May 9, 201412 yr Is it possible to somewhat manipulate the shape of horn by boiling in water to soften them? Thanks, John
May 9, 201412 yr yes. boil them clamp between 2 plates until dry/cool... it stays unless it gets hot again
May 9, 201412 yr I've bent antler with boiling water and a little vinegar. I don't know what or if the vinegar does if anything but it was what I was given as instructions. Clamp the antler between plates, vise whatever to straighten. Have it hot,well soaked so the heat is all the way through and go SLOWLY. Keep a sharp eye out for beginning cracks and reheat if they start to appear.
May 9, 201412 yr If I'm not mistaken the vinegar eats the calcium out of the antler same as sticking an egg in a glass of vinegar and turning it rubbery
May 10, 201412 yr Author So, here's what happened: I epoxied the antler on the tang (hidden) in the wrong direction as it had a slight turn that did not fit one's hand (right) well. OK, a little scotch may have been involved. After boiling it in water, the epoxy (West Sys) was soft enough to pull apart. Kind of surprised me as I thought it was much tougher. It's something to consider for the future. Not the scotch, but the epoxy. John
May 10, 201412 yr Most epoxies take over 350f or so to let go....I wouild worry about wot happened....
July 13, 201411 yr Author Was that a 10 year old mix? That's the cheap fire water. Must be from SA. Nothing under 12 here...as you know.
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