AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: hortonstn on October 29, 2013, 05:32:42 PM

Title: another thing to remember
Post by: hortonstn on October 29, 2013, 05:32:42 PM

when holding a rifle in a vise by the top and bottom remember to leave the ramrod in the stock it will keep it from cracking...... how do i know???
paul

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: Paddlefoot on October 29, 2013, 08:51:08 PM

Another step toward being a journeyman. Is a wear plate going to fix it?

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: hortonstn on October 29, 2013, 10:57:58 PM

yes,but i wasn't wanting to do that.............

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: Paddlefoot on October 29, 2013, 11:38:41 PM

Yeah that does happen though. Im busy building a new entry pipe for my current build. New rule; always make your own ramrod thimbles and entry pipes cause the cast items are a PITA and wont save you time. Same with muzzle caps.

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: Curtis on October 30, 2013, 12:02:02 AM

Ouch, Paul I can hear the cracking sound from here and it makes me cringe....

Curtis

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: Acer Saccharum on October 30, 2013, 02:57:53 AM

...and keep a wad of foam on the saddle of the vise between the jaws...when the gun slips out of the jaws and lands on the crossbar.....why do you think I thought of that?

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: WadePatton on October 30, 2013, 03:32:21 AM

Never forget to rest the bbl on the muzzle end if you have a full-tang Southern version--every single one of those 142 times you have it out for various reasons.  No matter how late, tired, hungry, or distracted you may be in the shop at that hour. 

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: mountainman70 on October 30, 2013, 04:16:34 AM

I do believe,my friends,we could gather up all these tidbits of wisdom,and print a book,and call it "What Not To Do Gunsmithing"Heaven knows I have my favorites.Best regards,y'all.Dave

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: Paddlefoot on October 30, 2013, 04:32:13 AM

And always remember that hot metal (below a certain temperature) looks exactly like cold metal.  Same with glass.

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: Elnathan on October 30, 2013, 05:19:37 AM

Quote from: Paddlefoot on October 30, 2013, 04:32:13 AM

And always remember that hot metal (below a certain temperature) looks exactly like cold metal.  Same with glass.

That is how I learned about the wonderful healing properties of aloe vera sap, many years ago. I now consider an aloe vera plant to be an essential part of any well-equipped blacksmith shop.

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: E.vonAschwege on October 30, 2013, 05:23:57 AM

And remember not to heat varnishes or spirits with an open flame, no matter how low, lest the container break...

I now keep a fire extinguisher next to my bench, I'm glad there was one at the top of the stairs. 

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: obsidian on October 30, 2013, 06:03:16 AM

How many years(or guns) does it take to learn when the vise is tight enough but not too tight?

Title: Re: another thing to remember
Post by: E.vonAschwege on October 30, 2013, 06:18:31 AM

Quote from: obsidian on October 30, 2013, 06:03:16 AM

How many years(or guns) does it take to learn when the vise is tight enough but not too tight?

10 years later, I've learned to stop just before I think it's tight enough... If it moves, then I'll tighten it a smidge more.