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General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Odd Fellow on June 21, 2011, 10:46:56 PM

Title: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 21, 2011, 10:46:56 PM: I have been working on this for a while, the time period I was going for was the 1640s I am 17 working on this, I made all metal parts except the barrel, bolts, and screws.

The barrel is a colerain 42" griffin 20 gauge Fowler barrel

The lock I made from TRS castings.

The stockwood is a barn timber that I found, I thought it looked like walnut and it was.

I left file marks on the metal surfaces so that it would be more period correct

The finish is Tung oil with paste wax
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0832.jpg)

(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0833.jpg)

(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0835.jpg)
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0826.jpg)
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0827.jpg)
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0831.jpg)
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0828.jpg)
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0829.jpg)
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0834.jpg)
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0830.jpg)

Forgot to mention that it has a 1/4" cast off also

So what do you all think? This is my 3rd build and first from scratch!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Cory Joe Stewart on June 21, 2011, 10:50:58 PM: How cool is that? Awesome stuff.

Coryjoe
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Dennis Glazener on June 21, 2011, 10:52:51 PM: I am not familiar with 1640 architecture but the craftsman ship looks good. I think you have the talent necessary to be a good gunbuilder. Keep it up.

Welcome to ALR, I am sure you will find like minded friends here.
Dennis
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Old Ford2 on June 21, 2011, 11:01:52 PM: Very fine work, your attention to detail is good.
For the young man that you are, you are well on your way to be a fine craftsman.
Excellent work!
What cal., how does it handle?
Any problems with the wood, while makeing?
Any more wood left from the timber?
What is your next project?

Old Ford
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 21, 2011, 11:03:51 PM: It was interesting working arround brace bit holes, worm holes, knots, and nail holes in this piece, Thank you all.
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 21, 2011, 11:11:34 PM: Code: [Select]
Very fine work, your attention to detail is good. For the young man that you are, you are well on your way to be a fine craftsman. Excellent work! What cal., how does it handle? Any problems with the wood, while makeing? Any more wood left from the timber? What is your next project?
It is a .62 caliber

I havent shot it yet but swings well and points well

The wood had some tiny wormholes, knots, and a couple of brace bit holes

I have some blocks left for maybe a set of apostles for this gun

My next project is a copy of this piece
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/pistolmodel.jpg)

This is the sketch I made before seeing this picture
(https://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/IMG_0836.jpg)
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Frank Barker on June 21, 2011, 11:15:39 PM: WOW O.F......You sure did a nice job on your Snaphaunce copy. Your craftsmanship surpasses your young age. I will give you an A+ on this one. Keep up the good work and we will be looking forward to more nice guns in the future. Welcome to the ALR site and don't be bashful. This is a good place to ask questions and to be tutored by some of the best in the business......Frank Barker
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: rich pierce on June 21, 2011, 11:33:08 PM: Nice work. I had my doubts when you posted that barn timber on another site. You're advanced for sure beyond your experience. Keep it up and see as many originals as you can.
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 21, 2011, 11:52:40 PM: Thank you all, I think I remember your fears rich, The brace bit area I had to remove the light rot of 200+ years and I positioned the front ramrod pipe over that area to cover it up, the front pipe is wobbly without the ramrod in place but with it in place it holds without movement.

Forgot to mention I made the ramrod from old oak flooring it had very strait grain so I split it then used a spoke shave to get the rough shape then ran it thru a rod shaping die I made then sanded, the rod flares the front 3 inches to about .48 diameter

The one mistake I believe I made was the tang shape but I made it work!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: greybeard on June 22, 2011, 12:34:04 AM: If thid is the kind of work that you do at 17 I can't wait to see what you will be turning out when you are 21.
Keep it up and keep us To to date on your progress. BOB
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Glenn on June 22, 2011, 12:50:28 AM: WOW ... How cool !!! You did a great job. Your first scratch build reveals lot of talent and skills !!!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Tim Crosby on June 22, 2011, 01:00:40 AM: Wow, 17, amazing work, can’t wait to see the pistol. How about some pics as you go about it?

Thanks, Tim C.
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Old Ford2 on June 22, 2011, 01:10:30 AM: Modern snaphaunce fowlers are quite rare, so your choice without a lot of guidance is highly commenable.
Looking forward to the pistol, and as written above, pictures as you go PLEASE.
Walk tall and be proud of your work, sir!

Old Ford
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 22, 2011, 01:29:53 AM: Thankyou all! I worked off of models from these websites

http://www.bolk-antiques.nl/

http://briangodwin.co.uk/index.html (best one I found)

and various forums and picture accounts from photobucket.

Like you said there aren't many modern reproductions and there really aren't many originals to look at and hold to get the right Idea
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Dan'l 1946 on June 22, 2011, 02:34:39 AM: I've seen a number of original pieces, and you have done a fine job with yours. And it's wonderful to see a young person with your skill and interest in muzzleloaders--I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work!
Dan
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Bill of the 45th on June 22, 2011, 05:00:29 AM: Welcome, and WOW!

