AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Bill Raby on April 05, 2019, 01:14:16 PM
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I started building another gun. This one is a Lancaster rifle. I am doing video of the whole thing, showing every step of the way and explaining what I am doing. I am not one of the expert builders but I figured it might be helpful to some people anyway. All comments or suggestions are welcome.
Here is Part 1
https://youtu.be/oNTSjnIlsSQ
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Nice video Bill!! You provide lots of the up front details to thing about!!
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I like the scary intro script. ;D My outfit here doesn't like video (boonies) so I haven't seen any of your videos.
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Thanks, I enjoy and always learn something from you boys who take the time to put out these videos.
God Bless y'all for sharing your wisdom
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Enjoyed your last one Bill, looking forward to this one.
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Nice video, Bill. And good timing too since I'm just getting started on my first gun, an Issac Haines. I'll be watching for your follow up videos. Thank you.
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I can’t wait to watch this build. A very generous gesture on your part Bill to allow interested folks like me to have virtual access to your workbench. I’ve learned much watching your other builds and look forward to learning more.
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I like the scary intro script. ;D My outfit here doesn't like video (boonies) so I haven't seen any of your videos.
I could not decide what kind of letters to use for the title. Some kind of fancy cursive script seemed appropriate. But that is usually hard to read and the numbers don't really match up very good. Tried a few that look kind of old fashioned. Then I realized that this is my video and I can do whatever I want. So I went with the scary letters.
Another thing I was thinking about. Sometimes I can put together a half hour of video in a night or two. Other times a week of work edits down to about 5 minutes. So there is no sense of time in the video. I started this in early March, right at the end of winter. So the intro scene for each video will be the same shot out my front door. You can watch the seasons change as I work on this and get a better idea of how long it actually takes.
The feedback from the previous videos has been good and I have fun doing the videos. Any suggestions are appreciated.
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Thanks Bill, looking forward to the vids.
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Here is Part 2
https://youtu.be/ZecyF1A8ylM
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Thanks for doing these Bill. I don't have time to watch every one, but the ones I do are highly informative and well done.
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Glad to hear that you like it.
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Here is Part 3
https://youtu.be/xRwxWASi-0M
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Bill,
Thank you for doing these videos. Don't worry about going too fast! It gives many of us time to view, study and get some associated work done. We can look at numerous ways to do tasks in the longrifle building process but one never knows when the new one actually works best for you. We appreciate all your efforts to do the videos and show us YOUR techniques. Thanks again and keep up the great work.
elkhorne
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That is right. This is just the techniques that seem like they would work best to me. Nothing on any of these videos should be considered the "right" way to do anything. It is just showing how I am doing it.
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Here is Part 4
https://youtu.be/6VFKoxE0Aj0
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Here is Part 5
https://youtu.be/EzWuLBLSIZA
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So Bill is that you flying the Pitts in your avatar, or are you hanging off the hand-hold? ;D
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Just got caught up on these videos. I'm learning a lot. Love it! Thanks again, Bill. I know explaining everything as you go, and recording and editing takes a lot of time and effort, but it's very helpful for new guys like me, and I for one appreciate it very much.
I'm going to look for your other videos too. I'd like to see how you inlet the swamp barrel by hand.
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So Bill is that you flying the Pitts in your avatar, or are you hanging off the hand-hold? ;D
I am the one hanging off it.
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Just got caught up on these videos. I'm learning a lot. Love it! Thanks again, Bill. I know explaining everything as you go, and recording and editing takes a lot of time and effort, but it's very helpful for new guys like me, and I for one appreciate it very much.
I'm going to look for your other videos too. I'd like to see how you inlet the swamp barrel by hand.
In the Tennessee rifle videos I inlet the barrel with just chisels.
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Found them on youtube. You're the first user I ever subscribed to :) I'm gonna watch em all.
