Author Topic: Ithaca Hawken pics added finished pics 1-17-18 (Read 16922 times)

mountainman70 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 01, 2018, 07:31:49 PM »

Thanks, Fred; when I was 17, I bought a 56 chevy Nomad wagon, that needed a good bit of "help". My retired friend/mentor gave me some grief about making a silk purse outa a sows ear like you said. WELL, being the typical teenager, I set about doing whatever I could to prove him wrong, including enlisting in the USAF so I would have some money and learn something.
Got in the motor pool as a beginner mechanic. Came home in Feb 72, drove the Nomad to Gt Falls Montana, and went at it. That old car taught many lessons, wiring, front end body,etc, and also became the reason I didn't drink all my pay away. Couldn't serve 2 masters, and the 'Mad was the prime one then. my mentor had moved to Florida by then, but the pics I sent him had him say same as you did, in addition to telling me he knew that I would,just needed proper stimulation.hahah Old guys always know how to get younger ones motivated. I have used this same strategy many times over the years
As to the Ithaca, I appreciate the kind remarks and help from you guys.Have talked to Don Stith and have the benefit of his knowledge and friendship, Taylors suggestions have helped tremendously,and having Dingle Bairds books handy don't hurt nuthin either ,and Bob Walden being close by and a dang good teacher is a real benefit.
Probably going to tinker on the ol rifle some today. It be 10 degrees here, and I aint inclined to go out to see about it.
Best regards to all, Happy New Year, Dave / RedBear

mountainman70 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 05, 2018, 02:42:59 AM »

Update Have finished sanding til I find scratches. I usually just put a sealer coat or 2 or 3 on this type of walnut.
What do you guys do at this stage ? I usually use stain on the maple builds to help find small scratches,file marks,etc. Any suggestions as to a color to consider? This ol gun is looking better all the time. Have buttplate polished and ready to finish. Stock worked to 320, then 3 ott,and 4 ott. Steel wool.
So slick I can hardly hold onto it. keep warm my friends, Dave

flinchrocket · « **Reply #27 on:** January 06, 2018, 08:06:22 PM »

Walnut looks really nice with black sealer used to fill the grain and then steel wool back to the wood.
Not sure it is available now,but could be made using Kiblers bone black or perhaps candle black.

mountainman70 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 06, 2018, 09:39:05 PM »

I have some LMF ebony toner I have been considering darkening their nut brown to almost black. Been sidetracked on a silver flint f/s for my son/g son. Been too cold to go outside to use sealer,but the stain is non volatile. Thanks for the note, Dave

flinchrocket · « **Reply #29 on:** January 06, 2018, 09:56:08 PM »

I think you would want a couple coats of clear sealer first, then use the black to finish filling the grain.
So when you steel wool it back the whole thing won't be black where you have to remove wood to get the brown to show through.
If you have a scrap piece of walnut you could play around and see what you come up with.

mountainman70 · « **Reply #30 on:** January 15, 2018, 05:29:14 AM »

Update on progress. Have stained stock with darkened nut brown, and satisfied with results. As my formula for sealer uses turpentine, and the odor lingers in garage/shop for days, I decided to use Tru oil to seal and build up finish. Has a couple coats on,gonna need some more,thats ok.
Have all metal except barrel and rib cold rust blued,again, too cold outside for the plum brown,and the blue is looking decent.
This project reminds me of one of my motorcycle rescue projects, the more one does, the more one finds that needs help.
Thanks for the encouragement, should have finished pics by weekend. Have a goodun, Dave

mountainman70 · « **Reply #31 on:** January 17, 2018, 09:32:43 PM »

Hello to all, here are final pics of Ithaca rework. I slotted the keys and installed with wire retaining pins. Was a fun way to beat the nasty winter. Have a goodun, Dave

smylee grouch · « **Reply #32 on:** January 18, 2018, 01:03:39 AM »

It sure looks a lot better now. Nice job.

oldtravler61 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 18, 2018, 04:10:51 AM »

Yep second that...

Cades Cove Fiddler · « **Reply #34 on:** January 18, 2018, 04:36:38 AM »

... Dave ... been watching your progress & keeping my mouth shut ...... You have done a great job on this project .... looks more like she should now , and IMO that lock has the best looking HAWKEN hammer .... Well done,... be proud of yourself, Son ... !!! ....AND ... by the way, what's that behind her on your bench

? .... Regards, C C Fiddler ...

mountainman70 · « **Reply #35 on:** January 18, 2018, 04:57:28 AM »

Thanks, fellows. Bud--Taylor said same about the hammer,it is on of the Cherry Corners ,marked with the 2 cherry stamp on the back. I found another one in my parts. Might have to make 'nuther hawken around that hammer!!lol.

