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General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: davec2 on September 29, 2015, 08:55:07 PM

Title: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: davec2 on September 29, 2015, 08:55:07 PM
A few months ago, a fellow by the name of Richard Newman got in contact with me via the Contemporary Makers site asked me if I could finish a little rifle he had started quite some time ago for his daughters.  Time, business, and life had stopped progress and he was looking for someone to finish it for him.  We met in June and I took over the project but warned him that I was in the midst of a large propulsion testing contract and would not be able to dedicate full time to the project.  He told me the rifle had languished for several years, so any progress would be to the good.

Personally, I had also started a matched set of 1/2 scale rifles for my two daughters many, many years ago that I have never finished.  And, in the natural order of things, the girls had not waited on me and are now both grown women.   So, secondarily, I wanted to do this for Richard to make up for my own missed opportunity.

At any rate, I have been working on it a little at a time, and asked Richard if I could post the work here as it might be of interest to this community.  He said to go ahead, so here goes.

It is always a bit of an issue to take over someone else's project, as you are never quite sure what the original vision was.  Also, half way through a build, there are things that have been done that cannot be undone, without completely starting over, and must just be lived with.  Luckily, Richard had done a great job up to the point he had to stop and turned the work over to me.

The rifle is 3/4 scale, suited for a child but easily handled by an adult.  I was immediately taken with the size and style.   It is a handy little rifle with an octagonal to round .45 caliber barrel.  The lock is a small Queen Ann (which I have used before and like very much).  The rest of the hardware is German silver, which I have never worked with before.  The following photos will show the rifle as Richard delivered it to me.

I will post some photos on the progress to date next time around....


(https://preview.ibb.co/cBED15/Small_Rifle_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nyeP8k)

(https://preview.ibb.co/nsFLg5/Small_Rifle_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jJw48k)

(https://preview.ibb.co/mcdHTk/Small_Rifle_9.jpg) (http://ibb.co/k6mRM5)

(https://preview.ibb.co/dTTTZQ/Small_Rifle_14.jpg) (http://ibb.co/f142uQ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/dWnNuQ/Small_Rifle_13.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fwfxTk)

(https://preview.ibb.co/iKSoZQ/Small_Rifle_12.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fNzfg5)

(https://preview.ibb.co/eUVWok/Small_Rifle_11.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iyqWok)

(https://preview.ibb.co/feXNuQ/Small_Rifle_10.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bBCNuQ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/miyvEQ/Small_Rifle_8.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nFYTZQ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/j5yHTk/Small_Rifle_7.jpg) (http://ibb.co/g0nBok)

(https://preview.ibb.co/jbVxTk/Small_Rifle_6.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dL8TZQ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/dA7cTk/Small_Rifle_5.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hdScTk)

(https://preview.ibb.co/mvTvEQ/Small_Rifle_4.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jF9P8k)

(https://preview.ibb.co/i3cY15/Small_Rifle_3.jpg) (http://ibb.co/ddY6M5)
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: smart dog on September 29, 2015, 09:28:56 PM
Hi Dave,
Richard made a very nice start and you have a nice canvas on which to work your magic.   I did a couple of gun projects like yours, in which the project was already started.  One I had to trash because there was just too much wrong, the other became the Berks gun I posted a while ago.  I enjoyed the challenge of merging the original maker's and my own ideas and I felt like I was really recycling something worthwhile. Good luck and have fun with it, Dave.

dave
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: bama on September 30, 2015, 05:28:21 PM
Yes a nice start and I know you will do a fine job in completing this project. Thanks for sharing and keep us posted on the project.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: Long Ears on October 01, 2015, 04:44:27 AM
Dave, I have my first grandchild and he needs a new rifle bad. Would you be interested in tracing that rifle? I would be more than willing to pay you for your time. My grandson is only one year old so no big rush. Thanks, Bob
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: davec2 on October 01, 2015, 07:16:21 AM
Bob,

Not a problem.  I will make a tracing for you.  I know where to get the lock, ram rod pipes, butt plate and trigger guard.  I don't know where the .45 caliber octagonal to round barrel came from but will ask Richard.

