RR pipes for a J.P.Beck

[Richard]

This will be my first attempt at making ramrod pipes for an upcoming J.P. Beck project.
I think that 0.040” thick brass would be the appropriate material, however Becks pipe style was “short with heavily molded ends”. My question is...should I use the 0.040” material and create the look of “heavily molded” by filing alone, or use thicker brass (say 1/16”).  Although the 1/16 might be difficult to work with.
Thanks for any advice.

Richard

[M. E. Pering]

The very first pipes I ever made were of .625(1/16th)".  I won't make that mistake again.  I realize some like this thickness, but it is more difficult to work, and requires much more working as well.  Today, I always use .040" for all of my pipes, the tang section of the rear pipe as well.  Just remember to anneal often when shaping the tang.

Matt

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I concur.  I started out using .0625" (1/16") brass too, and can't say I had any issues with it.  Lots to work with there.  But now I use .040" too.  Mine came from a door kick plate.  Lovely stuff.

[gusd]

Richard, I use .040  on the Beck rifles I have built.
Remember his thimbles are 1 1/4" long.
Gus

[Mike Brooks]

It's more optical illusion than actually heavy filing massive thickness.

[Richard]

Thank you for the quick replies.
.040 it is. Now it’s off to the work shop I go.

Richard