Even though CNC is a great tool, I don't know if this is the most efficient for the task. But maybe this is not the goal anyways.
Wouldn't it be easier to cut the plates (3/16" thick or so) into the outside shape by means of laser, or water-jet, drill the holes and use the holes as a locator for the workpiece holder and then machine it from there?
Are the current plates made by Davis, L&R and Chambers made with a cast process? Can these plates be produced more economical with this method or?
I can see that the CNC method can produce very unique plates and virtually any form with the internals of a siler or similar standardized lock.
But isn't the problem affordability?
I am always puzzled at the price point of a Traditions rifle (Made in Spain) and imported here for example or at a Knight unmentionable which is made entirely in the USA.
Traditions sells a percussion rifle for around $300 and a flintlock for about $380, the unmentionable was on sale for $200 (half off) with a GM barrel etc. We pay $170+ for a GM barrel...
The most affordable Traditions guns all make some compromise but are generally a good shooting rifle aside from their flintlocks.
It seems to me, that the biggest entry hurdle into flintlock guns is the price of a quality lock.
The tradition rifle barrels are generally quality barrels and even though button rifled, most of them are tack drivers with a developed load.
The triggers are not great, but serviceable as are the sights. The percussion locks are ok, but a little weak on the springs. The flintlocks have imho geometry issues and spring strength issues as have the more expensive Pedersoli locks. Most of these locks are flint eaters because of that and are a real deterrent for shooting flintlocks.
The L&R replacement locks (percussion and flintlock) for these rifles is pretty much one of their most expensive locks. Which I can't understand, because the demand must be high?
I was comparing the small Siler lock to a CVA Maslin lock and geometrically they are almost identical, but the lock plate shape is slightly smaller, so it won't fit.
I am currently developing a kid/youth rifle with adjustable LOP to be made with quality parts. Therefore, my interest in quality and affordability.
I wonder if a better product than the Traditions rifles can be developed at a similar price point made here. With all the shipping cost, the import, the general distributor and the retail markup, the MFG does get how much for a rifle?
Sorry for the slight OT.