Dave C
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: davec2 on October 01, 2015, 06:19:03 PM
Some work toward completion on this little rifle:

Lock polished:

(https://preview.ibb.co/kJScTk/Small_Rifle_23.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nzk8ZQ)

Lock engraved:

(https://preview.ibb.co/iYj2uQ/Small_Rifle_24.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gErhuQ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cO86M5/Small_Rifle_26.jpg) (http://ibb.co/krfxTk)

(https://preview.ibb.co/bsAmM5/Small_Rifle_27.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nwkaEQ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/mvYTZQ/Small_Rifle_28.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nxHBok)

Butt plate polished out:

(https://preview.ibb.co/niProk/Small_Rifle_25.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kBoHTk)

Side plate beveled and counter sunk along with making new lock bolts:

(https://preview.ibb.co/mkkLg5/Small_Rifle_16.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nHMt15)

The ram rod pipes were a stock item and, although Richard did not want this little rifle to be overly decorated, I did modify the end rings on the pipes a little to make them more decorative.  The rear pipe on the left is as it came from the supplier.  The one on the right has the slight modification:

(https://preview.ibb.co/dvrt15/Small_Rifle_15.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eLiTZQ)

(https://preview.ibb.co/nfOHTk/Small_Rifle_18.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iSUD15)
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: FDR on October 01, 2015, 07:44:23 PM
What a difference an application of talent and knowledge makes. Nice!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: davec2 on October 02, 2015, 03:42:42 AM
Here is the next increment of progress......muzzle cap..........I made this one out of a standard octagonal cap.........

(https://preview.ibb.co/mEP2uQ/Small_Rifle_19.jpg) (http://ibb.co/khoTZQ)

Trigger guard polished and some file work.....this, like the side plate, will get some subdued engraving..........

(https://preview.ibb.co/fUiHTk/Small_Rifle_17.jpg) (http://ibb.co/h92oZQ)

Patch box.....installed but not finished or (obviously) engraved.  This part will get the most extensive engraving on the rifle.......

(https://preview.ibb.co/c1Fgok/Small_Rifle_29.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hQK7Tk)

Some clean up work / polishing completed on the barrel.............

(https://preview.ibb.co/doKkEQ/Small_Rifle_20.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fbLE8k)

(https://preview.ibb.co/iFTO15/Small_Rifle_22.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gLjwM5)

New tang screw made and installed..............

(https://preview.ibb.co/i2fgok/Small_Rifle_21.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nGHSTk)
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: davec2 on October 02, 2015, 05:53:30 AM
Long Ears,

Please PM me with your address to send the tracing to.  I will also try to make up a list of all the known parts.

Dave C
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: davec2 on February 06, 2016, 11:07:53 PM
OK.....started this re-work for a fellow back in October, but I told him it was going to take me a while.  Lots of other things keeping me busy over the last couple of months, but I just got back to working on this little rifle in the last few days.

The original barrel inlet (done by whoever) was not very tight over all and there were several significant gaps at various places along the barrel that were going to leave the wood razor thin in spots.  I was reluctant, but decided to bed the full length of the barrel with AcraGlass gel.  Whenever I have done this in the past, I have done it before the barrel lugs were installed.  This time, with the lugs in place and the pin holes drilled, I was concerned that I would permanently glue the barrel into the stock and make a hash out of the whole project.  Well, to make a long story short, the bedding came out fine and the stock is much stronger (and better fitting) now.  I usually bed the breach area on any gun I build, so this was not too far afield....but I was worried some.

With that step out of the way, I stared in on more engraving.  The owner didn't want too much...but not too little.  He had some opinions about the type of design elements he wanted, so I didn't really have a completely free hand here.....anyway, this is how it is coming thus far......

Trigger guard............

(https://preview.ibb.co/gCGqEQ/IMG_1308.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fffHuQ)

Toe plate.........

(https://preview.ibb.co/bv83ZQ/IMG_1312.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nNsmok)

Side plate and lock bolt heads.........