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Here is Part 6
https://youtu.be/zoq1JYoEk0c
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Bill, I see that you keep your chisels very sharp and polished which i know is very important. Can you elaborate a little bit on your sharpening process? By the way, I am enjoying your video's and would like to thank you for taking the time to produce them. Respectfully, Mikeh
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Bill, I see that you keep your chisels very sharp and polished which i know is very important. Can you elaborate a little bit on your sharpening process? By the way, I am enjoying your video's and would like to thank you for taking the time to produce them. Respectfully, Mikeh
There is some sharpening stuff at the start of this video. This is from the series I did on building a Tennessee rifle.
https://youtu.be/etFgxv0w59g
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Bill, I watched your sharpening video. Thanks for your time! Very helpful. Mikeh
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Here is Part 7
https://youtu.be/WLhm6jx8yHc
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So Bill is that you flying the Pitts in your avatar, or are you hanging off the hand-hold? ;D
I am the one hanging off it.
Ha. A man of many talents. :)
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Bill,
Finished your Tennessee Southern Rifle series last night. Excellent! Now I want to study them and do a task list for each part so if I want to review a certain technique, I can go to that part. Will help me get my self organized and can review for reference. I have several rifles started and all are at different stages so your series should help a lot. Thanks again.
elkhorne
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Glad to hear that I have been able to help. Just remember that I am no expert at this. The video shows what seemed to be the best way to me. But it may not be the best way for you. Depends on your skills and what tools you have available and are most comfortable with. Be sure to check with other sources also and decide what will work best for you. Good luck on your work!
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Here is Part 8
https://youtu.be/yRFdnqvBox0
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Here is Part 9
https://youtu.be/3bZ2mtnDZic
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Here is Part 10
https://youtu.be/5Ip8kHbNccU
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Here is Part 11
https://youtu.be/7EmmM_lU-vQ
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Thanks for the videos, they've helped me a lot. Looking forward to the rest of the build. Great work by the way!
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Here is Part 12
https://youtu.be/3OtnzKxoQwY
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Here is Part 13
https://youtu.be/hJiPHFDch7c
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I'm still following along with you Bill. Good videos. I appreciate your effort, and taking the time to explain some of the things to avoid or that we may have to deal with due to ramrod hole alignment, lock bolt locations, etc. Good info. Watching you do it makes me less apprehensive about ME doing it, and totally screwing it up :o
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Thanks for taking the time Bill. I’m sure it’s just as much work to edit, etc. as to build the rifle itself. It’s appreciated.
Bobby
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Doing the videos is a big job. But I have fun with it so it is not any trouble. Something I realized doing the videos. Before doing anything on the gun I have to think out how to explain what I am doing in a way that will make sense. I also try to explain what to watch out for. It forces me to slow down and think everything through before doing it. And that is the secret to doing a good job at anything.
So here is some advice to new builders. Pretend that you are making a video just like I am. Explain what you are doing, why you are doing it, and what to watch out for. If you are in the room alone, just talk to yourself. It might sound stupid, but I bet it will make a difference. Or maybe do your own video.
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Here is Part 14
https://youtu.be/E17mi5FtqmA
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Here is Part 15
https://youtu.be/4mlvGq63x2A
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Here is Part 16
https://youtu.be/s10G7Bf2X5g
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Here is Part 17
https://youtu.be/NXtma0L00yw
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Really want to thank you for taking the time to post this video series. I can't tell you how helpful these tutorials are.
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Here is Part 18
https://youtu.be/dMuX0VthENM
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Here is Part 19
https://youtu.be/frC5Z6sR5Io
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Here is Part 20
https://youtu.be/8Hkoozn-qJE
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Bill, couple other things to help you tap:
Make sure that your tap drill is the correct size. Many times, numbered drills in sets are a couple thousandths undersize, leaving you an undersized hole. Getting 70% thread engagement is great, if that is really what it is. With an undersize bit, you might be trying for 90-110% thread engagement.
If possible, use your drill press for tapping. Getting it started free-hand can lead to an off-slant tap.
And, as you noted, good taps are always cheaper in the long run than less-expensive taps.
Are you goin g to blue, or brown your triggers? I am usually undecided about coloring the trigger plate itself, but I do try to rust-blue the triggers. Great rust protection.
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It went pretty easy with a good tap. Lesson learned! I might go with rust blue on the triggers. Not sure yet. When did rust blue become common?
