So while I've done tons of research on the Asiatic styles, and learned of the various gear (and their bizarre names), I noticed that while there were some great tutorials for making a thumb ring, there weren't a lot of photos throughout the process. That's what this is. I've seen countless threads among ATARN and a few on here about the details during the builds (a few of which were from me 
). I first started doing it through Bluelake's method (found Here), and it really got me going; I've sort of developed my own method for making, but that's only because of my tool selection (one tool...a Dremel/Rotary Tool). The process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to many hours, which of course depends on the level of detail orientation you posses. The following ring, being my first ever horn ring that was actually good, took two hours from start to finish (though, 45 mins of that was hand polishing).
I, of course, would like to hear some feedback, because I may have missed "a better way" here or there. Lastly, before I get started, I decided to go with a different Asiatic thumb ring style here, but I think it could scale into most any style that I can think of.
I bought this Buffalo Horn at my local pet store (chew "toy" for dogs). It was extremely cheap (like $6.99 or so), and they don't seem to be too popular because of the huge selection I had to choose from. In this picture you can see that I cut off the size I felt was right....which is obviously WAY too huge, but that's why it's to be worked with. Also, I lied...apparently I have this old ruined saw that I used to cut the initial piece with. There was no science behind this, and I merely winged it.
This is after I cut the piece off, and then I ran a dremel all over it with the sand drum attachment.... this is about 30 seconds worth of sanding.
There hasn't been any more work done in this picture... I just wanted to show what it looked like in a different perspective. It's notable that the inner core is separated, and it'll have to go for integrity reasons.
This is my first real step. I use the sand drum to plow into the top, which happens faster than I'd expect. It also allows me to shape the sides faster with less surface area later.
First off, ignore the dremel's absent chuck... I was changing it and thought I should grab a picture before taking it out. I generally use the sanding drum in one spot until it's half way through, then do the bottom, but I decided to use the drill bit this time (I recommend this way because it is significantly easier). I drilled about 8 little holes in a circle, and everything sort of popped out. Then I just used the side of the drill bit to go around the parameter until the opening was large enough to fit the sanding drum (this probably doesn't sound safe....you may want to use a vice and the cutting bit instead).
After running the sanding drum on low, I carefully (and slowely) bored out the thumb hole. I check the sizing every few seconds, and I feel that's a good practice in case you're cutting too much too quickly. I make the thumb hole really tight, and can barely get my thumb into it. Why? Because this if rough shaping, and you wouldn't want your thumb hole perfect with ugly tool marks inside. Also note that the ring's orientation is sideways since that's how you put the ring on.
Nothing special here... no extra work, it's just on my thumb to give you an idea how ugly it is 
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In case you missed it, I haven't worked the inside taper/flair at all since the very second step. This is where I work on it again. I just use the sanding drum on low, take a bit out, try it on, rinse and repeat many many many times. I focus on the tab's angle here, and worry less about the side flair for the moment.
Cleaning up the top edge of the ring. It's important to note that at this moment, I can remove more from this top area, or start working on the bottom. Not with this ring, but some past rings had a weird fit, and having the play on the other side saved the ring since I could work the other side. This is also why the band is so thick right here.
Shaping the profile I want. Notice the parabolic edge. No other work done here.
I decided on what angle I wanted the tab, put the drum down onto the tab with that angle, and started working that new angle in.
This is the time where I clean up the symmetry. This is probably the most time consuming part for me, but it's also the easiest. (notice the band's thickness right here)
Just trying the ring on after I feel as though it's symmetrical enough . Looks terrible, but the hard work is really paying off fast.
This is the same as a couple of steps back. I just slim down everything that I can. I have a school of thought that I want the thinnest lightest ring that doesn't constrict anything (because it's a thumb protector, not thumb jewelry). The band has been slimmed down dramatically. I taper the inside just a bit (very carefully).... a lot like a wedding band is.
Flipped it over and finished the inside taper and flair. This is almost the final fit, so I make sure everything is perfect, because what isn't perfect won't be fixed by 800+ grit sand paper very easily. This looks very ugly to me, but the ring is actually finished! 
Now I just have to polish it up with 800, 1500, 2000, 4000, 8000, and 12,000 grit sandpaper (though, manicure stuff works great too from my experience, and nail buffing pads are a dollar).
Well, there you have it. If you have a rotary tool with a sanding drum attachment, and an hour or two of time, this is how you make a horn thumb ring for a few bucks (the horn still has enough for quite a few more rings, so the 6.99 is for a bunch). I didn't have a fancy sanding table, grinders, polishing wheels....nothing, so if I can do it anyone can .
Also, wear a respirator. While I don't think horn is a dangerous thing, certain things like bone and antlers ARE EXTREMELY dangerous (they're carcinogenic and also pass on any diseases the animal had if it is un-treated). I'm that idiot that doesn't use gloves, vices (usually), eye protection....or anything else, but working with animal parts isn't a simple slip and cut your finger, it's respiratory infections, death, diseases...etc. Also, a proper filter will block the god awful smell.
When you're working on bone, horn, wood, ivory, or synthetics, your fingers will slim down A LOT, and there's a natural powder-based lubricant going on. I'm saying this because you may think the ring has been bored out too much, but make sure you wash your hands and the ring first before jumping to that conclusion. This is from my experience though, and my fingers may be unusual...idk.
A special thanks goes out to my water-hose. I couldn't have done this without a good water-hose model, and it's pretty much the best anyone can ask for.
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please forgive me! I value your sensible advice
....anyone have any ideas for string storage?
