Scrimshaw Horns

[deanscamaro]

I have found a source for horn blanks, scrimshaw quality, that I want to use to make my own finished powder horn. I have been looking for some instructions on how they go together (I don't need the scrimshaw instructions, just the horn itself). Can someone help me on this? Sorry, still working on my signature picture.

:grin:

 

[Coot]

"Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn" by Scott & Cathy Sibley is a good book on making horns by two very respected horners.

 

[Adam Isrow]

I have to agree with Coot. "Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn" is a very useful source of information. The techniques you learn making their sample horn can be applied to other styles.
There's more than one way to skin a cat, though. So, when you have a specific question on how to do something, post it on the craftsman forum. There are a lot of knowledgeable people to answer it. Lord knows they've helped me out considerably on my projects.

 

[soggy]

Coot & Crowhammer are both right Sibley's book is the best $20.00 you can spend if you want to learn horn-making. It's available from Track of the Wolf and other muzzleloading supply companies.
In the mean time have a look at this link:
POKE HERE!
If you got questions don't be afraid to ask on here somebody will be more than willing to help you
Soggy

 

[boar]

Heres a tip I found that makes fitting the butt wood plug easier. When you get the butt end of the horn ready, take the horn and press the butt end on a foam dinner plate. Cut out circle to use for pattern on wood. Saves a lot of work. I use to draw around the horn when I firest started. After you cut the circle, you can fit it in horn before you mark the wood to see how it fits. Dilly

 

[deanscamaro]

That's a good idea. Thanks! I have to pay more attention to where I post what. I will be moving this to the craftsman area.

:grin:

 

[AeroncaTAL]

Not to sound like a broken record, but Sibley's book is the one to get. A bit of advice I would offer is don't be afraid to carve on the horn. You'd be surprised on how much material there is to work with. Get a small flashlight, a maglite or gooseneck light. As you're working the horn putting the light down in the horn will enable you to see how much thickness is left. When shaping the horn, I like to rough it with a mill file. For final shaping and smoothing I use sandpaper. Take about a 1" strip and back it with duct tape. With the horn secured use the sandpaper like you're polishing a shoe to get an even surface. To get all the scratches out, cover the horn with wood stain (ink will also work) and use finer grit sandpaper, say 300 grit, working with the grain of the horn. Follow this up with 0000 steel wool. Others may have other techniques, I know some like to scrape the horns like the originals were. Let us know how you do, and have fun!
Scott

 

[deanscamaro]

Thanks a lot for your ideas. They all make good sense.

I am somewhat surprised to see a number of you on the forum from Oregon. We lived 10 years in Hillsboro, when I was working in the high tech business. I loved that country, with all the green trees and beautiful scenery. We only left because our daughter and grandkids lived here in the Phoenix Valley and my wife really wanted to be close to them (she also wanted to see more sun).

Thanks for the input. :thumbsup:
Dean

 

[mazo kid]

There is also a video out by the late Ron Ehlert where he walks you through the horn making process. Emery