(https://preview.ibb.co/i9YsTk/IMG_1310.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kxZMM5)

Barrel breach decoration..........

(https://preview.ibb.co/c0xxuQ/IMG_1311.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bEeAEQ)

Working on the patch box now.







Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: Daryl on February 07, 2016, 12:18:49 AM
Mighty fine work, Dave - beautiful.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: CoSnipe on February 07, 2016, 12:37:40 AM
Great work as usual. Your engraving and precision helps drive me to get better.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: BOB HILL on February 07, 2016, 08:27:46 AM
Coming along beautifully, Dave.         Bob
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: davec2 on February 07, 2016, 08:50:15 AM
Forgot to mention above, I have never worked with nickel silver before and all these mounts were brought to me with the rest of the parts.  Engraving the sheet stock (toe plate, patch box) is fairly easy and the material properties are uniform.  However, the cast parts (trigger guard, side plate) are horrible to engrave.  The material is not tough but is hard and soft in various places.  It is a colossal pain to try to maintaing a uniform depth of cut when the material goes from hard to soft and back again in a 1/4 inch !

Case hardened the lock...............

(https://preview.ibb.co/mLHNuQ/IMG_1215.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mx8TZQ)

Patch box release mechanism made from small piece of spring steel with a brass tube silver brazed in place for the retaining screw.  I used a piece of a 16 penny nail riveted into a square hole in the box lid as the door catch............

(https://preview.ibb.co/egB48k/IMG_3006.jpg) (http://ibb.co/k7zD15)

Box lid and catch.............

(https://preview.ibb.co/bvN0g5/IMG_3007.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bJWt15)


I have half of the patch box engraving completed tonight.  Will finish tomorrow.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: oldtravler61 on February 07, 2016, 06:27:41 PM
Very nice  work as always. Thanks for the pics also. Makes making a patch box release catch simple an clear. Now the engraving excellent. Me I'm all thumbs. Thanks again!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: smylee grouch on February 07, 2016, 06:32:22 PM
What a visual treat. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: J. Talbert on February 07, 2016, 08:31:06 PM
Dave I like the few little finishing touches you have added.  ;D

I would expect the owner must be thrilled.  I know I would be.

I also like the simplicity of the patchbox release, but I was wondering what holds it in place where it pivots around the screw.  Is it soldered to a little washer that's hidden?

Great work as always.

Jeff
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: davec2 on February 07, 2016, 09:14:42 PM
Jeff,

I should have taken another picture of the spring without the screw in place.  Behind the retaining screw I have silver soldered a piece of brass tubing the same width as the spring.  I bent the annealed spring stock to shape and then silver soldered the little brass retaining collar in place at the lower bend of the spring.  As soon as the solder flowed, I quenched the spring in brine water which hardened it.  Then I drew it back to a dark blue.  The one little screw acts as both the retainer to keep the spring in position and as the pivot for the upper hook that engages the lid catch.  It works just like a lot of originals, but you don't need the cast parts or have to saw / file/ fit parts up out of steel and then add a spring in there someplace.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: J. Talbert on February 07, 2016, 10:53:08 PM
Thanks Dave... Nice and simple.

Jeff
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: JCurtiss on February 08, 2016, 12:53:00 AM
Wow, you've made phenomenal progress and the engraving is outstanding!

Needless to say Richard is going to be delighted!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: Ed Wenger on February 08, 2016, 02:32:14 AM
Beautiful work, Dave......



          Ed
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: pushboater on February 08, 2016, 04:08:56 AM
It's going to be a striking little piece when it's finished. Great job!

Capt. David
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: davec2 on February 08, 2016, 04:39:40 AM
Finished the patch box engraving today.  On to the final stock shaping and carving.....

