Neat way to measure a horn for the end of the cavity

[Rick Sheets]

We all use the bend-measure-mark method with a wire to find the end of the horn cavity. With a double twist horn it is not so easy to discern the end of the cavity using this method.
I dropped a bore light (light first) into the horn while in a darkened room and the end of the cavity is clearly seen through the wall of the horn. (This was so easy and quick I marked all of my supply of horns in the same session.)

Rick
Update: Randy H. made a good point. This technique would only work on a sanded and polished horn. A horn in the rough would probably give a false "reading." So use this on a processed horn hull.

[Ahtuwisae]

Sweet, and a great idea...now where is that boring light..

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Never thought about that.  Great idea.

Coryjoe

[fastfrankie]

I just started using a flexible inspection light. It is about 15 inches long and reaches in to the bottom of the cavity on every horn that I have tried. Picked it up at Northern Tool for about $10.00.

[skillman]

The light works well. Not always perfect but then no way is. I have carried a Maglight Solitare in my pocket for years now. I believe we talked some about this at the WCHF last year. Thanks for bringing this up.

Steve

[tuffy]

I get my bore lights from Lindy Fishing Tackle. They make excellent bore lights as they can be used in .25 caliber and above with no problems. They're called Thill nite brite battery-lights.
http://www.lindyfishingtackle.com/catalog.aspx?catid=thilllightedfloats&cn=1000318&att=1000318

     CW

[ChipK]

A mag-lite solitaire also works well to help not only seeing through the side of the horn but also to see how the spout was drilled.  Its a great way to take a look inside the horn and bright enough to be seen through the sides.

[Longshot]

  Clear Christmas lights inserted into the horn cavity also work pretty well.

[fastfrankie]

Correction to previous post. The inspection light with the flexible lead was not purchased at Northern Tool but was bought at Harbor Freight Tools.

[Randy Hedden]

Rick,

This method will usually work with the polished horns that many horners are using today, but it will not work on horns like steer horns that are thick and usually dark brown or black in the tip and throat area.  I have never had any trouble using a straightened out coat hanger to check for the length of the horn cavity.

I would hate to have a newbie horn maker use the light method on a horn like a steer horn and cut the horn off way to short.   

Randy Hedden

[Horner75]

Rick,

Thanks for adding another way of doing it! .... I too, just use a wire (coat hanger) and works great for me.  I do use a small flashlight to get a feel for the thickness of the spout area while taking it down to where I want it!

Rick