My wheellock and me number 2

[Paul Hamler]

Bolek, the next step will be to hand detail  each lock part that was precision cut on the CNC mill . This will be done with small chisels,files and engraving tools. once the parts are crisp and detailed I will make a RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) mold for each part. After removing the master part from the rubber mold the mold will be injected with wax and cast in bronze. I have found that the silicon bronze I use has almost identical shrinkage as the mild steel(8620) used to cast the flintlock parts. Once I cast the parts in bronze I will assembly a few locks to verify all parts fit and the lock performs,after this I will make several waxes for each part and have the waxes cast in tool steel. The springs will be cast with 6130, packed in carbon to replenish any carbon lost during the investment casting process ,then hardened and tempered. Then using the hole patterns from the first assembled lock I can program the CNC mill to drill all holes in the cast side plates and assembly up to ten locks in a day each identical in looks and operation.
The process of making the RTV molds , making the wax parts and casting can be seen in pictures 14 through 32  in the miniature Lancaster photo album at http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Minature-Lancaster-Rifle/12051928_hVGG6V#1310642163_7VBFBzS
I will be detailing the plastic parts this week and should have the molds complete the following week. If all goes well the first bronze castings should be done in about three weeks. Stay tuned and check http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1492337514_XKZTCVv
for updates.
Thanks
Paul
 

[Acer Saccharum]

Incredible work, Paul. You have real tenacity to stick through a project of this scope, take it through its many phases. Obviously, you have been through this before with your other projects, but it's pretty amazing, even from the sidelines. Keep up the good work!

Tom

[raszpla]

interesting, fascinating affinity - man, tradition and modern technology

[Paul Hamler]

I got sidetracked with a few "paying Jobs" but have got back to work on the wheel lock. I just finished my first Cerro metal mold that I'll be using to make plastic parts to be cast. It was quite a learning curve to make the Cerro molds using a process called squeeze casting. for more photos go to
 http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#1608948927_WDb9STp

[Paul Hamler]

Waxes for main spring and dog spring, the waxes have the file work from the model. The waxes for the side plate have the sear post and spring post incorporated and will be cast as one. No mortise and tenon preening required.

]
Note the mainspring is shown in position but the two waxes will be cast separate.
I have a few more simple molds to make and will be ready to cast a few locks soon.

[Tony Clark]

When you cast your waxes do you use a vacuum or centrifuge to remove air?

[Paul Hamler]

Tony,I use vacuum. Go tohttp://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Minature-Lancaster-Rifle/12051928_hVGG6V#1310642163_7VBFBzS
to see the setup.
Paul

[Paul Hamler]

Finished all the molds should be casting soon.

[Paul Hamler]

All casting done ,now the fun starts...see if they will make a spark.
For more casting pictures go to http://hamlertools.smugmug.com/Hobbies/Wheellock-Project/19154498_pch7Lr#!i=1492337514&k=XKZTCVv

[dagner]

 truely outstanding .keep up the excellent work and pictures this is a great thread
dag

[Dphariss]

The skill and talent that appears on this site never ceases to amaze me.

Dan