AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: MontanaFrontier86 on July 12, 2016, 12:31:43 AM

Title: Help making patchbox template
Post by: MontanaFrontier86 on July 12, 2016, 12:31:43 AM
I have a picture of a patchbox with the measurements I would like to recreate. What is the best way of doing that? I'm not a very good drawer either. Is there someway to create a template on the computer and printing it off and transfer that to sheet metal?
Title: Re: Help making patchbox template
Post by: okawbow on July 12, 2016, 02:08:56 AM
I print out pictures and then copy them on my printer-copier and adjust the size until it is right.

You can also take the photo to a copy shop and they can do it for you.

I make more than one copy of the correct size, and paste it on the sheet metal.
Title: Re: Help making patchbox template
Post by: SingleMalt on July 12, 2016, 02:13:39 AM
Copy shops sometimes worry about violating copyright laws. Call around first.  If not, you can do it at work, that would be safe, but more time comsuming.
Title: Re: Help making patchbox template
Post by: Howard on July 12, 2016, 02:25:32 AM
Say, When I was working I was on the clock making money on my hobby. It was a win , win situation for me. I'm just sorry I don't have access to the copy machine anymore.
Title: Re: Help making patchbox template
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on July 12, 2016, 04:27:28 AM
I create a design, and copy it on printer paper - as many copies as I think will be required.  I cut along the patch box edges and glue the paper to my brass with white glue.  When it has dried, I use a jeweller's saw to cut along the lines and then clean up with files, creating the draft that will make it possible to inlet.  I don't use anything less than .40" thick brass now...thinner is more difficult to inlet well.  I love 1/16" brass, but still inlet it flush with the wood...leaves lots to dress down to the wood to create  the perfect job.
Title: Re: Help making patchbox template
Post by: WKevinD on July 12, 2016, 04:36:41 AM
As said earlier a copy shop with a scale-able copier. What I have done, with good results is use melted beeswax to "glue" the picture to my brass or steel stock and cut with a jewelers saw, as the blade cuts thru it friction melts some wax and lubes the cut.
Title: Re: Help making patchbox template
Post by: P.W.Berkuta on July 12, 2016, 06:46:05 PM
As said earlier a copy shop with a scale-able copier. What I have done, with good results is use melted beeswax to "glue" the picture to my brass or steel stock and cut with a jewelers saw, as the blade cuts thru it friction melts some wax and lubes the cut.

SMART -- "killing two birds with one stone" -- but I use either white glue or wood glue and wax my saw blades separately - don't think I'll change now ;D
Title: Re: Help making patchbox template
Post by: Mark Elliott on July 13, 2016, 04:26:52 PM
There is always the grid method.    You overlay the original with a grid.   Then you can scale the grid up or down to recreate it.   With the grid method,  you are just drawing a line from one intersection point on the grid to another intersection point.   I can draw, but I usually use some type of grid to copy a design.   Once you have a full size design, then you can just make photo copies of it and paste it to your metal.
Title: Re: Help making patchbox template
Post by: sz on July 13, 2016, 04:45:29 PM
 I do a rubbing of the butt stock through freezer paper, so I have an exact scale outline of the room I have to work within.

Next I cut paper to fit within that rubbing.  Then I simply draw the patch box to fit. 

When it's done I use contact glue on the metal and glue down the paper.  I use a jewelers saw to cut out the parts and needle files to make sure it all looks good.  Then I am ready to inlet.