I'd like to thank Jim Westberg.

[Rolf]

Thanks for the great tutorial on the 4 screw lock building project. I want to try to make locks from scratch, because you can't buy alot of the stuff  I want to make. I learn a lot for tutorials like yours and it's a great inspiration.

Best regards
Rolf

[westbj2]

Here is a link to a bunch of lock pictures, I have not organized them or even labeled all of them.
You may have to copy the link address below into your browser to make it work.

http://s27.photobucket.com/user/Jwestburg/library/4%20screw%20lock%20pictures

Jim

[jerrywh]

westbj2
I notice that you use a lot of filing guides. It looks like at least some of them are hardened. I have been doing the same thing for a long time and I believe some of the original makers did also. I know for a fact they did in England.  I compliment you for your work it is very nice and clean. Looks like you have been at it for a long time.

[Bob Roller]

westbj2
I notice that you use a lot of filing guides. It looks like at least some of them are hardened. I have been doing the same thing for a long time and I believe some of the original makers did also. I know for a fact they did in England.  I compliment you for your work it is very nice and clean. Looks like you have been at it for a long time.

I couldn't get a decent looking lock made without filing guides.
I make them from water hardened drill rod .203 diameter.
Trying to freehand these cuts MIGHT be in the skill sets of some
but not mine.
I don't use my best files against these hard guides and there
is no need to.

Bob Roller

[Clark Badgett]

Yes, hardened filing jigs were used quite a bit. I don't know exactly when this became common, but history tells us it was Whitney that had the idea for interchangeability. I'm sure others might have used it prior but never thought to make an issue over it. Jerry brings up an interesting little factoid. While our arsenals quickly adapted Whitney's method because interchangeability in martial arms just makes all kinds of sense, the English held out with hand fitted martial arms at least through the 1850s.

[Bob Roller]

Yes, hardened filing jigs were used quite a bit. I don't know exactly when this became common, but history tells us it was Whitney that had the idea for interchangeability. I'm sure others might have used it prior but never thought to make an issue over it. Jerry brings up an interesting little factoid. While our arsenals quickly adapted Whitney's method because interchangeability in martial arms just makes all kinds of sense, the English held out with hand fitted martial arms at least through the 1850s.

Unless the lock is a detailed type as most fine English locks are,
I would think that careful freehand filing would work.I have done
it but that was YEARS ago.
The one job I did that I was proud of was a left and right pair of
Stanton style locks with fishtail bridles. I made long guides and
filed them face to face at the same time.I don't know if the locks were
ever used in a build or not.

Bob Roller

[snapper]

Jim does not do good work, he does perfect work.

I could not of more pleased with the work he has done on my Rigby rifle.

If Jim would and the moderators would let him, he could show you pictures of a Alex Henry cartridge rifle that is to die for.

Fleener

[T*O*F]

If Jim would and the moderators would let him, he could show you pictures of a Alex Henry cartridge rifle that is to die for.

No need.  The gun is among the photos at the photobucket link he posted below, along with a bunch of other fine guns.