Powder horn question

[Sasquatch-1]

Has anyone tried to use a laser engraver to etch on a powder horn? With the irregular shape, I was wondering if it is possible. I am thinking large areas of the horn, like a map or similar drawing.

[pietro]

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Nope........ I would think that a laser-etched whatever would look too perfect for my tastes, on a powder horn.

I'm more into original-looking, rustic-style horns, like a frontiersman would have likely made/used (YMMV, of course).

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[Rockingkj]

No experience with laser engraving. I would suspect the curve of the horn would make it problematic. I have found that push engravers like I use for metal engraving work well to “scrim” the design on powder horns. I have bit better control than a handle with a needle when cutting the design.

[Sasquatch-1]

No experience with laser engraving. I would suspect the curve of the horn would make it problematic. I have found that push engravers like I use for metal engraving work well to “scrim” the design on powder horns. I have bit better control than a handle with a needle when cutting the design.

I have tried scrimshawing by hand, but I am NO artist. If I can get a design on the horn to trace, I only do a so-so job.

The curve of the horn is my concern. I was wondering if anyone has figured out how to overcome this.

[1Hawkeye]

Never tried Lazer but when I did my horn I used my vent pick then rubbed India ink in the scratches.

[pietro]

The curve of the horn is my concern. I was wondering if anyone has figured out how to overcome this.

Practice, practice & practice - using short strokes ( aka: baby steps) on a firmly secured/supported horn ( like the horn held inside a piece of rough/heavy leather shoved down a little, between your legs/thighs, for support)


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[Sasquatch-1]

Practice, practice & practice - using short strokes ( aka: baby steps) on a firmly secured/supported horn ( like the horn held inside a piece of rough/heavy leather shoved down a little, between your legs/thighs, for support)
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Hip and lower back problems. I wouldn't be able to hold it like that without experiencing extreme pain.

[KenH]

The problem with using a laser to engrave a powder horn is the shape of the horn. A laser requires the laser maintain the same distance from the surface during the whole process. While there is some leeway, even a 1/4" will be too much change. There are some high end lasers that have a "Z" axis control, the distance change still has to be programmed in so the laser can move the Z axis to maintain the same distance.

With that all said, the horn could be chucked in a 3D type chuck so the horn would rotate too allow a small area of the horn to be engraved.

[country gent]

You would need to very accurately "map" the surface to maintain the shape. I would think f the z axis varies then the width of the line will fade and get wider or narrower

[Somebody]

Given the focus limitations of most laser markers, an alternative approach could be to print a flexible stencil on a Cricut or similar plotter.

If you think cutting and filing horns smells bad, consider the powerful burnt-hair stink a laser would make!