Author Topic: Small horn questions  (Read 2523 times)

Offline msellers

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Small horn questions
« on: September 07, 2017, 02:33:31 AM »
All,

I am fairly new to making powderhorns, and am wanting to make more historically correct ones. I am working on a small horn that will be flattened once I get it rough shaped. Am wondering about making it octagonal in the neck transitioning into the flat body, but not sure what if any style did this from my research. I am going to do some scrimshaw on the sides once it get it finished. Will end up having a button of curly maple, curly cherry, or black walnut; as these are the woods I currently have. Any direction in research or advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2017, 02:58:29 PM »
 Not sure about style, not sure that it matters as flat horns were made by many different people in not only North America but Europe and other places and in many different shapes.
 Start by getting your horn to the desired thickness as you would any horn, well tapered. Once you are satisfied with the shape and thickness, remember you will be scraping it more after pressing, press it flat. Once dry scrape it to the shape you want.
 Here is the press I use. The thickness of the wedges determine the final interior thickness. Once you start pressing the horn the center one goes in first, it is an Isosceles triangle, the others are Right, the outer ones have the edges rounded to shape the horn sides. Flatten, insert wedge, continue to press and add wedges, if you have more space than triangles tap some smaller wedges in between.
 Hope this helps.

  Tim C.



Offline FDR

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2017, 03:10:51 PM »
Learn something every day on this forum!  Thanks Tim and all the other knowledgeable people on the forum that are willing to share their methods. It makes this a great site!

Fred

Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2017, 03:16:24 PM »
« Last Edit: September 07, 2017, 03:24:47 PM by Tim Crosby »

Offline Ray Settanta

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2017, 04:31:32 PM »
That banded horn looks cool!

Offline msellers

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2017, 07:22:38 PM »
Tim,
Thanks for the additional information, and the photos of some different horns. That is some very nice work.

I have to agree with Fred, this forum and the knowledge shared is a wonderful thing. Just wish I had more that I am able to contribute.

Mike

Offline mossyhorn

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2017, 04:23:11 AM »
Great questions allow all of us to learn.
Jerry Dickerson

White Feather

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2017, 05:00:18 PM »
Tim,
Thanks for the press and wedge idea! The horns are nicely aged. I don't see how you attach the rear of horns though to shoulder strap.
J


Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #8 on: September 08, 2017, 05:13:03 PM »
Tim,
Thanks for the press and wedge idea! The horns are nicely aged. I don't see how you attach the rear of horns though to shoulder strap.
J

 The smaller ones would be Bag or Pocket horns, the one was made as a cap/priming horn. The larger one has a Nail in it for a strap or cord.

   Tim C.

White Feather

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Re: Small horn questions
« Reply #9 on: September 08, 2017, 05:40:54 PM »
Tim,
Well that certainly clears that up. Afraid I haven't seen much info on the flat horns. But that certainly makes perfect sense. The twig end plug looks neat. Do you worry that it may break off while in a pocket or bag?
What I've seen of your work always looks very unique.
Almost retired and am building a 30' x 50' workshop. Should have room soon to delve into this fascinating hobby. Hope to share some projects by end of year.
J