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Here is Part 21
https://youtu.be/0qlnpCG4rlM
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Here is Part 22
https://youtu.be/mIXjQ1YtKwg
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Here is Part 23
https://youtu.be/mY5_jCpsHss
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Here is Part 24
https://youtu.be/cUVqPWIlPhs
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Here is Part 25
https://youtu.be/d0-Vadu057o
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Here is Part 26
https://youtu.be/VVDi1N9Mkck
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Here is Part 27
https://youtu.be/7mKt_XS_tnw
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Here is Part 28
https://youtu.be/jxrMRHuGVZU
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Here is Part 29
https://youtu.be/y9jF3ulZpUg
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Here is Part 30
https://youtu.be/jZ1-OCN3Xxw
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Here is Part 31
https://youtu.be/Y1fXUZtZOqE
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Here is Part 32
https://youtu.be/dRaKa8nhsMo
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Here is Part 33
https://youtu.be/Ta6yD6Gs3sU
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Here is Part 34
https://youtu.be/eVILywHBQ8k
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I apologize Bill. I was following along for a while but got behind because my phone was shutting down due to data usage limits. In the next week or two I intend to watch them all on the computer at home. I need to, because I'm going to kick my own rifle work into gear soon, and I certainly need the inspiration and instruction. I need to catch up. Again, your effort is greatly appreciated and I'm anxious to see where you're at in your build. Thank you.
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I apologize Bill. I was following along for a while but got behind because my phone was shutting down due to data usage limits. In the next week or two I intend to watch them all on the computer at home. I need to, because I'm going to kick my own rifle work into gear soon, and I certainly need the inspiration and instruction. I need to catch up. Again, your effort is greatly appreciated and I'm anxious to see where you're at in your build. Thank you.
No need to apologize! I am glad that I am able to provide some inspiration. Building a rifle may seem like a huge, complicated job. Reality is that it is just a series of steps and they are all pretty simple when taken one at a time.
As far as instruction goes, I am only showing one of many different ways to do things. I am using the tools that I have available and techniques that I have experience with. You are going to have different skills, experience, tools than I do and it is a likely that a different method of doing things will work better for you. This forum contains a vast amount of knowledge and experience. Many here have much more experience than I do. So don't think of anything that I do as showing you the RIGHT way to do things. Do your research and learn several ways to do something and go with what seems best to you.
Tonight I finished inletting the patch box. Made it from 1/16 brass sheet. That will be on YouTube in a few weeks. Doing that will take up several videos. I go into a bit of detail on it. Lots of metal forming stuff and I show how to make a curved hinge that actually works. I go a bit into how to stretch metal to close up gaps. Stuff like that. I have a lot of fun with this sort of thing.
Doing the video is probably as big of a job as building the gun. But it is no real effort. I enjoy doing it. At this point it is hard to imagine building a gun without the camera going. I will likely be doing it for every gun in the future. Here is something I figured out that can help you. Doing the video eliminates quite a lot of mistakes. It helps a lot. If you do a video similar to what I am doing of building your rifle it will make a big difference. And if you don't do a video, pretend that you are. Before I do anything I have to think of way to explain exactly what I am doing and why. Also the best way to go about doing it and what problems I may run into. The video forces me to slow down and think everything through before I do it. If you take the time to explain everything you do to a camera or an imaginary friend it is going to make a big difference in how things turn out.
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You are right about that. I started making longbows and recurves about twenty years ago. After a while I was pretty decent at it, but my own work and understanding improved more after I began helping others. There can be a big difference between just standing there doing something vs. showing a room full of folks how, while answering questions and explaining everything so they can understand it and do it well themselves. Often after they'd leave, I'd study or experiment on things that they'd raised questions about or anything I was unsure of or needed to explain or demonstrate in a different or better way the next time. It was to help them, and to help pass the torch, but it helped me too... more than if I was just out there in the zone making bows. Good stuff. Thanks again for the effort. It's appreciated.
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Here is Part 35
https://youtu.be/YfrHNONarpo
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Here is Part 36
https://youtu.be/86TNx5A3Xz8
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Here is Part 37
https://youtu.be/fOaSSqTNjYo
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Here is Part 38
https://youtu.be/WnZreeOWy_g
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Here is Part 39
https://youtu.be/Syj7JiVQhTg
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I would like to thank you Bill, for taking the time to document your build. I am watching and it is excellent.
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Here is Part 40
https://youtu.be/58R91GeCZIA
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Here is Part 41
https://youtu.be/qVfvEIAWaVI
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Here is Part 42
https://youtu.be/Fw2Lm_C614Y
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I would like to thank you Bill, for taking the time to document your build. I am watching and it is excellent.
