My solution to a problem.

[Archie Otto]

This was brought to my attention by a member here with a pre-carved stock.  Notice in the picture the top of the buttplate is inletted way too deep.  If I cut the stock to match the top line it will cut too deep into the comb and mess up the lines.  Either that or there will be a noticeable dip in the comb.  I looked at every steel plate that Track has and found nothing that would completely solve this problem.  I could put a brass plate on but I think that would look weird with the rest of the furniture being steel.



So the solution my strange brain came up with is to add a piece of steel to the top of the plate.  I cut it from a chunk of one inch pipe and tack welded to the plate to verify the angle.







I will finish welding it and then be able to grind it smooth and polish it and hopefully get the lines in a better position. 

And if it doesn't turn out they are only about $20

[Archie Otto]

The next thing I am going to find out is if the welding wire will take browning the same as the cast steel.  I know it rusts if left exposed to the elements, but will it look the same?
 

[smylee grouch]

Archie, I wonder if you could have welded a bead onto the bottom of the top portion of the but plate thus raising the thing up a tad. You would have to dress it up a little after welding of course. Just a thought.

[Archie Otto]

Yes, I had thought of that.  I was cutting steel and trying different things and since things pretty much lined up on the stock inletting this would create the least amount of chance to completely screw things up. so there it is.  I appreciate any and all advice and welcome criticism. 

[eddillon]

In my eye, the whole buttplate looks a little oversized.  Why not cut a little off of the toe and bring in the bottom side of the stock to match.  I had to do the same thing to make an old Hawken buttplate work out.  Ended up pretty neat looking.  Will post photos when I get it all back together.

[greybeard]

What aka says.    Bob

[Archie Otto]

Yup the BP is still too large.  My first concern was getting the top of the comb where I want it with out screwing up the stock and it's cheaper and easier to buy a new plate than try to repaired a screwed up stock. 
If anyone has any other suggestions, please speak up. I need all the help I can get.

[jerrywh]

 You need to go down with the rear of the butt plate and in with the bottom of it. Then just put a slight curve on the top of the comb. a lot of guns have that and it looks good.

[Dphariss]

I have done a number of wire welder fixes and attachments and never had a serious issue with color. Even CC hardening.

This standing breech is welded up of two pieces of 1018. I made the face as a flat piece so it was easier to get a good fit. Then welded on a chunk to make the tang. Did not take enough photos of the breech making process. So this is all I have. Trying to do better on photo documentation but I get to working on something and forget....




Dan

[jerrywh]

 I agree with Dan. The only time I have had a color problem is with heat bluing. Heat or niter bluing will show up any change in the metal. I have welde a lot of defect in lockplates an such and put in a lof of iron inlays on different parts including barrels.

[Archie Otto]

I have found that brown is the way for me.  I can do it in the bathroom with a humidifier and LMF.  I am also considering aged patina look but have not started experimenting with that yet.

[bob in the woods]

Dan, that is a very nice piece of work !