Mistakes are the best teachers

[Ats5331]

Laying out a bucks county tonight, was going alright until I went to cut the forestock profile. Needless to say, it didn’t go well.

I know mistakes are part of learning, but jeez I hate making them!

Is it me or does anyone else get extremely anxious with how skinny and slim the Bucks county rifles are??

Maybe it’s just one of those nights in the shop…

[Bob Gerard]

Ok- what happened?

[Ats5331]

Bandsaw blade bucked on me, which never happened before. Took out a good hunk at the lock panel area. Not sure if there is still enough meat to continue. Might need to pull another stock and use it.

I’m still investigating what happened with the bandsaw..it seems like the tightness on my blade changes throughout cuts. I tightened it right beforehand and I think it somehow came loose.

[Cotton1of2]

Sounds like the idler wheel and or idler bearing are worn. It will cause variable tension.

However, if your blade “bucked” as you say, it sounds like it was clogged up, maybe using too fine a tpi for the thickness.

You should have no less than 3 teeth engaged in the work and no more than 24. If you’re pushing so hard that one slip takes out a lock panel, your blade is likely too fine and or clogged/damaged.

Broken and damaged teeth will also cause issues. Make sure the blade doesn’t hit anything hard when opening, don’t throw the blade and run.

Also, buy quality blades, don’t cheap out on this. I know because I sell them for a living.

Hope that helps.

-Ryan

[Clark Badgett]

Glue to chunk back in. The old masters would have.

[Bob Gerard]

Glad you weren’t injured at least.

[Bill in Md]

I have found that using 18th century tools to re-create 18th century weapons makes for a less nerve racking and more controlled experience.

[Ats5331]

Yeah, looking at it tonight, it may be useable but this sucker is skinny now.

Pulled another stock, got all laid out again and used handsaws. Came out nice and clean. Somewhere the old timers are laughing at me complaining about a bandsaw haha.

Thanks for withstanding my rant, gents!

[JTR]

Is it me or does anyone else get extremely anxious with how skinny and slim the Bucks county rifles are??

Skinny, for sure! Here's something for you to shoot for. This is the muzzle end of an original George Weiker Bucks County rifle.