(https://preview.ibb.co/isMRM5/IMG_1319.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gSUrok)
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: Keithbatt on February 09, 2016, 07:20:08 AM
Wow. That patch box engraving looks.... Precise.  It's really impressive.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build
Post by: Chris Treichel on February 09, 2016, 06:28:19 PM
very beautiful work
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Re-Start of Work
Post by: davec2 on July 04, 2016, 01:49:03 AM
Soooo........Now I have three projects in work simultaneously.  This is the third one I am working on and trying to get done.  And, I must say, working on this little rifle is a delight.  It is just the right size for a lady or a child but it fits me well and is so easy to handle. 

Anyway, a while back, one of the members here (sorry I can't remember who) posted a link to a British fellow who had a woodworking tip on how to make a quick, inexpensive "beading tool".  I clicked on these two links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZnh7VHz_T4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryOcRnkz92U

Now I have made and tried a great variety of tools to aid in getting nice straight beads / moldings along ram rod channels etc.  Some photos:

Scratch stock :

(https://preview.ibb.co/bx8P9m/Small_Rifle_36.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dG2j9m)

Home made molding plane:

(https://preview.ibb.co/f9bNvR/Small_Rifle_32.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dTJrpm)

(https://preview.ibb.co/k9mcUm/Small_Rifle_33.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iMj9aR)

A beading scraper that rides a brass rod placed in the ram rod channel:

(https://preview.ibb.co/iQbcUm/Small_Rifle_34.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hOsvFR)

Individual form scrapers:

(https://preview.ibb.co/kM6NvR/Small_Rifle_35.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cbQt26)

And I have used Acer's method of drawing a nice straight pencil line, following that with a veiner, and then straightening with a file, etc.  They all work and all have their utility but all of them rely on getting the first line nice and straight.  So when I saw the above links I thought, wow, that might be an easy way to get that first straight groove in place easily.  So I made this very complicated tool:

(https://preview.ibb.co/hHTrpm/Small_Rifle_31.jpg) (http://ibb.co/j5ULh6)

And then ran it up and down the ram rod channel lips on the little rifle.....like this.....

(https://preview.ibb.co/kEAhvR/Small_Rifle_30.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fDE9aR)

I used it first as a marking gage with just the smooth edge of the screw indenting a line in the maple.  Then I turned it so that the screw slot actually cut wood.  I have to tell you, that was the quickest, easiest, most sure fire way I have put a very straight groove in the forstock without fighting the grain or the natural wobble of the other tools / methods I tried.  Just thought I would report in on this while I re-start work on the little rifle.

Happy 4th !!!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Re-Start of Work
Post by: J. Talbert on July 04, 2016, 05:54:40 PM
I love it!
I'll be trying it very soon. 

Thanks Dave,

Jeff
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Re-Start of Work
Post by: Tim Crosby on July 04, 2016, 06:17:05 PM
 Those Scraper/Jigs are great, make mine look like Flea Market finds.

    Tim C.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Re-Start of Work
Post by: BOB HILL on July 04, 2016, 06:38:48 PM
Thanks, Dave. Happy 4th.
Bob
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Re-Start of Work
Post by: davec2 on November 17, 2016, 01:12:12 AM
Another project on hold for many months due to work.....However, I promised the owner that I would try to get this one finished for him before the holidays, so I am stepping out smartly as of today.  Cut the rear sight dove tail, fitted the sight, and then finished the cast surfaces.  Will make the silver front sight later today and solder it on. Staring on the rest of the carving and stock finishing now.

(https://preview.ibb.co/d6dRTa/Small_Rifle_sight_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cKMfoa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/gCN9gv/Small_Rifle_sight_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nbSaMv)
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Re-Start of Work
Post by: pushboater on November 17, 2016, 03:32:06 AM
Glad to see you're back at it Dave!  The rifle looks fantastic! Great job. Can't wait to see it finished.

David
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Re-Start of Work
Post by: davec2 on November 20, 2016, 07:35:39 PM
Carving is the next step and deciding on the design is always the hardest part for me.  This is the second set of "on stock" sketches for this little rifle and, if I go with these, they will also morph into something similar but different as I start cutting.

