AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Contemporary Longrifle Collecting => Topic started by: Blackpowder Barbie on March 05, 2015, 06:03:26 PM

Title: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Blackpowder Barbie on March 05, 2015, 06:03:26 PM
Here is a tidbit of what Dad has been working on this winter.

(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv712%2Fjimchambers%2FJims%2520Latest%2F03-02-15%25202_zpsn2e8iexq.jpg&hash=7cc20a6e60be0fb37a28e41fb616c3bc623e398e)

(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv712%2Fjimchambers%2FJims%2520Latest%2F03-02-15%25201_zpsualp543g.jpg&hash=ab9f9b1b9b6eb25793b32f2067b9bac7167485ab)
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Maalsral on March 05, 2015, 06:10:03 PM
That is beautiful.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Robby on March 05, 2015, 06:14:39 PM
Wow!!!! Just beautiful!!!
Robby
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Tony N on March 05, 2015, 08:01:34 PM
Very very nice!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: acorn20 on March 05, 2015, 08:05:35 PM
Well there's nothing wrong with that.  Gorgeous work!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Mike Brooks on March 05, 2015, 08:48:54 PM
Incredible work as usual. I figured at his advanced age he was just  sitting next to the fireplace this winter  scratching his butt in a southern gentleman sort of way.... ;D
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Dennis Glazener on March 05, 2015, 08:57:30 PM
No Mike, just too cold to fish :D

Nice work Jim.
Dennis
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Jim Kibler on March 05, 2015, 09:04:45 PM
Yes sir!  Mighty fine, Jim.

Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: C Wallingford on March 05, 2015, 10:55:02 PM
It appears that he still has the touch! Very nice, Jim
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: David Rase on March 06, 2015, 01:19:03 AM
That is just gorgeous, simply gorgeous.  Can't wait to see the rest. 
David
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: mab7 on March 06, 2015, 04:36:51 AM
That is incredible...
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Joey R on March 06, 2015, 04:44:34 AM
Beautiful work! I wonder who he got the lock from? ;D
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Don Steele on March 06, 2015, 01:47:42 PM
OH My.....
That's gorgeous alright.
I generally only like my women to be that fancy. ;D..but in this case, I might have to make an exception.
Thanks for sharing Barbie.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: James Rogers on March 06, 2015, 04:48:27 PM
Neat and clean as expected. Everything in a place that could use a little something but nothing overdone.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Dr. Tim-Boone on March 06, 2015, 05:28:41 PM
So I guess if you want to see the quintessence of the American Long rifle.... there it is!  ;D ;D ;D  Design, workmanship spirit ..its elegant!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on March 06, 2015, 08:05:45 PM
Exciting work!  What's not to like?

I recognize the box as having started out as one of Jim's patch box blanks with the domed lid.  They have the butt end of the dome already formed and are made out of heavier brass than usual - perhaps .070" thick or maybe a bit more.  The brass is great to cut, file, polish and engrave, as Jim has demo'd here.  You can't call this a shameless 'plug', 'cause it comes from a happy customer who has used this product many times.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: moleeyes36 on March 06, 2015, 09:47:20 PM
It appears to my fading eyesight that the flower at the top of the finial and the two on the side panels are silver in color.  I may be one of the few that don't know this, but how is this accomplished when the patch box is brass?


Mole Eyes
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Carl Young on March 06, 2015, 11:37:47 PM
Oliver Twist voice says "Please, Ma'am, I Want Some More photos"  ;D
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Bart on March 06, 2015, 11:44:48 PM
I'm forever in admiration of Jim's elegant workmanship. Thank you for posting your dad's work Barbie.