He's doing a great job. He definitely doesn't mind taking the extra time and pains to make it right. I'm sure the final product will be impressive.
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I would like to thank you Bill, for taking the time to document your build. I am watching and it is excellent.
He's doing a great job. He definitely doesn't mind taking the extra time and pains to make it right. I'm sure the final product will be impressive.
I sure hope so!
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Here is Part 43
https://youtu.be/zslr6p60uSw
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You're very adept w/ handtools as shown in all the Parts. Have 2 questions.....do you form a shallow curve on the lid and wouldn't it be easier to use a length of dead soft baling wire for the hinge pin which could be bent by hand to the curve of the hinge knuckles of both the lid and finial? I always form a shallow curve on the lid. Really like your choice of the Pbox...it's a John Brooks style and seeing I'm not fond of the Daisy pbox found on many Lancasters, I've also used it a few times.....Fred
(https://i.ibb.co/nf4Xst0/Lancaster-IH-014.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6bGKRLZ)
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There is a shallow curve on the patchbox. Soft wire would be easier for the pin but I prefer to use hardened wire. With hardened wire I can form the brass around it without bending it out of shape.
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I also form the knuckles around music wire, but use baling wire for the permanent hinge pin for a curved hinge. Sorry...didn't see the lid curve....I put a little more curve on the lid than you do. .....Fred
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You're very adept w/ handtools as shown in all the Parts. Have 2 questions.....do you form a shallow curve on the lid and wouldn't it be easier to use a length of dead soft baling wire for the hinge pin which could be bent by hand to the curve of the hinge knuckles of both the lid and finial? I always form a shallow curve on the lid. Really like your choice of the Pbox...it's a John Brooks style and seeing I'm not fond of the Daisy pbox found on many Lancasters, I've also used it a few times.....Fred
(https://i.ibb.co/nf4Xst0/Lancaster-IH-014.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6bGKRLZ)
That sure is one excellent execution of a patchbox! You are gonna scare Bill , if he tries to replicate that quality!
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Replicate it? I am going to beat it! Or at least give it a try. But seriously, I don't care a bit if my work is better or worst than what anyone else does. That is not the point. The only goal is to put in the extra work on each step to do the best job that I am capable of. And then to be capable of more on the next one.
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Here is Part 44
https://youtu.be/vamHEJKytuM
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Here is Part 45
https://youtu.be/bbiL20e7dS0
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Still watching and "liking" each new installment. Excellent work.
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Here is Part 46
https://youtu.be/66Gos5Va_lg
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Good job! Keep building.
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I've been gone a while. Couldn't access this site, or figure out why. Got frustrated and quit trying. Turns out it was my outdated web browser. Switched to another one. I have a lot of videos to catch up on.
I really like that patchbox.
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Your videos are excellent Bill. I am learning a lot. Thanks. 8)
Dave
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Here is Part 47
https://youtu.be/JFyda8j4wMU
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Bill, I am learning a LOT from you and your videos. Appreciate the time and trouble that it takes.
I will give YOU a tip, tho, with the patch box cavity - use a Forstner bit for the excavation. They come in all sorts of sizes, increments of 1/16". And I wouldn't doubt that you could get metric sizes also. And you already know how to set your depth on the drill press or milling machine. That way you only have to chisel the "V" shapes between the round holes.
If you can find some overhead pics of old patch boxes, a lot of them you will see three (+/-) small divots left from the builder using a drill bit done with a brace. Sure does eliminate finding you went a bit too deep with one or more little holes.
I am anxious to see your finished engraving, IF you can pry it out of your wife's hands!
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I know the forstner bits are how it usually done. I just like the flat bottom instead of having the small holes left over from the bit. It sure does look bad digging out all that wood with a milling bit! But it all turned out good in the end.
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Here is Part 48
https://youtu.be/sXH5igupheA
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Here is Part 49
https://youtu.be/okrdOvrWlDI
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Here is Part 50
https://youtu.be/vlUJMOyQOpo
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Here is Part 51
https://youtu.be/KKmMHIrAxh8
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Here is Part 52
https://youtu.be/ysKTrsjHOlg
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Here is Part 53
Part 53 - https://youtu.be/SODyq8y48PA
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Here is Part 54
https://youtu.be/RnkIwO22vYo
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Here is Part 55
https://youtu.be/0G7FxnC5aEE
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Here is Part 56
https://youtu.be/ooJiYIIARQE
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bill--what brand and where did you get your rifflers?
