buffalo horn or imposter?

[Ambidex]

I've never used buffalo horn before and have read up on the properties and hazards of turning, but started to drill and had a result I didn't expect. Once I got past the initial 1/4 inch or so it started ribboning like an acrylic. I got this in a mixed assortment of blanks and it was labeled buffalo horn but I'm wondering if it isn't an alternate horn or other material? I expected it to drill somewhat like antler which I've many, but the other thing was the odor was horrendous, like nothing I've ever drilled or turned before. Here's a couple pictures if that helps? Thank everyone in advance for any help! Oh and if anyone wants to know my secret to perfectly centering the hole let me know

 

[TellicoTurning]

Nope from your picture it's buffalo horn... it's very solid, and will ribbon a little like acrylic and stinks to high heaven...

 

[plantman]

Any time you drill horn or antler, it's going to smell badly. Jim S

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Any time you drill horn or antler, it's going to smell badly. Jim S

Unless you wear a respirator.

 

[Jim Burr]

Any time you drill horn or antler, it's going to smell badly. Jim S

Unless you wear a respirator.

And that should be done if it's bone, horn, antler or anything else.

 

[edstreet]

Does it look like this?

 

[edstreet]

I expected it to drill somewhat like antler which I've many, but the other thing was the odor was horrendous, like nothing I've ever drilled or turned before.

This means you damaged the horn. This comes from over heating the horn and it is a very reactive material so expect it to change shapes, meaning it will move and therefore crack because it was over heated.

 

[tomas]

That hole looks like it has a perfect center to me.:biggrin:

Tomas

 

[Janster]

...drilling and cutting smelly horns is "usually" a result of cutting fresh horns, non- aged as in length of time that they were surrendered from its' host. DAMHIKT