New powderhorn, need advise

[charlie47]

I am making me a new powderhorn. When I bought the raw horn
I bought it for it's beautiful shape. Now that I am at the point that the powder canal needs to be drilled, I'm not sure I can do so without drilling through the side.

I had thought about using a long bit through from the butt, then using the 15/64 through the tip. I'm just not sure. What would you do? Thanks for your help!
Regards,
charlie47 ::

 

[Dave K]

Take a wire and form to the same curve as the horn. Now when you lay this wire on the horn you can take a pencil and mark how the horn is curved. Do this on 4 sides. Since it is easier to start a drill 90

 

[Stumpkiller]

Or, you can use a wire (like a coat hanger) and heat it red hot. It will melt it's way into the horn. This allows following the curve. Then, use a drill to enlarge the last 1" for the plug with good, parallel sides.

Smells very much bad - do it outdoors

 

[2172]

I vote with Dave, he's got it right, even what to do when the occasional drill through occurs . I put my hand on the critical spot of the horn while drilling, and the heat of the drill felt through the horn has saved me from the "oops" twice....not the last horn though...got it perfectly, then decided to enlarge the hole...the saved piece of horn saved the project.
I get enough static about the smell of my horn projects to not try burning through...Hank