(https://preview.ibb.co/hWYbTa/Small_Rifle_carving_design_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mFJX1v)

(https://preview.ibb.co/eYJAoa/Small_Rifle_carving_design_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d1ibTa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/mkDzgv/Small_Rifle_carving_design_3.jpg) (http://ibb.co/k7dAoa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/f6YX1v/Small_Rifle_carving_design_4.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jy2QMv)
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Start of the Stock Carving
Post by: PPatch on November 20, 2016, 08:13:44 PM
She's gonna be a beaut dave!

dave
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Start of the Stock Carving
Post by: SingleMalt on November 20, 2016, 09:05:28 PM
Jaw dropping!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Start of the Stock Carving
Post by: oldtravler61 on November 20, 2016, 10:58:09 PM
Excellent workmanship. This should be a tutorial. So many well done photos. Very impressed. Thank you....Mike
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Start of the Stock Carving
Post by: davec2 on November 21, 2016, 03:49:25 AM
Covered some ground today in getting the carving completed........The breech area....start of the carving.........

(https://preview.ibb.co/c3RVoa/Small_Rifle_carving_start_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dMb7ZF)

(https://preview.ibb.co/mxcEEF/Small_Rifle_Carving_Start_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nEns1v)

Also worked on the butt today as well......

(https://preview.ibb.co/bRPGTa/Small_Rifle_Carving_Start_3.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dbrwTa)

Not done, but coming along........




Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: davec2 on November 24, 2016, 12:20:14 AM
Staining (AF) and first of the Sutherland & Wells Tung oil finish going on......

(https://preview.ibb.co/bPiuDa/Small_Rifle_Finishing_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/ktySYa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cw3i6v/Small_Rifle_Finishing_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/n6cnYa)

One more pass at polishing the barrel steel before finishing.......

(https://preview.ibb.co/fLpZDa/Small_Rifle_Finishing_Barrel_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mju1ta)

(https://preview.ibb.co/iOmQKF/Small_Rifle_Finishing_Barrel_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bJOSYa)

And finishing the metal........

(https://preview.ibb.co/dYQKeF/Small_Rifle_Finishing_Barrel_3.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cPzeeF)

(https://preview.ibb.co/ed8i6v/Small_Rifle_Finishing_Barrel_4.jpg) (http://ibb.co/j2CAmv)

(https://preview.ibb.co/ea7Amv/Small_Rifle_Finishing_Barrel_6.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dCyGRv)

(https://preview.ibb.co/f5Pqmv/Small_Rifle_Finishing_Barrel_7.jpg) (http://ibb.co/ifi5KF)

Couple more days of stock finishing and this should be done.  Very cute rifle.  May have to build one this size for myself.




Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: ScottH on November 24, 2016, 01:13:39 AM
Looking good!
Can't wait to see the finished piece photos. Thanks for taking us along on this project, Dave!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: Keithbatt on November 24, 2016, 06:32:48 AM
No doubt about it: When you get working, things move fast. Looks great!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: Marcruger on November 24, 2016, 05:39:51 PM
Hi Dave.  That metal finishing work looks a lot like the results Ed Wenger achieves.  I really like it!   Great warmth in that look.  Marc
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: Joe S. on November 24, 2016, 07:08:37 PM
Ya man nicely done,that metal finish looks great!Patch box detail looks great as well
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: Ed Wenger on November 25, 2016, 03:42:31 AM
Awesome, Dave.  Love your work, great stuff!


        Ed
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on November 25, 2016, 04:22:52 AM
I'm on board with all the rest of your admirers Dave.  Question:  did you use a centre drill for your tang screw hole in the tang?
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: davec2 on November 26, 2016, 06:33:00 AM
Taylor,

The tang screw hole was already drilled when I received the parts but it was off center and not countersunk.  I used an end mill to move it over as much as I could (not perfect, but much better) and then used a standard countersink on it.  Since I make all my tang screws from scratch, I can always match the head diameter of the screw to the diameter of the countersink.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Finishing Operations
Post by: steve1122 on November 27, 2016, 05:55:09 AM
I love that little rifle! Fantastic job.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: davec2 on November 28, 2016, 04:13:51 AM
Completed the little rifle over the Thanksgiving weekend.  Here we go with perhaps too many photos, but I like to see others work in detail, so here goes:

A reminder of where this all started:

(https://preview.ibb.co/iE5DpF/Small_Rifle_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/i6NF3a)

A comparison between the little rifle and what I consider to be a full size rifle.  The larger one has a 42 inch barrel and the little one has a 30.5 inch barrel.  The pull on the little rifle is 13 inches and on the large one, 13.25 inches.  So the little rifle can easily be shot by an adult but is easy to handle and light enough for a young person or a petite lady.

