powder horn

[buckknife]

If i was wanten to make a sumwhat flat horn how could i go about it after it comes out of the pot with out using a vice.Did they use a vice in the old days or can it be done by just applying even pressure on both sides of the horn?
If so what is the best way you can think of that works?
This will be my 4th horn and im thinken a flat one would be cool.Have it drilled and pollished already to go.

 

[donk]

I am not a horn maker by any means but my late brother was and I believe he had made a form to go inside the horn to stretch it flat. If I get a chance today I will go over to his old shop and see if I can find one and put a picture of it on the forum.

 

[onefeather]

i know this isnt pc but heating hy horn over the stove always works better than boiling it so i think the vice should work

 

Track of the wolf has a great book on making powder horns, I have read it and it covers every step and then some and it's only $20 :hmm:


TheGunCellar

 

[silverfox]

Put a block of wood the thickness you want in the hollow of the horn. Now try with a cookie sheet or cast iron pan put the horn on a flat spot, table or what ever you have and stack bricks or books on top until the horn compresses to your block. When it's cool remove and it should be in your desired shape. Works just as good as a vice. Next step is shaping the plug. Good luck.
Fox :thumbsup:

 

[buckknife]

Thanks for the replys,i found a web page on maken flat horns.The vice looks like the easyist way but i dont have one that works anymore.I may try silverfoxs way.
Its a white horn i cut off one of the local bulls who was brought into the locker where my wife used to work a couple months back.It was real rough but i liked the color and size.I have 2 horns off the bull so if i screw this one up i do have anuther.Maybe i will make one flat and the other like it is.
Heres a link to flat horns
http://www.tctwest.net/~jpyle/flathorns.html