Brass Thicknesses for Furniture

[agaboric]

For all of those who make their own furniture (not shaker tables) I have a question, how thick is the brass that you use for various parts. For example the nose cap, thimbles or pipes, the but plate, side plate and toe plate. The reason that I ask it, I was told the best place to get sheet brass is at a scrap yard and so I went and got some, I did get a few different thicknesses though. I am in the process of building my first gun, a Kentucky flintlock pistol (at least I hope that is what it will be) and I want to make most of the furniture myself excluding the trigger guard. So I am asking all of the experts what thicknesses you use, and if you go to the scrap yard for materials what is a suitable range of thicknesses that would work. I know that you can not always figure on them having exactly what you need. So let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Andy

[Rolf]

I made all the furniture for this pistol from scratch.
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=9799.msg92444#msg92444

The pipes were made from 1mm(0.04").
Read tutorial  http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=687.0

Muzzel cap 0.7mm(0.03")
Read tutorial http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=9.0
 
Butt cap 2mm(0.08").
Read tutorial http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=6615.0

Triggergard 3mm(0.12")+ 2mm(0.08")
Read tutorial http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=704.0

Sideplate 1.5mm(0.06")

Best regards
Rolfkt

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Rolfkt's advice is good.  I use 1/32" ~(.032") for nose piece, ~.050" for rod pipes, ~1/16" for toe plates, butt caps, escutcheon plates.  I buy my brass from reputable suppliers so I know I'm getting good soft yellow brass sheet.  Scrap metal yards don't differentiate between bronze and brass, and you won't like the two on any one piece.  Side plates are 1/8" thick, usually, but sometimes, a particular build calls for 3/32" stock.

[agaboric]

Rolfkt,
You sure set the bar high! Wow that is a beautiful pistol!
I will post some pics of my pistol I am starting to do the barrel channel and it is not going to plan already, or maybe it is and I do not know it yet.
Thanks for the info!
-Andy

[rich pierce]

I use brass plate .100- .125" thick for buttplates and sideplates.  After studying originals I am inclined to start going thinner than I used to on thimbles and may try some made of .030 stock.  Mike Lea makes great fowler and trade gun thimbles from very thin stock but they are ribbed for strength.

[E.vonAschwege]

I also use .04 to .05 for ramrod thimbles, though .032 from the Ace hardware down the street works well too.  For nosecaps I use .032, and sideplates I usually stick with .09 or less.  Toeplates I use .064.  I've found the cast sideplates you can buy are in general much heavier than the originals I've handled.  For good .06 to .07ish stock, old kick plates on doors will work well.  Everything else I get at Ace hardware.
-Eric