Soft Brass blank for Sideplate needed

[Bob Gerard]

I guess I have to cut a sideplate to fit an existing mortise for a Fowler I am working on. It’s an unusual shape so either I inlay a matching curly maple patch into the pre-cut sideplate mortise area and use a spiffy looking sideplate, or more likely I will need to cut out a sideplate from a brass blank to fit it in the hole.
Any sources for a piece of soft brass, 1/8” thick (or slightly more), by 6”long and 2” high?
Thanks,
Bob

[smoke and flames]

I bought a thick piece of brass a while back at ACE Hardware

[Bigmon]

I use sheet brass from hardware store(s).  But anneal it first.  Makes it alot easier to shape and file.
I have done several like you are going to match.  I make a heavy paper pattern that fits the inlet and glue it to the brass.  Pretty easy that way.

[bobw]

Track usually works for me?

[Bob Gerard]

Thanks guys- Yes, I missed Track the first go-around. All set now. Appreciate your assistance, as always.
~Bob

[smylee grouch]

I wonder if Muzzleloader Builders Supply sells what you seek if unavailable elsewhere?

[tallbear]

I buy all my brass from Mcmaster carr https://www.mcmaster.com/products/metals/brass~/ultra-formable-260-brass-sheets-and-strips-7/

Mitch

[xx54]

Bob  Try speedy  metals. I get all my brass from them. hope this helps.

[Bob Gerard]

Thanks guys- I ordered a piece from Track which should work.

[Blacksmoke]

Hi Bob,  I have just what you need - no charge just shipping.  Hugh Toenjes

[Bob Gerard]

I really appreciate that, Hugh! I already purchased some from Travk which should arrive in a few days. You’re very kind.
Bob

[smart dog]

Hi Bob,
Get rid of those lock and side panel edges.  They are horrible and will defeat any effort you make to improve this gun.

dave

[Bob Gerard]

Dave, are you referring to the carved panel molding edges he made (prematurely)? I had planned to blend them out as I shaped the wrist and so forth, as I saw you do.

[Dphariss]

Brass is easy to anneal so long as its actually brass and not Bronze. Which will not anneal. Heat till it starts to glow in a dark room and quench in water or let air cool works either way.  If all else fails try Alcobra Metals in Spokane Wa. 

Or https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/0/1/SHEET-125-B.

[P.W.Berkuta]

A knife makers supply house will also have this stuff and prices are less than McMaster-Carr.

[B.Barker]

When looking at brass get some 260. The 260 alloy will anneal really well and be soft.

[bobw]

B.Barker, where are you getting 260 brass from?  I particular, 1/2 inch or less round.

[JTR]

Just google 260 brass or 260 cartridge brass.
Lots of places sell it.

[Bob Gerard]

Thanks everyone, I got a piece from Track of the Wolf that I was able to use.

[bobw]

JTR, did that, but got tired of going into sites that say they had it, only to find out they do not have solid round.  Most have sheet, square, flat and tube but not solid round bar.  But thank.

[T*O*F]

Just so everyone knows, Ted Cash Mnufacturing sells grab bags of their cut-offs in various sizes and thicknesses at very reasonable prices.  My last bag had a dozen pieces in it and I think it was $6.95 a few years ago.