AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Paul Hamler on September 29, 2011, 06:08:57 AM
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Like many who have been following the wheellock post I have become fascinated by the mechanism and decided to build one. Having the 1/3 scale Kentucky rifles under my belt I was looking for the next project and decided on a 1/3 scale wheellock puffer. I was fortunate enough to borrow a nice original example to copy. The first step was to draw the parts and convert them into a format that will be used to generate tool path on my CNC machines. This completed I decided to make the chain and wheel shaft first.
I will post the progress on my photo site http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1492336124_nq97RMC
The wheellock project contains many photos of the original lock being dissembled , the build is pretty straight forward...reproduce each part one piece at a time all at 1/3 scale.
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2F%2Fi-H4XWHGw%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN5986-M.jpg&hash=a26770b12439d0faf476d91241a66165600e9a94)
Enjoy
Paul Hamler
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Paul, I enjoyed your photo page so far, and am looking forward to seeing the build unfold. Pls let us know when you have posted some new shots.
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Taylor, I currently have three ongoing projects and hope to have two finished in the next few weeks, then the wheellock project will become the priority project. I will do a quick post as milestones are completed. I'm sure I'll have questions for you and others that have wheellock build experience.
Thanks
Paul
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I offer words of respect!
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What a fabulous forum we have here. I am always amazed.
Thom
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Paul,
You do amazing work!! It is so fun to watch you do this miniature work with such precision.
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I offer words of respect!
Raszpla,thanks ,you have inspired this project.
Tim , for a Georgia boy I try.
I'm making progress. I have decided to make all the parts using scrap plastic model and prototyping plastics, From the plastic models I will make RTV and epoxie molds , this will enable me to cast many lock parts plus it is much easier to machine,carve and detail the parts.
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-zD4CGpd%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6013-M.jpg&hash=39dca9686151a2c6e1fcc37b173d340e0ab6e70c)
See updated wheellock pictures at
http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1509612131_zD4CGpd (http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1509612131_zD4CGpd)
to see the mold and casting process go to
http://hamlertools.smugmug.com (http://hamlertools.smugmug.com)
and look at the pictures under the miniature Lancaster rifle folder.
Thanks for looking
Questions and answers are free.
Paul
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your work is truly amazing thank you keep the pictures coming i cant get enough of the eye candy tell me is that a original wheel lock in the first picture and if so do you have a date to go along with it .i find its some thing to think about that in the 15Th century they had no mills. drills or lathes i wonder how they did it back then in the 15Th century
thank you
Richard Westerfield
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Richard, the referenced lock is an original, the owner thinks it is mid 1600.
The lock is in very good condition and has excellent file work on the springs and detailed accent lines through out . The thing that I am most impressed is the quality of file work, there are very few file scratch marks showing.
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-tBzqDz5%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6017-M.jpg&hash=a91b0fafe695339eafa4b1af07da69b9bad65a06)
Makers mark any info or details on the date of the lock??
Paul
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i think that it had to be a lot of casting done on the lock and its parts i thought that they didn't have files in those days apparently they must have had .i guess we will never know how they made them. it some thing how you can make things with what you have on hand and there's no machines
thanks for your ear
Richard Westerfield
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I doubt castings were used too much for lock parts. Nonferrous alloys could have been cast without too much difficulty and also some iron, but casting steel to the best of my knowledge would have been beyond their technology. Forgings, simple lathes, and a lot of skill with cold chisels and files would have been the answer I imagine.
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Forging, forging dies, stamping, filing was the tech of the day. No casting of iron or steel in this scale, to my knowledge. The only casting of iron to understanding was in pig iron, and that had to be hammered to work out the impurities. Get enough carbon out of iron, and you have steel.
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Paul,
Could you tell me a little more about the plastic material you are using? I have used a high density polyurethane foam to make models of guards and butplates before, but never used plastic like you have shown. I'd be interested to know more about it.