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Rifflers are made by Grobet. Amazon and a number of other places have them.
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bill thank you for the info on your rifflers i really enjoy watching your videos--keep em comin
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Here is Part 57
https://youtu.be/wuHl6MbW6Q0
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Bill, I haven't watched your Lancaster build yet. But your Fusil de Chasse series of videos were great. Keep up the good work.
Mike
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Hello,
Thanks again for these videos. They are very helpful. I have one more question on your Grobet riffler files. Looking on Amazon, I see that they are Swiss pattern and come in different cuts (i.e., degrees of coarseness such as #0 or #2, etc. ).What cut # are the ones you are using in the video?
Thanks,
Jay
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The cut is #2.
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Here is Part 58
https://youtu.be/7yWouhNP01E
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Bill,
Great videos and love the carving ones. Been to classes and you show more than I saw in several classes. One other question to bug you about the riddlers you use. As they are fairly pricey, do you have a few recommended Grobet numbers we could start with for our carving tool set and already see you use cut #2. Thanks and enjoy the videos and your narrative.
elkhorne
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Rifflers are one of those tools that rarely get used, but are very nice to have when you need them. I only have a few of them and I need to get some more. The ones that I used in the video obviously got a lot of use. I think a small knife edge riffler would be very useful. Any of the small rifflers with a tight curve would be useful. Which ones to get is going to depend a lot on the carving design that you are doing. Its like the gouges for carving. You start off with a few of them and make do with what you have. Then over time build up a good collection of them.
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Here is Part 59
https://youtu.be/PRfMbrBwmi4
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THE RIFLE IS FINISHED!!! I just finished it up tonight. Its not perfect, but it came out very nice and I like it. I will keep getting videos out every week until the end. Now it is time for video editing and a week or two of engraving practice. Then I will start on the next one. I will be doing video for that also. Hopefully I will have the video ready to start for that by the time the last video on this one is posted. If not, it will only be a short wait until it starts. This video series will probably go to part 66 to 68 depending on how the editing goes.
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Bill,
Your series of videos on the Haines rifle build the most comprehensive of all I have ever seen. You showed techniques and steps none of the commercial builds ever showed. Thank you very much for all you have done and look forward to your next build. I have seen you use your bee block set up obviously from your jewelry background but we have never seen the whole set up. It looks so handy so if possible, can you show the set up to all some time and explain so we might be able to make something similar. Thanks again.
elkhorne
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Bill,
Your series of videos on the Haines rifle build the most comprehensive of all I have ever seen. You showed techniques and steps none of the commercial builds ever showed. Thank you very much for all you have done and look forward to your next build. I have seen you use your bee block set up obviously from your jewelry background but we have never seen the whole set up. It looks so handy so if possible, can you show the set up to all some time and explain so we might be able to make something similar. Thanks again.
elkhorne
https://www.riogrande.com/product/bench-pin-with-metal-holder/110011
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Here is Part 60
https://youtu.be/DqP1gsGwxls
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Bill, I like your statement that you are doing the best job that you at this stage of your abilities at this time.
That is something that we should strive for.
That engraving is tons better than I can do at this time. Maybe next year, but I will keep trying to improve.
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I want to do engraving like what you see in the fancy picture books. Its not going to happen! Maybe in 10 years, but not now. I think the trick is to practice on work that is far beyond my ability. The results are rather poor, but I am really challenging myself. When I go back to something a bit more my skill level I can do a good job.
This is my gun with the airgraver. I am happy with it. I probably see a lot more flaws than anyone else. I want to really push it on the next gun. Engraving is something I want to put some effort into.
