At a friend's shop. My forge isn't big enough to handle this project, (yet). I've been fascinated with the process since I first learned how it was done in 18th century. It seemed impossible to me that a shoot able tube could be made in this manner. After welding with wrought iron I began to understand how it would be possible. I am still in awe of the process and overwhelmed with respect for the old time craftsman's skill. I don't know if we will end up with a rifle barrel or not but even if we don't, the experience so far has been invaluable to me.
There is a small local core group I have managed to spark enough latent interest in to begin the project. It is slow going as we try to schedule sessions so at least a "quorum" can be present. First two sessions were spent forge welding up stock (old buggy tires) to get a big enough skelp to begin. Last session was spent refining skelp and very first attempts at welding tube.
One thing we have learned is how much the stock grows in length. We started with 36" pieces of tire welded front to front and we ended up with a 60"X 3 1/2" X 1/2" skelp.
At any rate you are right, a lot of fun. One of the guys said most people wouldn't believe you could have this much fun and work this hard!