Bart
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: draken on March 07, 2015, 04:25:21 AM
Absolutely out of this world beautiful!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Jim Chambers on March 07, 2015, 05:15:50 AM
Wow, I'm really humbled by all the wonderful comments from you guys.  Many thanks.
This is the first engraving I've done in about two years.  As my old friend and great engraver John Rhoner once told me, "It's not like riding a bicycle, you have to engrave every day to be really good at it."  I probably should have started with a sideplate, rear ramrod pipe, or maybe even a practice plate first.  But, I've always been bored cutting practice plates for anything other than borders.  So, I just started with the bottom sideplate of the box.  That seemed to work out ok, and I just kept going.  Not being a natural artist, the hardest part for me is designing the art work.  Once that is done the cutting is really fun.
The three flowers are sterling silver.  I cut out the silver pieces first, placed them on the brass, scribed around them, and carefully cut out the brass with a jeweler's saw.  A little soft solder flowed in from the back joined the silver to the brass.  Then, to make the silver stand out from the  brass you have to engrave a line around the silver piece.
I hope to finish engraving the lock next week, and then this project will be done.  I'll see if Barbie can post more photos, or maybe  Art and Jan Riser will want to photograph it at the TN show next month and post the photos on their site.
Thanks again for all the wonderful complements.
Now, it's about time to start fishing again.  Ha!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Mark Elliott on March 07, 2015, 09:22:04 AM
Jim,
That is beautiful.   Not that any of us would expect anything less. I wish someone could teach me to engrave like that, but I suspect that is 40-50 years of muscle memory and one of the best teachers you could get. 
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: BOB HILL on March 07, 2015, 10:03:08 AM
Just elegant.      Bob
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Marcruger on March 07, 2015, 03:53:50 PM
I have to add that the stock color and subtle finish really sets off the metalwork too. Care to elaborate Jim. Just beautiful work! Best wishes, Marc
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: old george on March 07, 2015, 04:24:20 PM
anything I could add would be lost in the previous accolades. That is stunning "museum quality"

geo
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: hanshi on March 07, 2015, 10:16:14 PM
It is GOOD to be king, or a master builder.  Wow!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: rich pierce on March 07, 2015, 10:54:16 PM
I love it when work is finely done and identifiable.  If it was posted anonymously, I'd have guessed Jim Chambers did it.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Larry Pletcher on March 07, 2015, 11:39:04 PM
When I first saw the title, I thought maybe Jim was working on a new lock. THen I scrolled down and heard myself saying, "OH WOW!" It's a beautiful piece, Jim.

There is a rifle that Jim brings to Friendship and CLA that is a cousin of this one.  That rifle has been my all time favorite.  This could take its place.  I sure want to see more!

Regards,
Pletch 
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: whitebear on March 08, 2015, 06:09:27 AM
Monly comment is what I said when I first saw the picture:

"OH  MY GOD"
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: flatsguide on March 08, 2015, 06:16:12 AM
Not bad, except for that crooked border line below the patch box lid...ah oops it was my dogs hair on my monitor Never mind.     What can I say that has not been said. See you in the May class.
Richard
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Bill of the 45th on March 08, 2015, 11:26:59 PM
I wonder what oil finish Jim uses? ;D

Bill
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Jim Chambers on March 09, 2015, 04:44:01 AM
Someone ask me to comment on the finishing.  I have never found one single stain that will give me the color I'm after.  I started staining this piece with a mixture of yellow and orange Sherwin-Williams dye stain concentrate.  Then, I added a coat of Laurel Mt. nut brown and a coat of Jim Klein's stain.  I still didn't have exactly what I was looking for, so I wiped on a light coat of Wampler's walnut stain.  That did it for the color I wanted.  Each stock is different and will require a different staining procedure.  At least that's been my experience over the years.  The finish is four coats of the Traditional Oil Finish we sell.  After the last coat dried I wet sanded with well used 400 grit paper and then went over it with some oil and pumice.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Ed Wenger on March 11, 2015, 04:13:52 AM
I'm late to the party, absolutely beautiful work!!!  Thanks for the photos, Barbie.  Thanks for being such an inspiration and teacher, Jim. 


