Ramrod Ends & How To Extend ?

[Rootsy]

So I "screwed" up... Well more of a matter of poor planning.  I stuck a brass end I had lying around on the ramrod of my latest creation.  I then cut the ramrod to length, so on and so forth and called it complete.  It was then that I decided it was too tight and needed a smaller and more appropriate, steel end and some taper.  After adding the steel one the ramrod is a bit "short".  

Instead of making an entirely new ramrod I figured why not try a bone or different type of wood for the  other end (opposite the steel sleeve).

My question is in execution of attachment.  When adding a bone or wood tip do you just "glue" it on with say, epoxy, etc or is it re-enforced with a small dowel, or?

Last thing I want to do is finish it and then bump or bang it and have it pop off.  Figured I have plenty of Wenge laying around that would look nice at the end and allow me to flare it a bit.

[2shute]

I have used a small lag screw threaded on both ends along with epoxy.  One end in the ramrod, other in the extension.  Don't get the hole too undersize in the ramrod or it might split--I know.  Use epoxy in screw holes and at the joint.  Tightens up nicely with an almost invisible joint.
After 15-20 I've not yet had a break.
Good luck with yours.

[keweenaw]

One can fairly easily make a longer steel end to put on the tapered part.  I've seen original rods that had nearly 3" of end on them.  Or you could put on a piece of horn on the other end as you've suggested but it will need a dowel to keep it on.

Tom

[flintriflesmith]

The few originals I've been able to study have the "dowel" section made by creating a stepped down section, with a sharp shoulder, on the rod itself. A lot actually go completely through the horn tip so they do not add any actual length to the wooden rod. They are just glued on with hide glue because the force of loading is just pushing the joint tighter.

The cleaning jag on the other end is subject to pulling forces and they are usually held by an iron cross pin.

Gary

[mattdog]

Like flintrifesmith said:  Turn the end of your rod down to a known diameter, say 1/4".  Then drill a hole in your bone or antler tip 1/4".  Attach with glue and a pin, trim to the length needed.  

[Rootsy]

Time to fire up the lathe.  Thanks for the confirmation!

[BrownBear]

I like what you're doing, but long as the topic is "on the table," I have extensions for the other end.  I've grown really fond of these including the brass extension that can be added as needed between the rod and the tip.  Kinda handy to be able to slip in an extra 4" of rod when you need to pull a ball or some such.  Might be handy to make up something like that to keep in your bag, no matter how you extend the other end.