Bulking is a term used by stickmakers to squeeze and compress horns.

A large section of a sheep or cow horn is hollow. In order to make a handle for a stick the hollow section has to "Bulked" to make it solid so that it can be securely attached to a shank.  Sheeps horns are often tightly curled and have convex and a concaved sides which cause problems when "Bulking" them.  Cow horns are more symmetrical than a sheep but have a larger hollow section.

Good quality horns are becoming more difficult to obtain for various reasons; many breeds of sheep and cattle no longer grow horns and older animals that do grow horns are often destroyed at a young age. Horns from older animals are best for stickdressers.  In order to "Bulk" a horn successfully some form of press is required, over many years stickdressers have developed many different types of presses. Mine is based on a tried and tested design.

I am often asked if I sell jigs, sorry I don't but I have given some measurements which may help if you want to make your own or have them made for you.  

Photo 1 The bulking press is 450mm tall, 300mm wide the two supports are 50mm box section and the base plate is 12mm.

Photo 2 The flattening press is 450mm tall x 250mm square using 12mm plate, the supports are 20mm round bar
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Photo 3 The small bending jig is 250mm square.

Phot0 10 The large jig is 300mm square