        Ed
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: B Shipman on March 11, 2015, 06:26:15 AM
Still getting better.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Mick C on March 17, 2015, 06:30:54 AM
Wow!!  The work of a true master!  And where would our hobby/sport be with out you'all contributions.  Thanks for sharing.....Mick C
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Gun_Nut_73 on March 18, 2015, 01:09:40 AM
Beautiful.  Nothing else describes it.  I am in awe of the skills shown.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: PKLeRay on April 01, 2015, 09:55:21 PM
Fantastic! !
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: bama on April 02, 2015, 06:54:42 AM
Not bad for an old stump jumper! Nicely done Jim!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: smylee grouch on April 02, 2015, 07:58:59 PM
True artwork for sure. Thanks for letting us see and admire. I think I'l vote for you to be President.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: WElliott on April 03, 2015, 06:12:54 AM
Jim, I look forward to seeing this beauty at the Tennessee show!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: KLMoors on April 05, 2015, 11:10:02 PM
Beautiful!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: P.W.Berkuta on April 09, 2015, 12:30:12 AM
I normaly don't visit this part of the ALR site but I'm very glad I did in one respect this rifle is artistic beauty at it's finest and when I look at the workmanship I am humbled - on the other hand I look at my project in work and I feel as if I am an infant crawling on all fours - very nice work Jim - very nice indeed ;).
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Jim Chambers on April 09, 2015, 04:09:39 AM
I'm humbled by all the comments you guys have posted about the rifle.  Many thanks.  I finished engraving the lock last night and will have it at the show in SC this weekend and at the TN show week after next.  I'll see if Art and Jan want to photograph it for their blog.
Thanks again for all the positive feedback.  Don't know how many more of these I have left in me, but I don't plan on quitting anytime soon.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: kaintuck on April 10, 2015, 02:12:26 PM
Ahhhh....Jim, if you geat up in the morning and can put your shoes on and eat breakfast.......you got it made.....might as well work on something!!!

Keep on going!! Your doing great!!!

Barbie, get us a few more pictures please.....

Marc n tomtom
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: J. Talbert on April 11, 2015, 05:11:49 AM
Stick with it Jim.
I think you're startin' to get the hang of this... ;D

Jeff
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: mountainman on April 12, 2015, 04:24:33 PM
Very Beautiful, Thanks for posting Barbie..
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: BOB HILL on April 12, 2015, 11:53:24 PM
We had the opportunity to see this  elegant piece of work this weekend in Columbia.The pictures are nice, but don't do it justice.Truely a work of art,Jim, not that I've ever seen a piece of your work that wasn't. Thanks for bringing it and sharing with us.          Bob
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Marcruger on April 13, 2015, 05:16:29 PM
I agree Bob. The rifle is much better in person. Every line is super crisp and fine. The color is super. It was nice having time to chat with Barbie too. Super show!
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: John A. Stein on April 22, 2015, 07:47:54 AM
I was late to the party--just clicked on the subject---all I could do was just gasp. What a work of art.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Dr. Tim-Boone on April 28, 2015, 12:08:07 AM
Got to hold it in Norris......... what an elegant rifle and the simple elegance of the engraving with just the right amount of white space left untouched reaches out and grabs you as you try to walk by Jim's table. Its one you come back and look at several times...but oh the feel of it!!!  :o :o ::) ;D ;D
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: brokenflint on June 29, 2015, 09:43:53 PM
Very nice as usual Jim, any overall shots of this?  Or a link to the blog if jan and art posted it?

BF
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Jim Chambers on June 30, 2015, 03:07:30 AM
Many thanks for the complements.  Jan did photograph it at the TN show this spring, but I have not seen it posted on their blog so far.  I will have it at Dixon's in three to four weeks.
Title: Re: Jim Chambers' winter project
Post by: Mick C on July 07, 2015, 12:23:24 AM
I had the good fortune to see, and handle, this masterpiece at the Columbia, SC event in April.  It is truly something to behold....Mick C