Thread: 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!

Interesting. I like that idea.

Hmmmm...I like that also...if at all possible post some pics. Sounds like a fantastic idea.

Seriously ???? are you trying to get me killed by the wife ???? You know I am going to try this, and if I get caught using her Flat Iron this might be my last post on SRP

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Seriously ???? are you trying to get me killed by the wife ???? You know I am going to try this, and if I get caught using her Flat Iron this might be my last post on SRP

I was threatened with death if I damaged it too. Seriously, this flat iron wasn't in the house for an hour before I did this experiment! As soon as I looked at it the gears started turning. But, nothing went wrong. Wrapping the scales with foil keeps any oils in the horn from coming into contact with the flat iron plates, and gives a couple of convenient handles to hold on to the otherwise smoking hot scales.

Now with pics...

The equipment


The patient


Preheated the flat iron to 340F


Scale wrapped in foil


Heated the scale for about 15 seconds


Clamp until cooled, about a minute


Viola

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Seriously ???? are you trying to get me killed by the wife ???? You know I am going to try this, and if I get caught using her Flat Iron this might be my last post on SRP

Mine buys new ones more often than I like
I might be able to send you a used iron, do you think you can get away with it once to try it?......

Tried it today and it works fairly well, though I suspect if SWMBO would have let me use the full size one and not her travel iron it would have worked faster.