« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Ramrod Diameters?  (Read 4184 times)

George F.

  • Guest
Ramrod Diameters?
« on: March 12, 2009, 04:44:28 AM »
I am trying to finish up my latest unfinished project, a left hand PA fowler kit in 20 gauge from Mr Jim. A 3/8" ramrod was supplied, but I have 7/16"and 1/2" rods at home also. The 3/8" pipes are already installed. I have tapered 7/16" rods to fit the 3/8" pipes before and they look fine. Since the bore is somewhat larger than the .50's I built before, would the 1/2" look awkward? Any suggestions are welcomed....Geo.
Logged

Offline Jim Filipski

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 642
    • Jim W. Filipski Flintlocks
Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2009, 05:19:19 AM »
George,
I have done a number of fowlers with 1/2 inch rods tapering to a 3/8 in at the upper pipe ( also tapering to 5/16 from the rear pipe back) I like the way they look and you can taper them to come out to the 1/2 inch with a nice flare.
I'm not sure if this is PC  ( period correct) but they look artistically pleasing
Jim
Logged
" Associate with men of good quality,  if you esteem your own reputation:
for it is better to be alone than in bad company. "      -   George Washington

"A brush of the hand
of Providence is behind what is done with good heart."

Offline Jim Filipski

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 642
    • Jim W. Filipski Flintlocks
Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2009, 05:48:45 AM »
 George
This is a 1/2" to 3/8"

Logged
" Associate with men of good quality,  if you esteem your own reputation:
for it is better to be alone than in bad company. "      -   George Washington

"A brush of the hand
of Providence is behind what is done with good heart."

George F.

  • Guest
Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2009, 09:57:50 AM »
Jim that photo cinched it for me! Thanks a lot Jim....Geo. See you in July.
Logged

Online James Rogers

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3165
  • James Rogers
    • Fowling Piece
Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2009, 12:56:54 PM »
A horn tip can also be used along with the taper.


Logged

Offline Jim Filipski

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 642
    • Jim W. Filipski Flintlocks
Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2009, 04:44:45 PM »
I love these horn tips. If you check out German fowlers on those European auction sites from time to time, there are some pretty interesting ramrod terminations.
many in the neighborhood if not exceeding the the rod taper in question. So I guess there is some room to be creative here.
By the way my example I posted is from one of my rifles ( not a fowler) but that really doesn't matter since I would do it for both.
If you don't have any fancy tapering device ( I don not) it ends up being a good amount of work & I sleep well after tackling that job.
The only thing I use is one of those home made vee grooved metal plates with different holes and notches in it which is used as a scraper
Jim
Logged
" Associate with men of good quality,  if you esteem your own reputation:
for it is better to be alone than in bad company. "      -   George Washington

"A brush of the hand
of Providence is behind what is done with good heart."

omark

  • Guest
Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2009, 08:11:57 PM »
jw, i have never used one of the v-groove tapers tools. what i use is a piece of old barrel about 5 inches long with the rifling removed and the bore oversized. then the end of the tool is beveled back on the outside slightly. then simply stroke the rod through the hole while twisting the tool slightly. seems to work well for me. as i said i have never used the other type tool, but it never looked very practical to me. i got this from a fella that used to work for GRRW.   just my opinion, but you might try it.   mark :)
Logged

Offline Jim Filipski

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 642
    • Jim W. Filipski Flintlocks
Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2009, 02:30:36 AM »
Quote from: omark on March 12, 2009, 08:11:57 PM
jw, i have never used one of the v-groove tapers tools. what i use is a piece of old barrel about 5 inches long with the rifling removed and the bore oversized. then the end of the tool is beveled back on the outside slightly. then simply stroke the rod through the hole while twisting the tool slightly. seems to work well for me. as i said i have never used the other type tool, but it never looked very practical to me. i got this from a fella that used to work for GRRW.   just my opinion, but you might try it.   mark :)

Mark could you show us a photo of that....especially how it used. Sounds easier then what I'm using
Logged
" Associate with men of good quality,  if you esteem your own reputation:
for it is better to be alone than in bad company. "      -   George Washington

"A brush of the hand
of Providence is behind what is done with good heart."

omark

  • Guest
Re: Ramrod Diameters?
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2009, 05:00:48 AM »
jw, ill  try but it might be a few days before i can get to it. mama thinks she needs to go denver tomorrow to see her kids.   you just twist it slightly to put pressur on the cutting edge and pump it up and down as you would if cleaning a barrel.     mark
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »