Flattening warped horn scales
I haven't read about this technique here, but it worked so good, that I had to share it. Unfortunately, my camera was not in the mood to play nice, so no pics.
I have read how to straighten horn scales using hair dryers, boiling water, even an oven. The bottom line is, you need to heat the horn until its soft, then straighten and cool.
Enter the heat source.
Generic Value Products - GVP Ombre Blue 1 1/2 Inch Flat Iron
I wrapped each scale in aluminum foil to protect the flat iron, and give myself a 1 inch tab on each end of the scale to handle it by. Set the flat iron to 340 degrees, then put the scale in the machine. You have to reposition it a couple times to get full coverage. In a few seconds the scale becomes soft and pliable. Quickly place it between two pieces of wood and clamp with spring clamps. In less than a minute the scale is cooled off, and straight as ever!
