Author Topic: Shaping Ramrod Thimbles  (Read 1069 times)

Online whetrock

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Re: Shaping Ramrod Thimbles
« Reply #25 on: October 01, 2025, 03:55:29 PM »
Thanks, Keith. Keep us posted on your progress!

Offline Knobs

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Re: Shaping Ramrod Thimbles
« Reply #26 on: October 02, 2025, 08:34:41 PM »
Took a shot at chiselling a fine groove (One end only) I'm using an abandoned  thimble that I may use on a future rifle.

I started by trying to sharpen up the existing groove, then cut the fine groove behind it.

You can see that I started out tracking poorly by looking at the skewd angle of the existing groove relative to the fine groove.



It's easy to get off track. The technique I found was to put the rear part of the 3/16" point on the top of the arc and tap lightly while rotating the tool handle toward me while carefully making sure the point of the tool stayed vertical to the fine line scribed in the sharpie. IN this manner the cutting edge was rotated around the work while tapping.



I ran 400 grit over the barrel to soften the edges. NOt sure it made much difference.

Online whetrock

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Re: Shaping Ramrod Thimbles
« Reply #27 on: October 02, 2025, 09:54:26 PM »
Groove looks very good to me. Good job.

To polish the edges of the groove a little you may need to push sandpaper into the groove as you rotate the tube. I have an old piece of hickory ramrod that I use for this. I cut away 2/3rds of it for about 6" length, to create a "half-round" shape similar to a "half-round" file. This makes good backing for polishing wedding rings and flats, and turned on edge it should allow you to soften the edge of the cut groove a little. You might be able to just push it in there with your fingernail. I don't know.

When doing this polishing I use wet-dry paper. You can get decent paper at auto supply shops. I guess people use it for auto body and paint work. Maybe that's what you are using?  I use a lot of 400 and 600, and occasionally higher grits.

If using a 1/2 round backing, it helps to dampen the back side of the paper BEFORE you wrap it around the backing, as well as keeping the cutting side damp while working. Dampening it first will help it wrap tightly around that 1/2 round shape. I just tear off a 1x2" piece and use that until it's dull, then get a new one. That works better for me than trying to fold it.

One important thing: If you can smell metal dust, then you are breathing metal dust. I always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when polishing. And I always and only polish wet. The paper is designed for that, and it helps contain the dust.




« Last Edit: October 02, 2025, 09:57:54 PM by whetrock »

Offline Knobs

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Re: Shaping Ramrod Thimbles
« Reply #28 on: October 03, 2025, 02:16:17 AM »
Cool tip, thanks.

 I use wet or dry, but rarely wet it. Seemed to me years ago that the auto store wet or dry is a whole lot better than the hardware store stuff. That's all I use.

Also work at a temporary  bench set up right behind an open garage door. (My 70 year old eyes need the bright sunlight.)

I've never smelled metal, but I'll be paying attention going forward. Working wet should help keep that down.

Regards,

Knobs

Offline Knobs

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Re: Shaping Ramrod Thimbles
« Reply #29 on: October 03, 2025, 09:54:02 PM »
Knobs where you at ,  I give a talk and demostration at Kempton Gun Makers fair on making pipes and nose cap. Contact me and I can walk you thru it , not difficult at all. I can send you the hand out that gives you most of the info.

MSC Item No.60237005 6 1/4" by 3 Square 0 cut Knurled Rd.
HDL needle file UPC #03538162, this is the file I use to make pipes. Make one side safe.

StevenV


Hi Steve,

I live down in Southern Maryland, a place that ought to be it's own state. Too bad I didn't make Kempton thjis year due to prior committments. It would have been my first time.

 I sent you an email a few days ago using the link near your name.  My mailing address is in the email. I can get it to you by other means if the email failed.

Best Regards

Keith

Offline StevenV

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Re: Shaping Ramrod Thimbles
« Reply #30 on: Today at 03:06:49 AM »
Keith check your e-mail I sent (replied ) to your email , Monday evening. Steve

Offline Knobs

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Re: Shaping Ramrod Thimbles
« Reply #31 on: Today at 03:08:49 PM »
Hey Steve,

 Nevermind. I just checked my spam and your reply was there.

Many Thanks!

Keith