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 Photo 3 The small bending jig is 250mm square.
