Method To Hold A Horn While Working it

[Tim Crosby]

  I tried many different ways before I came up with this way to hold a horn, others may use it as well. Take a piece of Pine and cut it ¾ X ¾ and about 18” long. Then cut a strap of leather that will wrap 2/3 to ½ way down it. If you don’t have a piece long enough used a couple, tack it at the top and bottom. To use it wet the  part with the leather on it, run it under the faucet, warm water will work quicker, once it is wet jam the horn down on it, you want the leather to touch at the base of the horn. Once wet I hold the horn straight up and bang the end of the stick on the back of the vice or concert wall to really jam it in there. One thing; I do not cut the base of a horn until it is completely shaped. Holding a horn like this I am able to use both hands and if you mark the stick 1 – 4 you will know where you are and also make it easier to do paneled horns. It holds so good that I am able to use a spoke shave to rough out a horn.     

   Tim C.

[Tim Crosby]

 Some extra Pix:

 You won't need this many but I usually start more than one horn at a time. Notice the tip of some are rounded off or pointed, that makes it fit in the horn a little better. You can cover the tip if you want but it isn't necessary.



 Here are a few examples:







 Jamming it it against the wall:




 There are a couple other methods that may be needed, it all depends on the horn itself but this will work on 99% of them.  Any questions just ask.

  Tim C.

[Dave R]

THANKS TIM!!
Exceptionally helpful tip!! 😉😊

[Dphariss]

Excellent. Thanks.

[Kevin]

Tim,

Your horn on a stick trick is pretty slick.  Today I finally got a chance to use the one I made recently.  The swollen tendon in my right thumb especially thanks you.

Take Care,
Kevin

[Pukka Bundook]

Thank you for this tip, Tim!  it will be very useful!

Now I need a source for decent horns!  Mine are rough as cobs inside!