Making Steel Patch Box Hinge

[George F.]

I seems that I'm real good at starting projects, but not so good at seeing that I finish them in a timely fashion. I am starting an iron mounted Bivins Rifle in a Rice "B" wt .40  My 1st. steel mounted rifle. What's the best way to make the hinge on a patch box? Do I form it hot or cold?  I've made all my patch boxes out of .062 brass, silver soldered the hinge flap closed, but have no experience with a steel patchbox.  Do I need to order annealed sheet steel from McCaster Carr? Oh, I have two others on the bench that I'm in the middle of.   ...Geo.

[David Rase]

George,  I like making steel mounted rifles.  Don't have to worry about it work hardening like brass.  I form 1 piece nose caps, ramrod and entry pipes, single triggers and patchboxs cold.  I just use the sheet steel available from my local hardware store.  It comes in 6"x12" sheets.  Most mild steel does not have enough carbon in it that it will anneal.
DMR

[Steve Bookout]

George, I have made my iron patch boxes out of old Chevrolet car door panels for years and solder has always taken to it well.  Cheers, Bookie

[RobertS]

It just occurred to me that an added benefit of using those Chevy door panels is that they come already hinged.  Heavy duty hinges, too!

[Scott Bumpus]

OH GREAT!  Now we start arguing over who makes the best patch boxes, chevy -ford-chrystler. (no imports please)