Ramrod turn around

[Cory Joe Stewart]

I always like the look of a ramrod that does not have the metal end sticking out.  I know some makers build the gun so the metal end goes into the ramrod channel so it is hidden.  Is there any sepecial trick to doing this, or concerns about it?

Coryjoe

[Leatherbelly]

  Sounds like you are talking about a tapered ramrod? Acer makes a cool tool to build them.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I like to put the metal fitting on the small end of the rod - the end that pushes the ball down the bore.  The big end at the muzzle is easier on your hand for seating the ball.  I taper a rod to fit the pipes and the hole, and then if the rod is a non-factory size, I turn a rod tip of brass and thread it 8 x 32 to receive a jag, ball drawer, or worm.  I have a $5000 lathe so I can made $2.50 parts. (and wouldn't have it any other way)

[Lucky R A]

     Most of us that use a wooden rod with a nice flair on the front end  (7/16-1/2)  use a 5/16 rod tip on the end that is in the gun.   Many originals used a similar arrangement. On originals the rod tip was substantially longer than that used today and was usually no more than 1/4" in diameter.  I think Brad Emig at Cabin Creek supplies the traditional style rod ends.  You need to make and fit your ramrod when you are fitting your entry thimble.  Doing it this way assures that the ram rod will indeed slide in and out easily and fit through the thimbles, and everything is in correct alignment. .  You will need to taper the ramrod according to the size thimbles you choose/make.  I rough taper my ramrods on a large belt/disc sander.  To round them up I push/pull the rod through various sized holes drilled in a piece of 2" angle iron that I clamp in my vice.  The holes in the steel acts much like Acer's device.   You just use a somewhat larger hole than the size of the rod and push/pull on an angle to achieve a cutting action.Remember to always pin the rod tip to the rod, never rely on glue only.  
Ron

[Acer Saccharum]

I make the rr tip out of sheet steel, with a nut in the end. Roll the sheet metal up into a tube, and fit the nut into the end, and braze the whole thing together.

I much prefer a tapered rod. Small down in the stock, to squeak past the forward lockscrew, and flared out at the muzzle end.

Tom

[bluenoser]

I make the rr tip out of sheet steel, with a nut in the end. Roll the sheet metal up into a tube, and fit the nut into the end, and braze the whole thing together.

I much prefer a tapered rod. Small down in the stock, to squeak past the forward lockscrew, and flared out at the muzzle end.

Tom

Tom,

I just had a why didn't I think of that moment.  Inserting a nut into the end of a rolled tip sounds like a great approach.  Thanks for the tip.


Laurie

[Acer Saccharum]

I have  seen a number of originals done in this manner, some very well made and others crude.

It is also an easy way to make a tapered ferrule, too.

Tom

[bluenoser]

Tapered is what I had in mind.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Tom,

For those of us who don't have a garage/shop full of acetylene torches and welding machines etc    .. would you  be willing to 'splain ....... perhaps a short course focused on gunbuilding application that explaine the deifferent kinds of solderiing, brazing and welding and what it requires in the way of tools for each??    Maybe a new thread or a tutorial??  Simple, short........ Well you could take pictures of you doing some of this art and mystery and include them?  Some other master's pictures as well perhaps.....Start it as a thread .......Oh shoot, I will start the thread and beg you all to add to it!!   

[Birddog6]

I always like the look of a ramrod that does not have the metal end sticking out.  I know some makers build the gun so the metal end goes into the ramrod channel so it is hidden.  Is there any sepecial trick to doing this, or concerns about it?

Coryjoe

No trick that I know of.  Just do it like you would any RR with a pinned RR tip &  the tip is the same size as the RR is.   Some I do with 1 RR tip per rod & others with 2 RR tips, all go in the same from either end & I don't taper the ramrods.