about to start my first build and need all the advice I can get.

[bnail]

after a too long delay, I finally am going to start my first build my great friend  {whom I believe frequents this forum} has a stock blank and a 42" .62 cal barrel and, I believe, Edward Marshall brass. the only thing done thus far is the barrel and Ramrod Channels are cut.
no tools, or bench.  and only recreating the American Longrifle as a reference.
thinking early rifle. 
in order to keep from irritating my buddy Jeff too much, I figure I would consult the collective wisdom.  I have more time than money so I'm planning this to be a slow and methodical journey with a heavy focus on learning.

thanks in advance for all your help.

[Mike Brooks]

read this.
http://americanlongrifles.org/PDF/tutorial.pdf

[WKevinD]

What Mike said.

Kevin

[Greg Pennell]

Best gun building advice on the internet. I’ve read it a dozen times, and still use it. Thanks Mike!

Greg

[bnail]

Just finished reading it. Intimidating as $#*!,  But not deterred. That tutorial looks familiar. I think i might have seen that on another forum years ago.
Its already been a help in layong out the steps. 
My only concern [and i will tackle it as it arises] is the use of jigs.   And band saw. Of which i have neither.

[Bill Raby]

This might help.

[Mike Lyons]

I printed all 117 pages and used it on both builds. It makes it easier to reference. Take extra time on the lock panels and don’t forget to show the proper amount of barrel flat running the length of the barrel. 

[NWSmoothie]

Best of Luck bnail! Enjoy and Take Your Time.
Outstanding work Mike.

[Craig Wilcox]

Every one on this forum built their first rifle always, so you are in great company.  Lots and lots of knowledge here, and you can spend hours reviewing posts on about every subject.
Take your time, arm yourself with knowledge, and keep your tools sharp and your mind open.

[Davemuzz]

Bnail, everyone...including the most experienced gun builder, started with their first rifle. It likely wasn't perfect. You will likely make mistakes. But, always remember that it's possible to recover from those mistakes. And BTW....it's perfectly human to make them. You don't get better unless you learn from what your doing.

Don't be discouraged by those, in the minority BTW, that will post that you didn't do this....or you should have taken the advice of Bla, bla, bla. Your human....so at times you may think you have comprehended what someone posted. But it's not until you have tried to do the job on a section, that you realize you either did it wrong...or you could have done it much better. That's OK. That's learning.

Don't take it personally. 99% of the people are attempting to make you a better gun builder. Some of those have no experience in managing people.....so it will come across as somewhat derogatory.

Build and enjoy!!! It's worth the time!!

FWIW

Dave

[M. E. Pering]

Well, Bnail, it sound like your approach is sound.  Slow and methodical with an emphasis on learning is the right way to approach your first build.  Do not get in a rush or impatient.  If you do not understand how to proceed, your keyboard is your doorway to lots of suggestions.  But keep in mind, they may be different, and builders have developed habits which are opposed to the habits of other builders.  Just weigh what is said, and decide how YOU want to proceed. 

And as a new builder, I can't emphasize this enough to you... Read, read, read, read.  And then read some more.  The more research you do, the more full your mental toolbox will be to tackle whatever task you are focusing on at the time.  I still have the first rifle I built... Hidden away in a dark corner of my cellar, where only I can find it.  I will always keep it as a reminder of how bad I was when I started, and how far I have advanced since.  I wish you well in your new endeavor, and believe you will find much satisfaction to be had.

M. E. Pering

[TommyG]

Bnail,  I will second what others have said.  Patience and don't be afraid to reach out, there are no dumb questions, only dumb assumptions.  Mike Brooks tutorial is an outstanding guide to have handy.  Do as much research as you can as gun building is as much about history also.  The other advice I would add is learn how to sharpen tools and do it often. and try to get your hands on or view original work - you will hear that a lot here, and I can tell you that it really does help once you see the architecture, carving, etc. of original makers. 

[bnail]

Things are starting to Gel.  I printed off Mike's Tutorial {killed a printer cartridge and *#)*^~ off a wife} which I'm going to read and reread ad nauseam
the first hurdle is getting my bench up and running.
doesn't feel so much feel so much like running in circles anymore; after reading various responses and advice from similar beginner posts I have a better sense of order of completion.