Scrpaer for horns

[Hall rifle]

I have just started working on horns.  I wondered what other used to scrape them smooth.

[Jerry V Lape]

I cut a small curved scraper out of an old handsaw blade, sharpened it and burnished the edge to get a good hook.  Traditionally I think anything that worked was used including knives and broken peices of glass.

[Tim Crosby]

 I too like band saw blades, 3/8 – ¾. I do not roll the edge, just keep them square. Use a good FLAT stone, diamond is great. Stone the flats and the edges, on the ¾ I do the ends too, keep it square to the stone, for the edges I use a piece of hard wood with the blade clamped against it. Do all sides and repeat. Try a hook too and see what you think.  
 Glass works well too, I prefer broken rather than cut, fewer scratches.

  Tim C.

    PS: Initial work is done with rasps and files, then scrapers.TC

[The Original Griz]

When I do scrape, I use an old butcher knife, I squared the back off with the sides and use the back. It is very rigid and don't give when used. Oh yeah, one more thing, file the sharp side down so you don't cut your fingers. It really was no good for a knife any more, thats why I did that to it and use it as a scraper.

[bigbat]

why not spend $6.00 and buy a furniture scraper?  I fellow I just taught to make horns went the knife way "cause he had it"  One day he tried one of my rectangular furniture scrapers and said "ok , I getting one of those too!"  I thought well I gave you complete access to my shop and 35 years of doing this, sooooo.

[Brian]

Big Bat's right.  Furniture scrapers work really well.  Lee Valley sells a good assortment of them at pretty decent prices.

[Beaverman]

I use a stanley knife blade, cheap and when it's dull toss it and get another!

[Horner75]

I have some cabinet scrapers that work good, but seem to always go back to just a utility knife blade most of the time! .... Has worked for me for a lot of years!

Rick

[bigbat]

I use utility knives also, but when you want to "get into it" and get the  job done utility knives will give you "chatter bumps"

[Ahtuwisae]

I have an old triangular file that my father sharpened the edges and heat treated it for me years ago.  great little scraper.  I set both ends in wood, kinda like a three sided draw knife.  Also use furniture scrapers, glass, old knife, and a utility knife blade dulled up and burnished.  It all depends on the horn density, curves area etc as to what I use.

[Tim Crosby]

 I think John hit it, “It all depends on the horn density, curves area etc as to what I use.” I would agree with that 100%.


  Tim C.

[Jerry V Lape]

Here is another source of scrapers.  Get the disposable paint scraper blades which come in a pack for a few bucks.  They work great on lots of projects including horns.