Stuck in the throat

[longshot47]

Come upon a couple of dark but decent -and unusually heavy bull horns with a fairly tight double twist to 'um. Cored, trimmed and scraped they look even more promisin.
The Problem: Started boring out the throat of one horn in the usual preliminary manner [progressive drill bits] and have gone from here to perdition without reachin daylight. Fearin a blow-out, I went to the curved hot wire method, which does'nt seem to be gettin me where I need to be.
The Relief: Hopin' one of you seasoned hornmakers or engineers might suggest a method for opening the throats of these peculiar horns, without cuttin away their character.

Thanx, from a cold shop in Jersey.

 

[2172]

I've had that problem a couple of times...I recut the horn tip area to change the angle at which I'm drilling, and I enlarge the hole a bit at that end, maybe an inch, to allow some re-aiming of the drill I use. I also keep my hand at the point where I guess the drill tip is, hoping I'll feel the heat if the drill is getting too close to the surface...that's saved me twice, didn't help once....I guess these aren't very scientific methods, and I'm looking forward to whatever other answers you get...it's a pretty good question..Hank

 

[RussB]

I have a little experience with horns, and I think Hanks recommendation is about as close as it gets. Changing the angle of the drill after you start drilling is tricky business. I use the drill bit in a "T" handle from a set of easy-outs. Gives a little better control.

Russ

 

[longshot47]

Sure did'nt draw much fire with this question, tho I pretty much got what was needed. I thank you boys for the response.
A combination of Hank's tactics spun with a somewhat flexible 12" bradpoint bit and there I was --EUREKA! The hole runs close to 5 inches in length. I spose these horns musta come from one of those steroidal beeves I hear'd about. :thumbsup: