buffalo horn problem

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sdaj

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Nov 23, 2017
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I tired my first buffalo horn and something is wrong. I turned to pen and had a grey shaded area on the pen in addition to being more brown. Not the deep black I was expecting. I was seeing primarily ribbons (1 inch long) without any chatter when turning.


I tried sanding it down but did not have any luck. I then took it all the way up the micro mesh to really see the blemishes for this post.

Any thoughts? I am new to pen making and this this my first attempt at a non wood pen.
 

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KenV

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Oct 28, 2005
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Those kinds of colors are common in horn.

Routine run blanks will commonly have streaks with different shades and tones.

Water buffalo also has a habit of cracking so give it time to cure and balance stresses before assembly.
 

magpens

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You are tackling one of the most challenging materials for pen turning, in my opinion.

I know that my statement is not offering you any help.
 
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KenV

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Oct 28, 2005
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Juneau, Alaska.
I have had water buffalo work without cracking, but it needs to set between each phase. It takes time to lose moisture and relieve stresses. Letting it set for a month or more between operations makes a difference.

Want a fast pen, turn acrylics.
 

Woodchipper

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Mar 15, 2017
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Cleveland, TN
I read the title and thought you should take the horn off the buffalo first. lol
Interesting thread and food for thought for anyone wanting to use this material for a pen.
 
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