Bill
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 22, 2011, 05:03:38 AM: Thankyou
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: dogcreek on June 22, 2011, 05:22:09 AM: That's a mighty fine Snaphaunce fowler. Congratulations on a job well done. Are you planning to hunt or target shoot with it? I'm very interested in hearing how it performs.
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 22, 2011, 05:27:57 AM: I plan on taking it hunting, but I want to put it on paper too! I will give a report when I take it out to shoot!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: whitebear on June 22, 2011, 10:45:07 AM: DAAARN, (would be another word but probably would be deleated). That's plum purdy
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Berks Liberty on June 22, 2011, 03:13:04 PM: Very cool! I really like seeing something that isn't posted on a regular basis here. Very nice work! Congratulations!

Jason
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Dr. Tim-Boone on June 22, 2011, 04:04:47 PM: Very nice work all the way around. Keep up the effort and let us see more of what you do.
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 22, 2011, 06:33:44 PM: thankyou all! Will post update on it when I get to shoot it!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: flint103 on June 22, 2011, 08:49:06 PM: Great work, you show skills way beyond your years. Keep posting your projects I am sure it is an inspiration for all of us here
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Curtis on June 23, 2011, 06:20:53 AM: Great craftsmanship there, Odd Fellow. You did a very precise job of inletting also! Time to shoot it and start on the next one.
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Daryl on June 23, 2011, 05:58:13 PM: The inletting blows me away. Way to go OddFellow. Superb looking job on that lock too - from castings, yet. How's it spark?
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 23, 2011, 09:09:51 PM: Getting ready to harden and temper the main spring so that the spring will make the hammer strike. But I did spark test the battery and it works very well!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: LURCHWV@BJS on June 24, 2011, 05:03:40 AM: You're worst is better than my best. I'm blown away . Speechless just speechless.

Schnaphaunces are my favorite style.

Speechless

Rich
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 24, 2011, 05:30:28 AM: Quote
Q. Do you plan on putting a front sight on your barrel?

Yes, funny story, I was adjusting the underlugs forthe round protion which were soldered on and they didnt detatch but when I went to straiten the front sight out a bit, well lets just say it escaped from my grasp, now to find it or make another or I might just make a thin band and slip it over the end.

What do you think?

Quote
Odd Fellow, The last time I saw a Snaphaunce Fowler (original) was in a very early and old Dutch house in NJ. Yours, is very, very well done and the origin and selection of the wood you used for the stock, just adds an additional dimension to your work . A real 'keeper' for sure. There will be no stopping you if you decide to venture into 'aging' your wood and metal finishes.

Thankyou!

Quote
You're worst is better than my best. I'm blown away . Speechless just speechless.

Schnaphaunces are my favorite style.

Speechless

Thankyou, I enjoied the build, I might just make a few more down the road If I have some offers, Heck Ill probably just make them for the fun of it allong with some wheellocks, I might try my hand at making a rasp lock from scratch....
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on June 25, 2011, 03:57:34 AM: After oh 4 attempts at making the mainspring it works now, It sparks very well! I found some 7/8" long by 5/8" wide flints at friendship and they work bevel down hitting at a 60 degree angle 2/3 up on the striking surface.

I couldn't believe I had done it! The lock is extremely easy on the flints, I have cycled it about 20 times and as sharp as started!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Rasch Chronicles on June 28, 2011, 07:29:38 AM: OddFellow,

Nicely executed!

I'm looking forward to seeing your work in the coming years!

Best Regards,
Albert “Afghanus” Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™ (http://trochronicles.blogspot.com/)
Hunting Late Season Whitetails! (http://trochronicles.blogspot.com/2011/01/late-season-whitetails.html)
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: longrifle on June 29, 2011, 01:53:21 AM: Look's Great !!!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on July 05, 2011, 04:48:20 PM: I took it out to fire yesterday. 3 blanks (never doing that again) and 3 live fires.

Getting used to what it likes takes a while especially in 90% humidity. I had more flashes in the pan than actual firings because the fowling just sucked up the moisture.

But it was fun to fire it! I'm having to get used to the gun before accuracy starts climbing, but until then I can have fun!

Heres a video when it actually fired!

(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1229.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee470%2FJustin_Neal%2Fth_MVI_1063.jpg&hash=664f988361fdd4f513d63d60bf3734fb3fdc488e) (http://s1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee470/Justin_Neal/?action=view&current=MVI_1063.mp4)
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on July 06, 2011, 07:00:01 AM: I realized that I forgot to oil the plate and tumbler, and place a washer on the battery alas, my problems might be solved!
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: rick landes on July 07, 2011, 04:55:08 PM: Remarkable job.
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on August 04, 2011, 04:48:47 AM: (https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1229.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee470%2FJustin_Neal%2FIMAG0009.jpg&hash=04e16464b128447759d88c4587dda030b64e7fc9)
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Glenn on August 04, 2011, 05:02:16 AM: Beautiful ... ;D

I really dig the way you shaped the stock. Looks like another escape from a European museum somewhere.
Title: Re: Just finished, Snaphaunce fowler.
Post by: Odd Fellow on August 04, 2011, 05:10:05 AM: Thanks, I revived the thread because I managed to get a full length shot of the gun with nice lighting and background!