horn stoppers

[LynnC]

Can powder horn stoppers be turned from horn or antler rather than wood?  I have small tips left over that I could turn but don't think I've seen them other than wooden.  Any reason horn or antler should not be used to stop a horn spout?   thanks........Lynn

[The Original Griz]

To answer your question, yes they can. I have tried it a couple times but did not like the results. Horn against horn is to hard surfaces trying to fit together. Wood will be a little more flexible and will give a better fit. I made one several years ago and when I put it in the horn it split the tip of the horn. It was just like driving a splitting wedge into the horn. Wood is what I will be sticking with for the tip plugs. I especially like pine, softer

[tuffy]

When I need or desire to use horn or antler for a tip, I turn it and then flatten off the bottom, drill a hole and add a wooden peg. Then I stain or dye it to the desired color. And as Griz stated, you don't have to worry about two hard surfaces rubbing together.

[David Rase]

I have used horn stoppers on several occasions with good results.  I like to taper the hole using a taper pin reamer and then turn a matching taper on the stopper.  This technique seems to work well when putting horn against horn.  Kind of the same principle as tapering the sliding wooden patchbox lid.
DMR

[Mike Norin]

Just like David said , they will work good if you taper them .

[hanshi]

On two day horns of mine I threaded the horn spout, then took antler tips and fitted short sections of bolt in each.  The tips screw in, won't fall out and look okay.  Actually, one horn with a large open end was first fitted with an antler plug that had been center drilled (1/4") with a hole and that hole threaded.  Remove the plug to fill; press back in and screw in the pouring spout plug. 

[LynnC]

Well I have pros and cons to consider.  Guess that Means I have to experiment a little and post my results. 
I use a sharpened file tang to taper ream the spout hole then try to turn the plug to match.  Thanks all for your ideas and I'll let you know how it turns out
Lynn