Author Topic: New Guy  (Read 4168 times)

wch

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New Guy
« on: December 08, 2011, 11:58:39 AM »
Although I live in Huntingdon County, PA, I cannot seem to find anyone locally to help me get started in building my first historically accurate replica flintlock.
I need advice as to where to start, what to start with, the proper selection of tools, and anything that you have experienced when you began building such rifles.
Any suggestions of books and/or kits will be gladly accepted.
Thank you.

Offline Lucky R A

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Re: New Guy
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2011, 02:34:29 PM »
Contact Mark Wheland,  www.Markwhelandrifles.com  He lives right near you as does Art DeCamp.  You are actually surrounded by good rifle builders.
"The highest reward that God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work."  - Elbert Hubbard

Martyman

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Re: New Guy
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2011, 04:51:12 PM »
I'm jealous, you are in longrifle heaven there!

Stone River

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Re: New Guy
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2011, 06:45:10 AM »
Welcome!
     I'm not far ahead of you, maybe I can help a bit.  If you can find a mentor that would be awesome.  I would still encourage you to purchase if you can other study guides if they are within your budget.  Several good books such as "The Gunsmiths of Grenville County", "Recreating an American Longrifle", and Chuck Dixon's book all deserve high marks.  Pioneer Video does several good DVD's that I bought from Chamber's Flintlocks, but I believe other places sell them and maybe they can be rented through Netflixs.  You may not always be able to get together with your mentor and some knowledge before you meet would probably be appreciated by him or her and you could familarize yourself with the various terms, parts etc.
     As for tools, I found a list on this forum but I can't seem to find it now.  A member posted a list of tools with the must have highlighted in red.  It may have been on the old site and I can't seem to locate it now.  Maybe someone here who is more tech savy than I can for you.
     Good "sharp" chisels are a must.  If I remember correctly, 1/8", 3/16" 1/4" and 1/2" for starters.  Rasps, a #49 and or #50 Nicholsons were recommended.  A good rotating vise is also a must, atleast for me.  Gouges I think that were listed were 1/2" 5/8" 8mm with #7 sweep and 10mm.  Appropriate taps and drill bits.  I'm sure there are some others that I have missed.  Hopefully others can help.
     Where to start?  That seems to be governed by budget and what style a person wants to build.  Some people start with a kit such as the Lyman's, which I understand is some fitting of parts, but mostly finish work.  Other's like myself saved up my $$ and bought I guess what would be considered a "highend" component set. As many have mentioned here it is not hard to turn an $800 dollar set into a $400 dollar gun though.  Do a search here and on other forums.  This question has been asked alot and pay particular attention to the post that asked questions like myslef.  Someone has already purchased the kit that you might be considering and see what problem they may be having .
Good luck and have fun, it's great!

Offline Don Getz

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Re: New Guy
« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2011, 05:04:52 PM »
New Guy......you live in a great area insofar as builders go.   A good place to start might be our "18th Century Artisans
Show" which is coming up on Feb. 3 & 4 at the Country Cupboard, Lewisburg, Pa.     About an hour from where you live.
Mark Wheland, Art DeCamp, and so many other good builders will be there.........good place to get a start, can look at
some awesome stuff...............Don

Offline Roger Fisher

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Re: New Guy
« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2011, 05:54:19 PM »
New Guy......you live in a great area insofar as builders go.   A good place to start might be our "18th Century Artisans
Show" which is coming up on Feb. 3 & 4 at the Country Cupboard, Lewisburg, Pa.     About an hour from where you live.
Mark Wheland, Art DeCamp, and so many other good builders will be there.........good place to get a start, can look at
some awesome stuff...............Don
Yes, no pole dancers there;but your eyes will still bug out ;D

Offline rick landes

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Re: New Guy
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2011, 12:21:21 AM »
Welcome to the most addicting forum on the planet with some of the kindest people you will ever want to meet.
“No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." Thomas Jefferson

wch

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Re: New Guy
« Reply #7 on: December 10, 2011, 06:03:47 AM »
Thanks to all of you who have responded so far; I must say that I am appreciative of the information that you have provided, and of the kindness you have shown.
I will do my best to be at the show at Lewisburg, and I hope to meet some, or all, of you there.