Reconverting flintlocks: replacing pan and fence

[rich pierce]

I’ve got a small pile of original locks, that were flintlocks but converted to percussion. I intend to reconvert some of them for special projects. I don’t have a miling machine. What would be your approach for fabricating pans with fence and bridle? I confess: I’m considering buying new lock plates and cutting the fence and pan out for welding (on integral pan originals) or fitting (Continental originals with detached pan).  Is this cheating? 

[Daniel Coats]

 With all due respect to Johnny Cash it's a 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 automobile...   
 
As long as you're not hurting the value of a rare item I would probably either go with welding on an original pan idea or sell them as is.

[rich pierce]

I’m working with large musket locks. I’ve collected a dozen or so over the years, all converted to percussion. A couple are internally in very good order and would look great and unique on a colonial militia gun, HVF, or club butt fowler build versus sitting around.

[Longknife]

Rich, Not cheating . its called "gunsmithing",,,,GO FOR IT!!!!

[Dave B]

I would look at the TRS catalog to get a handle on what looks right, get that lock plate cut out the portion you need and weld it up. I have a french fowler that i had Ron Scott borrow for a bit. He had aquriered a french double with intact flintlocks that matched very close to mine. he was able to have Jess at TRS make up a set of lock castings for it. Lucky for me the pan is the type that keys in and is not integral.

[Jim Kibler]

The best method will probably be to just cut them from a chunk of steel or wrought iron and file to shape.  If you don't like hacksawing that much you might consider buying one of the portable bandsaws mounted on a stand.  These cut fast and are pretty affordable.  One of the big keys will be to get the styling just right.  You might want to take the time to make something out of wood first to develop the form.

Jim

[J. Talbert]

The best method will probably be to just cut them from a chunk of steel or wrought iron and file to shape.  If you don't like hacksawing that much you might consider buying one of the portable bandsaws mounted on a stand.  These cut fast and are pretty affordable.  One of the big keys will be to get the styling just right.  You might want to take the time to make something out of wood first to develop the form.

Jim

This cheap little set up is one of the best investments I ever made.  I use it frequently.  Cuts like million bucks.

Jeff

[Dave B]

I wonder if you could make a pattern from the totsee roll Epoxy puddy. I dropped my cordless drill and broke off a portion of the trigger which would pop out at times. The puddy was easy to work with just like clay and my trigger no longer pops out. You could shape and fit it to the area (with a parting agent applied) sculping the shape. I know its sacrilage to use epoxy but it is a fast way to see what your design looks like and easy to modify. it could be used as a pattern for casting up the final in brass. I like the Idea of the metal bandsaw.

[RobertS]

There was a recent post on the Hershel House Facebook page showing the steps of lock reconversion by someone who I believe is a member here, and it was very well done and had some great photos.  You could find it there, but I'm guessing that the author of it will probably post here with a response and photos once he sees your inquiry. 

[rich pierce]

There was a recent post on the Hershel House Facebook page showing the steps of lock reconversion by someone who I believe is a member here, and it was very well done and had some great photos.  You could find it there, but I'm guessing that the author of it will probably post here with a response and photos once he sees your inquiry.

I think I found it. Thanks!