(https://preview.ibb.co/mPHF3a/Small_Rifle_Finished_27.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hmWa3a)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cP9OpF/Small_Rifle_Finished_7.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fEuZwv)

Details of various parts:

(https://preview.ibb.co/fBkk3a/Small_Rifle_Finished_5.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cMzZwv)

(https://preview.ibb.co/nDppUF/Small_Rifle_Finished_4.jpg) (http://ibb.co/b1W3pF)

(https://preview.ibb.co/iLnMbv/Small_Rifle_Finished_3.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kOFk3a)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cGH9UF/Small_Rifle_Finished_2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hYedOa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/bCEZwv/Small_Rifle_Finished_1.jpg) (http://ibb.co/c6FJOa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/h83ipF/Small_Rifle_Finished_26.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cbFJOa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/n7Rgbv/Small_Rifle_Finished_25.jpg) (http://ibb.co/c5ZZwv)

(https://preview.ibb.co/ewu1bv/Small_Rifle_Finished_24.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gjvUUF)

(https://preview.ibb.co/c6Lw9F/Small_Rifle_Finished_23.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hFySGv)

(https://preview.ibb.co/mhif3a/Small_Rifle_Finished_21.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nEJDOa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cvq7Gv/Small_Rifle_Finished_20.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jb4Cia)

(https://preview.ibb.co/jfx7ia/Small_Rifle_Finished_18.jpg) (http://ibb.co/hOnUwv)

(https://preview.ibb.co/h3hMbv/Small_Rifle_Finished_17.jpg) (http://ibb.co/j6Ak3a)

(https://preview.ibb.co/efmQ3a/Small_Rifle_Finished_15.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fCNyOa)

(https://preview.ibb.co/cYHZUF/Small_Rifle_Finished_14.jpg) (http://ibb.co/e6t8pF)

(https://preview.ibb.co/bBrEwv/Small_Rifle_Finished_13.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gpduwv)

(https://preview.ibb.co/dqOSGv/Small_Rifle_Finished_12.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mLe1bv)

(https://preview.ibb.co/djD53a/Small_Rifle_Finished_8.jpg) (http://ibb.co/fBpOpF)

Now back to work on the blunderbuss !!!  And a second one I am on the hook for !!!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: coopersdad on November 28, 2016, 04:53:21 AM
Wonderful!  Your work is always inspiring.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: oldtravler61 on November 28, 2016, 05:10:34 AM
Dave2c that is one mighty fine little rifle. Mighty fine!!!!!!! Mike
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: SingleMalt on November 28, 2016, 05:35:27 AM
Dave, you did a really nice job on it.  I'd like to see your technique for carving those volutes on the butt and near the entry pipe.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: ScottH on November 28, 2016, 10:58:43 PM
Love it!  :)
I find the finish on the lock particularly fetching!
Thank you for the pictures.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: PPatch on November 29, 2016, 01:30:31 AM
Highly accomplished workmanship all around Dave - love it!

dave
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: Tim Crosby on November 29, 2016, 02:12:12 AM
 Jzoo Dave! Wonderful, what Craftsmanship.

  Tim C.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: Ed Wenger on November 29, 2016, 05:58:41 AM
What everyone else said!  Thanks for posting...


    Ed
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: Curtis on November 29, 2016, 08:30:12 AM
Certainly a work to be proud of Dave, it's a real beauty!  Great job on the carving and engraving!

