Author Topic: Coves and Beads?  (Read 3146 times)

Bob Rearley

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Coves and Beads?
« on: August 16, 2009, 03:08:40 AM »
I am in the process of building a gun with furnature similar to that on RCA #83.  The butt plate and trigger guard are sand cast and pretty rough, although I have them in pretty good shape now.  I have the coves cleaned up nicely but what is the best way to file the beads without ruining the intended shape?
Thanks in advance, Bob

Offline Dave B

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Re: Coves and Beads?
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2009, 09:36:33 AM »
when you say coves and beads are you referring to the finials on the trigger guard and butt plate?  I use my files to get the shape close to where 220 grit has taken over to remove the scratches. I have only done a basic wedding band treatment on the finials to date but was told that for polishing out convoluted moldings you can use leather glued to a stick. The semi chrome weated leather will shape to the contour of the pattern you have filed as you work it back and forth. It will be a perfect match to the contour when you are done. Sheet lead can also be used to do this same thing on lock molding contours. It as well is charged with a past abrasive to polish out the scratches.
Dave Blaisdell

Bob Rearley

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Re: Coves and Beads?
« Reply #2 on: August 16, 2009, 07:57:01 PM »
Great idea Dave.  I hadn't thought of the leather treatment.
Bob

Offline smallpatch

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Re: Coves and Beads?
« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2009, 09:38:53 PM »
NOt to sound stupid, BUT,,,,, what the heck are coves and beads???
In His grip,

Dane

Bob Rearley

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Re: Coves and Beads?
« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2009, 12:06:59 AM »
Yes, I'm referring to the finials on the butt plate and triggergaurd of RCA #83.  I,m afraid I'm not up on all of my gunsmith terminology like the rest of you Masters.  That is why I cited RCA #83 so some one might have an idea what I was talking about.  Looks like I'm the stupid one.
Bob

Offline LynnC

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Re: Coves and Beads?
« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2009, 05:56:14 AM »
Cove is concave moulding

Bead is a convex moulding

Sorry, I'm not an expert though - just do what I can
The price of eggs got so darn high, I bought chickens......

J.D.

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Re: Coves and Beads?
« Reply #6 on: August 17, 2009, 06:39:59 AM »
I'm not up on all of my gunsmith terminology like the rest of you Masters.   Looks like I'm the stupid one.
Bob

Well Bob, I don't know about your being stupid. You did properly name the convex and concave parts of the moulding.  ;) IMHO, there is nothing stupid about that. While there are nuances to the names of coves, beads, panels, and other areas of gun work, it does sometimes take time to learn all of the the proper names, so be patient, read the various threads, and ask questions about those things you don't understand.

It can, sometimes, be easier to express your questions by posting a photo and asking something similar to " How do I do this"?

God bless