What should I do if anything?

[Mike Lyons]

So I learned to inlay brass wire the last couple days.  My problem is that somehow I’m sagging the 4 pieces in the front. I keep comparing mine to the original KRA photo and I stared at the drawing on the stock for two days. The original sags some in the front section but not quite as much as mine. Should I add some wire somewhere to bring it up?  I can’t rasp off that much wood to redo those four pieces. Once I add the carving,  do you think it will offset the wire nosediving?  Am I freaking out over nothing?

[Ed Wenger]

I see what you’re saying, but I think it’s fine.  Personally, I probably would have omitted the four curls in front of the fineale, but that’s just me.  I would do some incised carving around the front of the comb, and bring it back to fill the space above the wire.  I think that would balance things out if the wire bugs you.  Draw a design above the wire and see how it looks...


              Ed

[smart dog]

Hi,
Add carving around the comb as Ed suggested and you will be fine.  In fact, it may look better than the original.

dave

[Craig Wilcox]

I would do what Mr. Wenger says.  And you are going much faster than I.  Go on vacation for about 3 months, so I can catch up!
I did get the lock and trigger mostly inlet.....

[Don Stith]

I am more a collector than a builder but will share my perspective.  Rather than more art work, you might consider a slight rework of the architecture in the transition of wrist to comb.  Look at my recent posting of a G. Feder rifle in the collecting section.  The box on it sets a little low in front, but the comb-to-wrist transition makes it look right.
Don

[J Henry]

  Let it set for awhile,reads like you are chasing a herd of kittens,Going to many directions ,gets nothing accomplished,,Just let it set and come back to it later,fresh mind and work on it then. Breath deep and go for a walk,read a book,,
   I like what you have done sofar,but IMHO your getting close to over worked,IMMHO.

[Mike Brooks]

That's going to be fine, don't worry about it.

[PPatch]

Don Stith's suggestion is worthy of consideration imo, define the wrist below the comb a bit more. Just enough to visually "raise" the wirework. I wouldn't get too involved with it though.

Currently all you can see is that bright brass work, step away for a while. give yourself a break. And know this; the brass wire will fade visually as it ages (tarnishes), and will not be at all so obvious as it is now while in the bright. You did a decent job on the wire work, be proud.

dave

[ltdann]

Looks fine to me.  I gave up using brass and went to silver, much easier to work.  Brass is too "springy" and always wanted to pop out.

[Mike Lyons]

Thank you all for the advice.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it and how much this hobby has become a part of my life.  I have a pile of leather, horns, and tools that I never thought I’d be interested in.  I’m searching for a lathe this very minute. Sleeping seems to be my biggest issue right now.  I normally sleep a solid 3 hours a nigh but with this hobby,  I’m lucky to get 3 hours a week.  Sounds bad,  but believe me,  this experience has been good for the mind and soul. 

[TommyG]

So you build guns in your sleep too.......... Glad I'm not the only one..