Thanks,
Jim
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(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-4fSKpvK%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6018-M.jpg&hash=04e600a7535f35cd239859e853cc46120107b631)
Jim the polyurethane and epoxy tooling boards are like rifles they come in all sizes ,shapes and colors. Each has it's unique feature, in the above photo the large board that the other pieces are setting on is a long established material called REN shape 450, it machines , carves ,sands fantastic the dust resembles Bondo . Freeman Manufacturing sells REN Shape and other similar tooling boards. I use this for larger models. The yellow block is Butterboard, same type material but is easier to carve and sand,this is usually my first choice when making models. Every model for casting the brass parts on my miniature Lancaster rifles were made from Butterboard. Mc Master carries butterboard but Golden West is the mfg. and you can sometimes buy drops very cheap from them.
The green stuff is yet another similar material, the reason for using this on the wheellock is it is stiffer and a little stronger than both Ren shape and butterboard.The grey block is what I used to make all the lock parts, this is Metapore and machines like cutting air however the finished product is extremly strong ,almost like powdered aluminum.The front piece is cellouse acetate which was the industry standard before the polyurethane and epoxy tooling boards came along, I will be making the model springs for the wheellock from this ,it will act just like a spring and return to the compressed shape when tension is released. Another great feature is it can be glued up and parts attached with acetone.The other boards can be built and pieced with normal glues as well as superglue.Shoot me an e mail and we can hook up on the phone if you need more info.
Paul
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Thanks Paul. I've used quite a bit if the REN spape 460 and the beige colored stuff (can't remember the density). For mounts the 460 has worked quite well. I've even carved it pretty heavily in making English style relief mounts. It worked pretty good for this, but something with a bit higher density and finer grain might be even better. How do you think the other products you mentioned would carve?
Jim
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Jim for carving detail with the best finish it would be the cellulose acetate, second choice would be Butterboard, I can send you a small sample of each if you like. I have used ABS for some projects but it isn't as easy to carve as the acetate but is more stable in thin sections.
Paul
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I have a friend that collects miniature guns ,the attached link shows the wheellocks in his collection, he has loaned me three to study as I proceed with my 1/3 scale lock.
I thought you would enjoy the pictures as much as I have.
Paul
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67818220@N08/sets/72157627635732163/
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/67818220@N08/sets/72157627635732163/)
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Jim for carving detail with the best finish it would be the cellulose acetate, second choice would be Butterboard, I can send you a small sample of each if you like. I have used ABS for some projects but it isn't as easy to carve as the acetate but is more stable in thin sections.
Paul
That would be great Paul. I'll send a PM.
Thanks,
Jim
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I now nave a mainspring (model) they will be cast in 6130.
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-xSzj6bx%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6072-M.jpg&hash=9ebc134cad697f4f8ae825ce9d32e4cec7e4136d)
To see machining go to below link
http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1492337514_XKZTCVv (http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1492337514_XKZTCVv)
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Got the pan roughed out,only 8 more parts left!!
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-2d7brHg%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6129-M.jpg&hash=10c66de55b57e91d9f919af6a69f859a80f5cc81)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-PpJwffq%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6131-M.jpg&hash=0c11ee8a0500e4e197fc5604ef043549b65080cb)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-Jrhk328%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6132-M.jpg&hash=d61227e01dd757743bc047b0ba76654bbaf4b244)
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SUPER!
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Hi
This is precision DE LUXE :)
Runar
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There sure are a lot of parts in a wheellock!!!
Great site here...http://www.firearm.ch/ (http://www.firearm.ch/)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-Kdds5Pz%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6146-M.jpg&hash=369a8f44c518fc6cf501916c8ff99cdbbd5803ad)
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I have 3 more parts (models) to make then I'll begin the mold making so I can cast multiple sets of lock parts.
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-6jWppT4%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6152-M.jpg&hash=c4065d47d987032e38177856fa7504a7c48a1559)
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I'm dying of curiosity!let me know what are the next steps of the project :)
greetings :)
Bolek
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Bolek, the next step will be to hand detail each lock part that was precision cut on the CNC mill . This will be done with small chisels,files and engraving tools. once the parts are crisp and detailed I will make a RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) mold for each part. After removing the master part from the rubber mold the mold will be injected with wax and cast in bronze. I have found that the silicon bronze I use has almost identical shrinkage as the mild steel(8620) used to cast the flintlock parts. Once I cast the parts in bronze I will assembly a few locks to verify all parts fit and the lock performs,after this I will make several waxes for each part and have the waxes cast in tool steel. The springs will be cast with 6130, packed in carbon to replenish any carbon lost during the investment casting process ,then hardened and tempered. Then using the hole patterns from the first assembled lock I can program the CNC mill to drill all holes in the cast side plates and assembly up to ten locks in a day each identical in looks and operation.
