Thread: Horn Scale Resto Help Please

So this is an old Wade & Butcher. I am not going to do a complete restoration. As I get further along I'll decide when I've done enough. But for now I'm thinking about getting it to a 7 or 8 out of ten level. I think the bigger chips/bug bites are going to stay. But I'd like to stabilize some of the areas where it's delaminating.

I did do a search, but wondering what the experts (you guys) would do to fix it up.

I've been playing around with some old horn lately in attempts to get a really nice restore on a few sets of scales. First off I couldn't help but try to fill with epoxy. My epoxy did not stick to the horn very well. Perhaps it was the epoxy I was using, not sure but it did not work right. I did do a bunch of filling and soaking with CA. The very thin CA really seems to penetrate the horn and seal it back together, and even after filling and sanding and then soaking in Neetsfoot oil just before final sand and polish the CA seemed to be having in there. Some of course worked better than others. I will keep messing with it nut at this point it seems straight forward. Use coarse sandings from horn for filler for bug bites and combine it with CA. I have not experimented with it but logic says do all your repairs before oiling the scales.

In a similar fashion I sand then soak in Danish oil. I wipe off excess after an hour and let them dry a day or two. Then I use 5 minute epoxy and fill the bug bites. Let it cure a day or two and sand level and polish. Have had a lot of luck with that.

Any kind of epoxy will do? Does it matter which kind of epoxy to use? Is one the same as others? And can some of the dust be mixed in with it to add color?

I found this in wiki
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...ng_epoxy_resin

AcraGlass Gel

Available in Black..

Miles Gilbert is another really good one both are available from Brownells..

It is designed for Bedding a Rifle so it absorbs shock ie: flexes a tiny bit, and will grab onto and into the horn fibers way better then any Epoxy..

Originally Posted by gssixgun

AcraGlass Gel

Available in Black..

Miles Gilbert is another really good one both are available from Brownells..

It is designed for Bedding a Rifle so it absorbs shock ie: flexes a tiny bit, and will grab onto and into the horn fibers way better then any Epoxy..

Know of any places here in Canada that sells it?

Originally Posted by Willisf

Know of any places here in Canada that sells it?

A quick google search found a few places.

Aim Enterprises - Brownells ACRAGLAS GEL

There's one for sale on a buy it now on ebay.ca too.

EDIT: found another. I have bought reloading components from these guys in the past and had excellent service: http://www.x-reload.com/acraglass-gel-4oz-kit/

Originally Posted by Cangooner

A quick google search found a few places.

Aim Enterprises - Brownells ACRAGLAS GEL

There's one for sale on a buy it now on ebay.ca too.

EDIT: found another. I have bought reloading components from these guys in the past and had excellent service: ACRAGLASS GEL 4oz KIT - X-Reload Inc.

SWEET!
It's cheaper to buy from the place in Winnipeg than on eBay. Plus not having to cross the border..... Thanks, I might have to get some of this stuff.

Soak them in some neatsfoot oil overnight. It works wonders on horn. Make sure you get 100% oil, there are blended ones that you do not want. A tack store for horses Should have it.

So do you soak the scales in the neatsfoot oil fist then add the epoxy/ filler?