Thread: Horn Questions

As I have recently stared making scales, I have some horn questions.

Has anyone had an issue with trouble getting buffing marks out of the scales? I think I've figured out what I think are buffing marks are part of the horn, though wonder what others have to say.

Next, I'm getting the impression that getting a mirror finish on all parts of the scale does happen, that scales are a natural material that has variences. It seems that polishing on a buffing wheel with Mothers or 3M Metal restorer opens up new imperfections. This seems to vary by the color of the horn. Black seems to have less trouble, though lighter areas have this occurr.

I'm getting a very good shine on the scales, though not a mirror finish with no perfections.

Input from those more experienced would be greatly appreciated.

First question

Are you sanding both sides of the horn BEFORE you attempt to bring out a finish ???

Yes, with a variety of different grits ranging from 400 to 3000.

Of course to an extent Natural materials are well Natural so they have markings and flaws

BUT

With judicious planning and cutting you can eliminate much of that.. Especially around the edges of the horn slabs I try and stay well clear of them..
Not sure what horn you are getting but when I start with slabs that are 6 x 2 x 1/8 I can pretty much pick my cuts... to avoid the issues

I start sanding at 80 grit so I am also using the inner center of the horn thickness wise also

As Glen said, i do some good sanding on both sides to get INTO the blank. Gets you away from any odd marking from being cut. And as you are doing, work the inside and outside.
You've come a long way fast lately. Keep up the good work!

I think what they are saying is do a rough cut and sand to your final shape. This is what I do to avoid any last minute adjustments on the shape of the scale or to move the pin holes a bit.

So are you all getting finish that is as perfect as a piece of plate glass or a double edged razor whose head is finished and polished in chrome.

Mine looks really good, but not to that level.

I don't usually go for a mirror polish on horn, but when it have it has always been with wet sanding and a lot of drying and inspecting and a little back and forth between the grits. I also only ever buff with certain compounds to avoid "staining" my material. I am usually pretty happy with a very thorough sand to 1500 or 2000 and a light buff.

I'm not sure I did a good job in asking the question, though RezDog provided the answer. I think I can live with some minor imperfections as this is a natural material.

Based on what I'm seeing, the process RezDog described, which requires tremendous patience and time, is a little past where I want to go.

Also this is a very important tool in my workshop for all kinds of things. With this and a strong light source that I can angle and get it to shine across the surface, scratches show up like body fluids under ultraviolet light.