The process of making the RTV molds , making the wax parts and casting can be seen in pictures 14 through 32 in the miniature Lancaster photo album at http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Minature-Lancaster-Rifle/12051928_hVGG6V#1310642163_7VBFBzS (http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Minature-Lancaster-Rifle/12051928_hVGG6V#1310642163_7VBFBzS)
I will be detailing the plastic parts this week and should have the molds complete the following week. If all goes well the first bronze castings should be done in about three weeks. Stay tuned and check http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1492337514_XKZTCVv (http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1492337514_XKZTCVv)
for updates.
Thanks
Paul
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Incredible work, Paul. You have real tenacity to stick through a project of this scope, take it through its many phases. Obviously, you have been through this before with your other projects, but it's pretty amazing, even from the sidelines. Keep up the good work!
Tom
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interesting, fascinating affinity - man, tradition and modern technology
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(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-WDb9STp%2F0%2FL%2FDSCN6292-L.jpg&hash=09cf273266433c871d68573e3b1a1b6be9c5fbfd)
I got sidetracked with a few "paying Jobs" but have got back to work on the wheel lock. I just finished my first Cerro metal mold that I'll be using to make plastic parts to be cast. It was quite a learning curve to make the Cerro molds using a process called squeeze casting. for more photos go to
http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1608948927_WDb9STp (http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1608948927_WDb9STp)
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(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-WQRrx5H%2F0%2FL%2FDSCN6485-L.jpg&hash=adac211a236dd174464510da250178863b0c866b)
Waxes for main spring and dog spring, the waxes have the file work from the model. The waxes for the side plate have the sear post and spring post incorporated and will be cast as one. No mortise and tenon preening required.
](https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-JbBPZtx%2F0%2FL%2FDSCN6484-L.jpg&hash=c81b109e56a03491056fb36e1820ee89659b5670)
Note the mainspring is shown in position but the two waxes will be cast separate.
I have a few more simple molds to make and will be ready to cast a few locks soon.
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When you cast your waxes do you use a vacuum or centrifuge to remove air?
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Tony,I use vacuum. Go tohttp://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Minature-Lancaster-Rifle/12051928_hVGG6V#1310642163_7VBFBzS (http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Minature-Lancaster-Rifle/12051928_hVGG6V#1310642163_7VBFBzS)
to see the setup.
Paul
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Finished all the molds should be casting soon.(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-XVgtJPv%2F0%2FL%2FDSCN6505-L.jpg&hash=88cfac7e9a2cad714dd8689150f03fbbf886c9ca)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-C8zkX7r%2F0%2FL%2FDSCN6520-L.jpg&hash=1295b1fe37b55c236a70107e23309fcc9d9935af)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-6ZvVRCd%2F0%2FL%2FDSCN6521-L.jpg&hash=3c7d69586de7264f6d6e1dbc9cae5cc6ce1a31fa)
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(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-5DHxxWZ%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6648-M.jpg&hash=7acba98061ded77f2f053840e0224f757c3f2105)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-CQtnTGf%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6737-M.jpg&hash=26a7882c7d43c78d13fda7b05aa299a37550f800)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhamlertools.smugmug.com%2FHobbies%2FWheellock-Project%2Fi-VpX3p6n%2F0%2FM%2FDSCN6750-M.jpg&hash=f1f9f1b4b45088f8c9ab11661bbc75f11eb1ed01)
All casting done ,now the fun starts...see if they will make a spark.
For more casting pictures go to http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#!i=1492337514&k=XKZTCVv (http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#!i=1492337514&k=XKZTCVv)
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truely outstanding .keep up the excellent work and pictures this is a great thread
dag
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The skill and talent that appears on this site never ceases to amaze me.
Dan