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Bill,
I took John Shipper’s engraving class at Conners Prairie last Fall and we used hammer and chisel. He has a practice pattern #1 that he has all his students do and his guidance is to practice 15 minutes a day. He told us you learn and improve more and faster practicing like this than spending 8 hours a day once a week. It is still hard to build a habit for 15 minutes a day because something is always pulling you away. You just have to be flexible and persevere! By the way, is your Lindsay engraver the palm control or the foot control? You did a great job on your “first effort” and should be very proud of it.
elkhorne
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Here is Part 61
https://youtu.be/eYtgX4jNnLk
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I've been following this from Vid #1.I can't thank you enough for these.I've learned a ton out of them.I'm gonna start the fusil series when this one is done.I wish that series was on YouTube before I got my kit and butchered it,as there is vituarlly no info on building the Fusil de chasse..Hands down best videos on gun building on You Tube.
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Can’t wait to see the finished product Bill. You said an English Big Bore is next?
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Yes. Next one will be a big English rifle. I will start work on that one next week. Right now all I am doing is engraving practice. I will start posting the videos for the English rifle when all of them for the lancaster rifle are up. I will try to keep posting a new video every week but not sure how it is going to go. I still have to get a few tools for it. Problem is that I have no idea if I will still have a job on monday. Every day I call in at 5:30 AM to see if I still have a job. So I am not spending any money things calm down again. Good part is that it will be a little while before I need any tools that I don't have yet. This nonsense won't last forever.
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watched your latest video on engraving and noticed you used an abrasive rubber wheel to remove some scratches on the brass pieces. I don't have the kind of rotary tool you are using. I use a Dremel and noticed that Dremel has some rotary attachments that look like circular pieces of ScotchBrite pads on a shaft. They range from about 120 to 320 grit. Do you think they would work to get rid of an "oops" on a piece of brass? Or, would your type of wheel work on a Dremel rotary tool?
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I think I would avoid using a dremel for something like that. Difference is that the tool I am using has foot pedal speed control and the motor is separate from the hand piece. It gives you lot more control over what you are doing. It looks simple in the video, but it is very easy to turn a small oops into a huge oops. You really need a pretty light touch to do it. Pretty sure the those little abrasive wheels that I used are 3000 grit.
This what I am using
https://www.riogrande.com/product/foredom-tx301-flex-shaft-system/117588
https://www.riogrande.com/product/foredom-h-30-key-type-chuck-handpiece/117089
https://www.riogrande.com/category/tools-and-equipment/polishing-and-finishing/abrasives/abrasive-wheels#t=products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&numberOfResults=36&f:categoryfilter=[Tools%20%26%20Equipment,Polishing%20%26%20Finishing,Abrasives,Abrasive%20Wheels]
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Here is Part 62
https://youtu.be/v0_vuw6DNS4
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Here is Part 63
https://youtu.be/AWNDGpjGIGk
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Here is Part 64
https://youtu.be/rCXT0kHVFGg
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Nice work, Bill - you are really catching on to this gun building thing! Actually, a lot better than some of the work I've seen over the years.
Couple things: Carding can also be done with a wire wheel from supplier like Brownell's. They have a couple great wire wheels, one with .0025 SS "bristles" that are actually very, very soft. I've hit my fingers several times - no damage. The bristles will not damage the colored metal, they just brush off the rust. They are about $25. For hand carding, a Carding brush they have does a great job. Oh, the wheel has a 1/4" center hole, so you can drill it to fit your arbor.
Also, if the builder wants a blued gun, rather than a browned one, the only thing needed is boiling water for a few minutes - changes the valence of the iron oxide, which in turn changes the color. That is how rust bluing is done, just boiling water immersion. Small pieces are easy, do it on the stove top. Barrels really need a small trough with a couple burners to heat the water.
That is going to be a right nifty firearm when you are done -raffle it off and you might make some money. Or not.....
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I will definitely be getting one of those carding wheels for the next one. The rust bluing comes in Part 65.
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Here is Part 65
https://youtu.be/WU5G1o_gpqE
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Here is Part 66
https://youtu.be/L8njQl-SXoA
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Here is Part 67. This is the last one. The rifle is finished.
https://youtu.be/2JN4DhZMsgI
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That was an amazing series. Can't thank you enough for taking the time and effort in putting together such an imformative tuorial.
Kudos on a beautiful rifle as well!
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The next one starts next week.
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Bill
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. I’ve followed from day one and have really enjoyed them. Your work with a chisel is very impressive. Keep up the good work.
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Thanks again Bill. Your efforts have given new builders a full flavor of how a longrifle goes from blank to finished gun. I look forward to your next creation.
