Gunmakers' Workshop 2024 - beginner / intermediate classes

[Ian Pratt]

Are you a newcomer to gunmaking? Have you built a few but feel like you could use some guidance to help you progress? We have expanded the Gunmakers' Workshop for 2024 to include a total of four classes over a period of two weeks. To better accommodate the increasing number of builders we have added a new "build from a blank" class with Gary Ludwig and Jeff Tebay, and we're again offering the Kibler Kit class with Gary Ludwig.

The new "build from a blank" class is open to beginners or to those who have done some gun work from a blank and are wanting to learn new techniques. It would also be a good choice for those who have built a kit or two and now are wanting to "take the plunge" and build from a blank. The project for this class will be to build a version of the signed Andreas Albrecht rifle. To simplify things, a parts and materials list will be supplied. While you'd need to stick with the parts on the list, there will be options like choice of a couple calibers, and the rifle will be built to fit the shooter. Many beginners also choose to build a more basic version of the rifle minus the patchbox and carving. Maximum class size is ten, and as of this morning there are only two spots left.

This time around in the Kibler Kit class, students will be able to choose from any of the three kits that are currently offered by Kibler. Gary covers a lot in this class  - proper assembly and a variety of finishing methods of course, but also things like ways to personalize your gun project, learning about lock and trigger function, completely stripping the lock and reassembling, and there will even be an opportunity to shoot your new gun at the end of the week.
Haven't used used hand tools much? Already bought a kit and didn't get too far on it? You'd like to join in the class but not sure you know enough to participate? The class is set up so beginners will fit in. Like with all our classes, everyone works at their own pace and there's no requirement that anyone keeps up with anyone else. Our goal is to teach you how to do good work, and your goal is to learn it. Class size limited to six and there are currently two spots available.

These classes will take place in the same space and on the same days as the classes that Ken Gahagan and I teach. There will be lots of gun building going on ! Check out the Southern Ohio Artisan Workshops website for more info -  https://www.southernohioartisanworkshops.com/
 

[Ian Pratt]

One thing I forgot to mention which somehow people miss when checking out the website - The gun class prices shown on the website include your onsite meals and lodging for the week at Camp Muskingum.

[Robert Wolfe]

I highly recommend the class. I've been going for several years now.

[Ian Pratt]

Class time is right around the corner! We've  had a cancellation in the Kibler Kit class, and assuming that the necessary parts could be rustled up in time we could still take another student in the "Beginner's Build From A Blank" class. More info on the website as listed above!

[Dwshotwell]

Jump on this if you can. It’s a great class.

[beagle74]

I just requested some info through the site.  Perhaps I can get in the Gary Ludwig Kibler kit class and get a great start on my rifle.  Are any tools or supplies available for purchase there, or will everything have to be brought with me?  Thanks.

[Ian Pratt]

I just requested some info through the site.  Perhaps I can get in the Gary Ludwig Kibler kit class and get a great start on my rifle.  Are any tools or supplies available for purchase there, or will everything have to be brought with me?  Thanks.

Gary generally brings a variety of finishing materials for his people to share, but you would need to bring a Kibler Kit and a set of tools. Since class starts pretty soon we may be able to
help with a few of the tools if needed. If you don't have your kit yet, there's a good chance we can still get you one in time. Kibler's place is not too far away from the facility where we're holding classes this year so we could potentially eliminate shipping cost and time. Hope it works out that you can make it!

[recurve]

Good Class 2023 Kind persons great area( a real  beginner@ plank build)

[Gaeckle]

Hopefully, some pictures will be posted

[Daryl]

Some fine looking guns there.

[smart dog]

Hi Ian, Ken, and Eric,
Maria is on the way.  I helped her pack up her tools.  My road is almost impassible right now because of an early mud season.  There is no way the car she is driving could make it.  So I met her at the end of the road early this morning, brought her to the shop and we packed up her kit.  I hope she has everything. Then I drove her back to her car and off she went.  I wish I could have gone with her but I have too much work to do in the shop.  Take care and have a great time.

dave

[Frozen Run]

Hopefully, some pictures will be posted

Here is the guy I shared a bench with, his name is Andy and I strongly suspect he is an Estes, he does not have a nickname:





This is Chris. He was directly behind me, and despite having no hard evidence to support it, I believe he was the one that kept stealing my pencils. Here is a photo where I recreated the crime scene, notice the pencil on the wooden block that his barrel was resting on:





Here's my good friend Levi, Levi is working on this amazing walnut Moravian bench that takes down for transport that he built. I wish I had a picture of it but my phone broke very early in the week. An interesting thing about Levi is that he owns a panda:





Here is Gary giving a demonstration early in the week on seating a barrel. We were very fortunate to have Gary as an instructor, he has a great deal of knowledge and is able to break things down into very digestible chunks. He's also very skilled at putting out fires in a build:





Here is lock savant Jeff during his lecture completing the punchline to a joke, I don't want to spoil it here so you'll have to ask him about if you ever see him at a show or a class. Just ask to hear his "lock joke":





Eric showed up for the first week to help out and that was a really nice surprise. He did a lecture on finishing that was worth the price of admission alone. Later on I observed his hands while he was helping me with my project and I saw how completely shredded and scarred they were from making his bones in gunbuilding. He earned every skill he owns tenfold:   


 


He would stay up and give lectures well after everyone else had gone to bed:





Ken on the other hand has the hands of a twenty year old:





The shop light here was off by he way, Ken also has an aura that radiates from him:





Here is my friend Bucky at the beginning of the week, he brought with him his guitar and was belting out the most amazing songs after class was over back at the cabin:





And here he is later on in the week when Ian and Eric were letting him know about the taxmen busting up both his stills:





And Jim:

[Stoner creek]

Your buddy Andy is far to pretty a boy to be a member of my clan.

[Jdbeck]

I highly recommend the class. The thing I loved most was seeing other builders tools and techniques to approach a particular part. I certainly became more efficient after the class.
It was also a great networking opportunity to meet some phenomenal people with similar interests.
In a week I got the blank to a functional gun, that just needed the forestock shaped and then onto carving and finishing. You cannot go wrong with the class! Ian and Ken are top notch gentlemen.



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