gemsbok horn

7 posts2011live thread

radiusMon Mar 07, 2011 8:33 pm

Hi,

I have been working with a couple pairs of gemsbok horn strips.

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In flattening them i find they like to split, even after steaming for 10 or 15 minutes. I don't want to overdo it: they've been in the steamer 6 times. Each time they go back in the steamer they lose some of the flatness gained in the previous time through. Any ideas? Should i just use them concave like this?

Thank you
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radiusMon Mar 07, 2011 8:34 pm

the shorter pair is about 21" long, the longer closer to 29" Thickness after sanding off the ridges is a proud 1/8" all over.

jkekoniTue Mar 08, 2011 9:16 am

I would boil them and not steam them. Boiling works better.
(IMHO steaming does not work at all, but I know others have made it to work.)

Alternatively use electric over at 150 celsius.

(NOTE: I have not processed gembsok horn, only water buffalo horn.)

I have seen that some people make one limb from 2 vertical stripes.

Immersion heater with cord extended water thightly and suitable container, such as ventilation duct. Some people have used horisontal metal container and fire.

radiusTue Mar 08, 2011 6:38 pm

Thanks. I may end up using long strips as you say. Currently i don't have a pot properly sized to boil these things, just a steam pipe. So far....they just crack.

jack farrellWed Mar 09, 2011 12:46 am

They will either bend or you will break them. :wink:

UliWed Mar 09, 2011 5:47 am

I d suggest dry heat (will be hotter than boiling) in the electric oven.

KviljoWed Mar 09, 2011 4:21 pm

I'd boil them first and then heat them further with dry heat. Moisture helps.

It would also help to thin them down as much as you can afford before flattening.