[Graham Shewell]

Picked up a rusty old jig and have spent the day cleaning it up ready to start my Rams horn journey...

 

[valky307]

Sorry, I don't really understand it all of what you are doing, but I know you are on top of it.
thanks for the pic's!
I will look forward to seeing the final product!

 

[dww2]

Looks great, Graham! Are you planning to boil the horn in oil or water or just use a hot air gun?

 

[Graham Shewell]

I will be boiling the horn for an hour and a half and have had a press made to flatten the horn using bottle jacks. I have some bulking jigs that came with the bending jig so will bilk them out as much as possible before bending.
Rams horn is new to me as have only ever done Antler or wood...

 

[Graham Shewell]

These are my usual sort of sticks

 

[Graham Shewell]

Horn currently boiling up and will shortly be ready to go on the press for bulking

 

[Graham Shewell]

And in the press

 

[dww2]

Fascinating process. Thanks for sharing!

The sticks you posted are lovely! I like the crown stag with the whistle in particular. Always wanted to try one but the antler I have access to doesn't have brow tines like that, too small. The shotgun shell is a great decoration.

 

[John Smith_inFL]

Wow - I never dreamed that a jig like that could exist for "soft tissue" projects. Was it designed and made just for wood and antlers ?? Or, did it come from another trade, such as metal working.

 

[CV3]

WE do not have access to horn like you do in the UK. I would like to try doing some horn handles. I have done a few antler tops. Really nice work on the stick you posted Graham, Thanks for sharing.

 

[Graham Shewell]

 

[Graham Shewell]

It is coming along with a lot of learning along the way but has now gone into the forming jig and will start to be shaped a little better after. A lot more work today yet and still some lessons to learn.
I have found some e designs for a hydraulic bulking jig which will make the process a lot easier and avoid the folding up of the horn during the bulking process

 

[dww2]

Looking good, Graham! Those multi-coloured horns should make some beautiful handles.

 

[valky307]

Wow! This is so interesting! I imagine the finished product will bring a handsome price!
I can't wait to see it. You go Graham!

 

[Graham Shewell]

Starting to take shape during the sanding process. I have just wet the horn down in this photo to see where the scratch marks are from the coarse sandpaper

 

[dww2]

Coming along very nicely, Graham. Do you plan on leaving the nose in or turning it?

 

[Graham Shewell]

I will probably leave this one as a market stick but the next I will bulk it out with the new jig so should be able to get a bit more length. If that is the case then that will turn into a proper crook....

 

[valky307]

My gosh! All I do is strip bark, sand and stain. You are a true master craftsman!