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I have heard from quite a few people that say the videos got them to realize that it is something they can actually do. I always like those comments.
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Bill,
Thank you for all the hard work you put into this video series! It was the most detailed one I have ever seen. Been to several classes and learned things from you that were never ever shown or discussed in any class. I wish someone would have done the job you have just done many years ago. The muzzle loading community owes you a debt of gratitude. Through this series, you were able to show detailed instruction and explanations never seen before on any video production. If my math is correct, you just gave folks the equivalent of almost 34 hours of instruction. I am working my way through the series taking notes so as I build, I can go to the appropriate videos to study your techniques. One request for the future that would also help us in the community out greatly, would be to do an episode just showing, describing and maybe give sources to get some of the speciality tools you use in your builds. Otherwise thanks very much and learned a ton and even better yet, the reason and logic behind what and why you did a step a certain way. Looking forward to your next series.
elkhorne
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Ditto on what Elkhorne said. Now the only thing I need to learn is the patience you have....haven't gotten that down. Thank you.
Dave
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This video series is what pushed me to finally pull the trigger on my first build! We'll see how it goes... Thanks Bill!
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The next rifle is well under way and I will start posting the videos for that this weekend. This one will have a number of things on it that I have not done on video before. I will be making a few parts from scratch and doing a lot of modification on others. So far I have gone into a lot of detail on the breech plug. I am spending a lot of time on barrel inletting also. That is one part that everyone seems to afraid of. This one should be a lot of fun.
The Lancaster series turned out to be a lot longer than I planned on. But that's fine. No idea how long this next will turn out to be. I don't really plan anything out. I just ramble on as I am working and point out anything that seems to be relevant. I will probably do a video just on tools sometime. I am waiting for a few to come in so that will probably be in a little while.
I am glad to hear that all of you are enjoying the videos. I have fun doing it.
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Hello Bill, just wanted to say I've really enjoyed your videos. Thanks man, I've learned a few things and now I'm motivated to build a Hawken of some sort soon...full stock. I believe you did a Hawken earlier? Once your Haines rifle is done I'm headed for those vids.
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I have never built a Hawken rifle before. The previous series was a fusil-de-chasse and a Tennessee rifle. Next one will be a big English rifle. The style is much different than a Hawken, but there are many similarities in how they are built. That series starts up This weekend.
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I have never built a Hawken rifle before. The previous series was a fusil-de-chasse and a Tennessee rifle. Next one will be a big English rifle. The style is much different than a Hawken, but there are many similarities in how they are built. That series starts up This weekend.
Lay er on us Bill. I can't wait. Watching your videos is like watching "The Truman Show", remember that old Jim Carey where his whole life was played on a TV show? It could be that the next famous longrifle maker has video'd his journey from beginner to putting 'Bill Raby' on a brass sideplate! ;)
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You really need to give your dog a speaking role. We all know that it is the dog that does all the off-camera work!
Looking forward to this weekend - I, too, am building a Hawken - a full stock plains rifle. Nice Don Stith kit that I lucked into. And yep, Sunny Dog tells me what to do, and right now she is telling me to take her our. Jimminy Christmas, it's after 11 pm, Dog!
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I have no desire to ever be famous. Any talent or skill that I may have comes from God and I don't get to take any credit for it.
The little dog is not much interested in rifles. She likes to play with her toys. She has lots of them. Also likes to hide her little treasures all over the house. Pretty common to find a duck foot under my pillow. She loves those. And of course she tells me to take her outside. When she gets back she likes to tell the girl with lots of tattoos about all the critters she saw on her big adventure.
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I learned a lot and enjoyed the entire series. Thank you for doing these videos! Looking forward to the elephant gun
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I have no desire to ever be famous. Any talent or skill that I may have comes from God and I don't get to take any credit for it.
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Amen Brother...
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Second reply to an old post! Bill, I hope you backed these videos up. You did such a nice job! It's a shame nobody can see them again. Or can we?
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I have them all backed up, but I am not sure where. We moved earlier this year. It was all on an external hard drive. I did get packed up and moved. Problem is that I have not found it yet. It is here and it will turn up eventually. I will post them again once I manage to find it. I started a new series on building a Maryland rifle that is rather similar. I am going into a bit more detail on this one.