Member postings for BRIAN RICHMOND

I would just like to thank everyone for their advice and contributions to solving this problem. I have a lot to ponder/ consider and your input has given me lots of food for thought and is much appreciated. Thanks Brian

Thank you Arthur, I am an experienced stick maker and have made many a rams horn stick. The rams horn is far more malleable and most importantly is not formed in layers that de- laminate when too much pressure is applied in one go. Oh if it were only so simple

old mart. Do you really think the shrinking tube would apply sufficient pressure to squeeze the horn down?

Hi Michael, thanks for your post. With regard to heating the horn is heated in boiling hot water for a minimum of 30-40 minutes. The main problem to overcome is whatever method is applied if you apply too much force in one go the layers de- laminate it will have to be done very gradually applying pressure evenly so you do not form any kinks whilst bulking. I estimate approx 15 hours of work

Have now had a look at piston clamp, I,m afraid no way this would work

Hi guys, Thank you for your input. I should perhaps have said in advance that prior to doing anything the horn has to be heated. I have tried using a battery of Mikalor heavy duty clips along the entire length boiling the horn and then tightening the clips. This works a treat initially and really pulls the horn in quite easily. You could also do a small section at a time using a heat gun. However when you reach a certain point and the torque increases the threads just strip on the clips. If anyone has any ideas on some form of super strong clips that will withstand the torque based on my partial success with the Mikalor clips this may work.

Not sure what a piston clamp is but I,ll look it up. Unfortunately the horn isn’t straight so I don’t think it would push through a die. Whatever the method it has to be done in small increments otherwise for sure the horn will de- laminate. A cable crimper or swagging machine has also been mooted to me but these are very expensive and I could not justify the cost. Thank you everyone for your interest

Hi, I am a stick maker and am trying to make a stick out of cow horn. Typically the horn is approx 17 inches long and hollow for part of its length commencing at its widest diameter which is usually approx 60mm. It usually has a wall thickness of approx 5-10mm and it is like an onion in section in that the wall is in layers and herein lies the problem. I need to squeeze the horn in from 60mm down to 30mm and have tried conventional blocks to squeeze it down but the horn layers then de- laminate. I have been told I need to apply concentric pressure in order to prevent the horn de-laminating during the squeezing process. Believe me I have tried all sorts without success. I happened to come across an advert for Clarkson Autolock collet chucks and was wondering if this may be the solution? One of the problems would be that I need to be able to squeeze the horn along its entire length and Im not sure if this piece of kit will allow the horn to slide up and down. Also I need to be able to do it by holding the collet chuck in a vice so I can apply purchase. Any help/ ideas would be most appreciated. thanks Brian