I was wondering if anyone noticed the other rifle. It is a silver mtd flinter,38" Jim McCartmey -a WV smith and used to be a barrel rifler-36 cal,I am building for my son/g son. It is patterened off a walnut stock percussion of same architecture ,in brass, my mentor,Bob Walden built for my daughter back in 80's.
It is the next project on my daily book.
ps workbench is covered and padded hood of my 70 Catalina Pontiac.
Thanks again for the kind remarks. Dave

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #36 on:** January 18, 2018, 09:01:08 PM »

Nice remake!

Joe S. · « **Reply #37 on:** January 18, 2018, 11:25:50 PM »

Heck of a lot better,nicely done

mountainman70 · « **Reply #38 on:** January 19, 2018, 05:00:32 AM »

Thanks Taylor and all. It was as much fun interacting with you all as it was doing the actual work. Think I will go make some chocolate milk and cheese. A little smackeral of sumpin. Cheers !! Dave

mountainman70 · « **Reply #39 on:** January 20, 2018, 06:06:32 AM »

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS !!!! I know this aint a man thing. Today I was at Bob Waldens showing off this gun, and looking at a couple Hawken projects of his, and there in his old notes and drawings is a stack of photo copied assembly instructions for this very kit rifle,by Mike nesbitt and Bill Falk . Covering all the areas of my rework project. I like having Taylors drawings ,better details,but having this info is a blast.
Have really enjoyed the interaction with all of ya. I wil post a pic of the instructions soon. have a goodun, Dave

Marcruger · « **Reply #40 on:** January 21, 2018, 03:22:16 AM »

You made a big difference there sir. For the positive. I like your work. God bless, Marc

mountainman70 · « **Reply #41 on:** January 21, 2018, 03:29:18 AM »

And I appreciate you,and the others, kindness and support.
I really like making longrifles of my own style, and working in the confines of Hawken style is a real educational experience. Getting the mechanicals right is one thing, the overall feel and look/proportions is the real challenge.

Thanks Marc,blessings to you also. Dave

flinchrocket · « **Reply #42 on:** January 24, 2018, 06:01:29 AM »

That really looks good. Nice work over. I like the dark stock.

mountainman70 · « **Reply #43 on:** February 04, 2018, 05:00:49 AM »

Just a side note on Ithaca Hawken; I talked with a retired Douglas Barrels employee, and he told me Douglas made the barrels for the Hawken kit guns. Not sure who did the finished rifle barrels, assumed Ithaca did their own.
Have a good evening y'all. keep warm. Dave

Daryl · « **Reply #44 on:** February 12, 2018, 12:18:02 AM »

Nice remake! It should be a joy to shoot. Something to be proud of.

mountainman70 · « **Reply #45 on:** February 12, 2018, 04:29:56 AM »

Thanks Daryl, if it ever quits raining and I can get to the range,maybe by april??? I expect it be winter lovely in y'alls neck o the woods.
Have a goodun guys. Dave

Daryl · « **Reply #46 on:** February 16, 2018, 09:58:52 PM »

Yes - winter wonderland. Only a few degrees below freezing, beautiful bright and warm sunshine on the several feet of fresh snow we have.

mountainman70 · « **Reply #47 on:** April 28, 2018, 04:56:33 AM »

Ok, Feb 16 to now, weather here is finally breaking-I hope a hope a hope !!! Planning to get to the range this sunday afternoon with son and g son, shoot in his new silver rifle, and this Hawken,.I also just got the new tags for the motorcycles and am chompin at the bit for a ride. maybe Saturday.
Have 2 Hawken complete builds ready for outside sanding and finishing up.
Bring on the Sun,y'all !!! Dave

redheart · « **Reply #48 on:** April 30, 2018, 03:05:29 AM »

All I can say is WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
I really love it now!

mountainman70 · « **Reply #49 on:** April 30, 2018, 04:10:20 AM »

Thanks Redheart, we had a really nice afternoon, I am going to get the pics off camera and phone in the next day or two. Silver rifle went Boom with g son hitting paper at 25yd bench. barrel is a bit long for him now. Wait til y'all see the pics.
I got a couple shots off with this Hawken,didnt have much time to really work with it and g son too.
I appreciate you kind encouragement. Have a goodun, Dave F I am about to be tired !!!

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Author Topic: Ithaca Hawken pics added finished pics 1-17-18 (Read 16922 times)