Powder Horn Question

[Gr8whytenorth]

I've been working on trying to make my first powder horn, using a nice Bison horn I bought, I've been working to get the finish down, by starting out with a small rasp(just to get the really rough stuff off), then sanding...sanding....sanding...I've worked the sanding portion, probably at least a few hours, and it still has some ridges, etc. Are there any other smoothing out the finish tips, tricks, etc., that anyone could lend me. As always, appreciate the help ! :hatsoff:

 

[paulvallandigham]

Find some scrapers that are made with curves like french curves, using in mechanical and architectural drawing. A spokeshave can be a handy tool for getting rid of ridges, and making smooth curved surfaces.

 

[omarick1948]

Another thing, that I heard works, is to boil the whole horn in water for at least an hour and then scrape the horn while it is still warm and a bit rubbery feeling. Bison horn is pretty flakey at times alright! I have rasped the worst flaking part and then just took a new utility knife blade and scraped the entire horn, before sanding again. Takes awhile, but if there are no fibery spots in the horn. It's not to bad. Good furniture scrapers are expensive!

Rick