Curtis
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: draken on November 29, 2016, 10:06:51 AM
Beautiful little rifle....Someone is going to be mighty excited when they open that package on Christmas morning   ;D   Assuming of course that it's meant to be a Christmas present!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: wattlebuster on November 29, 2016, 04:02:02 PM
You do amazing work ;D
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: JBJ on November 30, 2016, 04:57:14 PM
Stunning!!!
J.B.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: PPatch on November 30, 2016, 05:15:48 PM
The rifle is featured on the Contemporary Makers Blog this morning (Dec. 30th).

dave
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: WaterFowl on December 08, 2016, 02:51:20 PM
Wow-Wow-Wow! comes to mind..Very nice work.
Walking on egg shells here...
Dave any chance of shorting the screws coming through the lock plate ..maybe its just the camera angle they look long?
when I study the gun they distract my eyes.
I'm thinking Rounded ends closer to the surface with the rounded lock plate.
Ok now I'll go crawl back under my rock....
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: davec2 on December 08, 2016, 07:45:29 PM
Waterfowl,

No.....don't hide under a rock.....I've been thinking the exact same thing.  And, yes, I will round them some.  However, a while back I shortened the screws on a Chambers English lock without realizing that by doing so it made reassembling the lock VERY difficult.  On that lock, the bridle needs to be pivoted on the forward screw to clear the sear spring screw.  I had to replace that screw with a longer one after I shortened the original one.  So, I am a little more cautious now about cutting those screws too short.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: pushboater on December 08, 2016, 09:46:20 PM
Love the final color Dave! If you don't mind, what did you use as a stain and finish?

Capt. David
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: WaterFowl on December 09, 2016, 07:23:23 AM
Dave with your eye to detail  I thought there might be a reason but couldn't sort it out.......Build On!
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: davec2 on December 09, 2016, 07:51:08 PM
Waterfowl,

Sorry....I missed your question .....The stain was iron nitrate (almost always incorrectly referred to here as "AF").  I prepared the stain with real "AF" (Aqua Fortis, i.e. nitric acid) and iron by the very detailed method in "Staining and Finishing for Muzzleloading Gun Builders, Methods and Materials from 1750 - 1850" written by Bill Knight and Bill Mende.  (Great little book by the way....I made up one batch of stain 6 years ago and am still using it.  Should last for the rest of my gun building days).  The stock was whiskered once and then the stain was applied and heat blushed in the usual manner.  The finish was 50% gum turpentine mixed with 50% Sutherland and Wells Polymerized Tung Oil.  I used to use this mix for the first couple of coats and then apply the S & W Tung oil straight.  However, the 50 / 50 mix goes on so easily, dries so fast, and allows me to sneak up on the amount of gloss I want so well, that I only use the mix now.  Also, on the second and third coats, I did the Jim Kibler method of using a little bone black and a brush wetted with the finish to darken the recesses in the carving, etc.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: Daryl on December 09, 2016, 10:28:34 PM
WOW- now aint' that PURTY!
just lovely, Dave.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: hanshi on April 07, 2017, 10:03:15 PM
That is gorgeous work and I really like what you did.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on April 07, 2017, 10:52:07 PM
Dave:  I, like the rest of this crew, am a great admirer of your work.  Your engraving and finishing is near flawless and very appealing to the eye; entirely suited to this art form.  Congratulations on another exquisite piece.
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: davec2 on April 07, 2017, 11:43:43 PM
Taylor,

Thanks so much.  I am humbled in receiving such a compliment from a builder like you......I am now and always have been a great admirer of your work as well.  Trying to pick up where someone else left off was more of a challenge than I expected but, thankfully, Richard was pleased with the final result.

Thanks again.

Dave C
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: mountainman on April 08, 2017, 04:35:07 AM
It's so beautiful,  your engraving very impressive
Title: Re: Finishing a 3/4 Scale Rifle From Mid-build......Completed !!!
Post by: sloe bear on April 08, 2017, 08:00:34 PM
  WOW AND WOW that is beautiful work, and to think the customer did not want anything overly "Fancy"