserving the styles of horns and the reproduction of them are the point.

Having said that, here is another horn. The first was sort of an initial Philly-inspired horn from a hybrid project. I went a bit deeper into the purely Philly realm with the second one:

CS

 

[crockett]

That's really good work. I would not "ink it up" unless you are very good at it.
It looks like a screw tip. What size hole and tap for the threads? How did you drill and work the tip? Turn first on a lathe and then drill the hole?

 

[MSW]

That's really good work. I would not "ink it up" unless you are very good at it.
It looks like a screw tip. What size hole and tap for the threads? How did you drill and work the tip? Turn first on a lathe and then drill the hole?

+1! (inquiring minds want to know)
also, how do you do the braiding on the string holding the plug? - looks really cool!

Thanks for the post ... that's a great looking horn (which I wouldn't have scrimmed either)

:thumbsup: :hatsoff:

 

[Stumpkiller]

You've held my best. ;-)

But here are some others.

This one by Griz (says "S*T*U*M*P*K*I*L*L*E*R" around the plug pegs).

This is one I scrimshawed with a sailmaker's needle. (The carpet beetle chewing is authentic - don't leave your horn in the back of an old closet!). That panel is actually a repair I spliced in and rivered with copper pegs. (Don't try and soften a damp horn in the microwave to fit the plug!)

Holds about five pounds of powder!

Two family originals. Butt plain and flat pine plugs - one powder & one shot.

One I did from a local cow horn.

And, of course, the lovely eye-candy hunting horn you did up for me.

 

[wattlebuster]

This is one Scott Sibley made for me. Its paired up with my Don Bruton 62

This is another Scott Sibley horn that I paired with my turkey gun

Here is a Scott Sibley that I had him make for my 40 cal

Here is a Steve Herburger that I paired up to my .54

 

[CrackStock]

Two family originals. Butt plain and flat pine plugs - one powder & one shot.

The family originals look a lot like horns that I saw at Walnut Grove in the Carolinas many years ago. One was clearly for powder, but I was never sure whether the other was intended for shot or round balls. The opening was much larger than I would have used for shot.

Interesting items. Thanks for sharing!

CS

 

[inthex]

First try. Kinda rough but at least it holds my powder.

 

[CrackStock]

It looks like a screw tip. What size hole and tap for the threads? How did you drill and work the tip? Turn first on a lathe and then drill the hole?

It is Philly collared screw tip as described in Art DeCamp's Pennsylvania Horns of the Trade book.

The tip and collar are a complicated process - I suggest taking Art's courses for the best source of all of these skills coordinated together. He is the master for good reason.

But I will answer your question on the tip as best I can. I have used several methods to make tips of various types.

This tip can be drilled partly through and tapped so that the tap can be used as a spindle in the lathe. Make a center dimple on hte far side so that this can be lined up and drilled through while in the lathe after the exterior shaping on one side is complete. We did a few this way while learning, but I do not do it that way now - had some run-out on one and went to another method.

It can be drilled through initially and gripped by a pen turning mandrel. I do not have this tool, but have heard of it being used by others.

It can be drilled through initially after a shoulder is turned. Then turn it around and lock it into a chuck against the shoulder to continue the fine turning.

All have advantages and limits.

As to the drill sizes and taps, we change these for each project. We simply match them to an original; read descriptions in books (like Art's) or "guestimate" using analysis of photos against known measurements. My buddy keeps a variety of drillbit and tap sets in a rack and we choose them as needed without a lot of consideration of the actual sizes. (I do not see up close well either, so I give it even less attention...)

We are currently working on chasing threads and studying how to make our own taps, but there is a learning curve here...

Hope some of this helps.

CS

 

[CrackStock]

I like it!

How did you dye that neck?

CS

 

[inthex]

Rit dark walnut. Left the neck covered in the dye overnight. Can't see it in the picture but the plug is walnut from a tree I cut several years ago. I know it won't hold a light to these other horns but it is a start. Thanks

 

[crockett]

Thanks on the real world experience. I have been winging it on my feeble screw tip efforts- it is something I'd like to learn how to do well. I've tried to come up with various things- like epoxy gluing wood on either end of a horn tip to give you something to mount in a lathe. As I said my issue is if you don't drill the hole you can mount and turn but then as you said- possible run out issues, if you do drill first then what- glue in a dowel and take it out later.
I'll check that book out.

 

[CrackStock]

Have you ever been to the Gunmakers Fair at Dixon's?

Dixon's
This is near Allentown, PA and is the best free show in the ML world. The horners get together and talk shop and show their stuff. People like John Proud, Art DeCamp, Dick Toone, Roland Caudle and a host of others are all available. It is the best place for learning horning.

You may not be all that close, but I drove from Mississippi 3 years straight just to enjoy the event.

You should give it a try.

CS

 

[crockett]

I haven't been there but about once a year I am driving through the area. I can arrange my schedule to be there on a future trip when there is an event. Thanks.