Got further along today. Yesterday before I welded the liner to the barrel on the muzzle end, I found that after cleaning up the metal on both pieces, there was a tiny bit of slop between the two parts. So I shimmed both ends (we are talking .015"), welded the muzzle end together and tack welded the breech end. Yeah I know, it doesn't really make a difference which end is which at this point, just let me live in my fantasy world. Then for about an hour and a half,using two propane torches and my gas welder, I melted and poured about two pounds of solder down between the tubes. I was a bit shocked at how much solder it took to fill that tiny, tiny space. But we don't want any air between them to allow the barrel to boom out to the side instead of out the front. Anyway, got that part done and capped off the back end then cut out the chamber reinforcing section. (Don't you like how I am making up these terms as I go along?) This part is seamless drawn stainless also, so I am now scrounging about for some steel pipe sections that will fit over the stainless and let me seal it away so it looks correct ( To keep RB off my case). So far my investment in materials is, let's see now, move the multiplier, add the columns, carry the 3, oh yeah, $0.00. Yep, nothing, zip, zilch, nada.I would like to continue that trend for the remainder of the build, if possible. Of course I don't count the consumables, but who does anyway, no one. So when it is ready to return fire to that vexatious Red Badger, he will know that he is being fired upon from the discount section.
Here it is waiting for some more solder.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/cannon%20001_zpspyety1st.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/cannon%20001_zpspyety1st.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/cannon%20002_zpspz9h9azv.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/cannon%20002_zpspz9h9azv.jpg.html)
Now I have to wait until Monday or Tuesday before I can make it to my scrounging sites and continue.
I can't wait to see the finished product .... firing! (susp)
No new pictures, gut I did fill the lower section with solder and welded it all up. Off to find some overlaying steel pipe to cover up the stainless along with some round bar to make the breechplug that I will thread, then weld in place with a welded cover plate over it, then of coures figure out how to make a solid end cap with ball handle. I did want to report that it already weighs 53 pounds, and there is still quite a bit of steel to add. Gotta have that extra weight to that it will reach out to wherever that badger can hide.
;D After all that ya aughta jest go ahead and rifle that barrel. strpot
Quote from: Hawken50 on June 08, 2015, 05:46:41 PM
;D After all that ya aughta jest go ahead and rifle that barrel. strpot
If I could figure out how to do it with just my hand tools, I surely would. Right now I am doing this with a 10" converted wood cutting miter box with a fiber blade, MIG welder and an angle grinder. I know two people with metal lathes and this is too big for both of them. As it is, I am going to make a rotisserie type jig on my welding table so after all the metal is welded I can shape it with the angle grinder. That stainless inner barrel is mighty hard stuff otherwise I would use a scrapping rifling cutter I made to rifle a couple of PVC potato guns we made a few years back.My gunsmith buddy had a fire in the unit next door to him that has had his shop closed for the last couple of months so he can't help me, which is fine since he said he could not work on anything this big anyway, and given I really have no idea what I am doing, I am open to suggestions. Just remember I am trying to build this with little or no cost so shipping it out for work has to be off the table.
That's lookin pretty good there Hotfxr. You might just inspire some of us to try to build, or at least live thru you while you finish it. dntn
Just a note to the Badger, after much research into to period cannons, this one shall be real close to a 1/2 scale 1841 Six Pound cannon. Maybe a bit slimmer, definitely stronger, with an innate ability to destroy burrowing Mustelidae cowering in the shadows. I am just trying to make you proud boss.
wtch :applause: wtch
More work that can't really be seen. Drilled a tight hole down through the breech end and pounded in a pin I made from a broken screwdriver and welded the ends for that extra touch of security. I don't remember how to do the calculations and can't find any reference material alluding to the relative strength of the finished body, but I will estimate that it will be at least 5 times stronger than the original cast or cast and banded cannons of the time. I actually had to pay for a section of 4" pipe I picked up at a scrap yard. There goes my budget, $17 out the window. Oh well, I guess nothing is ever free.
At the scrap yard I did find an interesting product. They have some sections of really, really thick walled pipe, ranging from 67" to 105" long that is 8" in diameter with a 2 3/4" hole down the middle. Now that would make a splendid beginning to a full sized cannon. The 67" long piece weighed in at a bit over 700 pounds and at $.45 a pound it came in at a bit over $300.00 and that will be hard to pay for using money from recycled aluminium cans. But the mental gears are definitely grinding away.
"But the mental gears are definitely grinding away." be careful there , dont let them grind away to the point of slipping pnic , that can cause all kinds of bad things ROFL
;D You keep thinkin and searchin we are going to have to form a Recon element to place forward artillery spotters.......... Grid coordinates as follows.......FIRE FOR EFFECT.
I did Forward Observer in the Army. This will be part of my "Second" job for hotfxr! bunkr
It's coming along, slower than I would like but hey, that darned job keeps taking up my time. Anyway, here are some pictures of the progress so far.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zps2dlax23b.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zps2dlax23b.jpg.html)
Muzzle end before the reinforcing tube and welded cap.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20006_zpsgayc5umw.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20006_zpsgayc5umw.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20005_zpskettqgj8.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20005_zpskettqgj8.jpg.html)
The first try at the second reinforcing tube. 5" iron pipe cut into quarters. It refused to cooperate so it was scrapped and then i tried this:
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20007_zpsms7myybr.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20007_zpsms7myybr.jpg.html)
Several 6" lengths of 1/8" mild steel, welded on one side then pounded down and welded on the other side.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20008_zpsclaayu4y.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20008_zpsclaayu4y.jpg.html)
My math was correct and they all fit.
Now to touch up the welds a bit, then attack with the old angle grinder, bands at the muzzle end, breech end and at the front of both reinforcement tubes. Of course then I have to figure out a way to get this to rotate so I can smooth and shape it a bit. It already weighs over 125 lbs and is not exactly easy to manoeuvre around. Once I have it smoothed I will attach the trunnions and sand blast this baby. Stay tuned for more updates as they happen!
For rotating it, you could build a large scale oil filter-type of a band with a long handle for leverage.
(I just read the last sentence again and even though it doesn't make much sense, you probably can guess what I am trying to describe.)
Quote from: Patocazador on June 19, 2015, 11:55:12 PM
For rotating it, you could build a large scale oil filter-type of a band with a long handle for leverage.
(I just read the last sentence again and even though it doesn't make much sense, you probably can guess what I am trying to describe.)
makes perfect sense to anyone who has ever changed an oil filter ! thmbsup if he has some kind of lift that he could clamp a steel rod too he could slip that down the bore and jack it up , make it a lot easier to turn ! ....just an idea from someone who has done a lot of improvisation when he did`nt have the right tools ! ;D
That thick walled tube at scrap yard is likely Shelby tube. Good stuff, watched a piece of it turned and threaded for a breech plug in a machine shop years ago. Made a nice cannon, think it was 2-3" bore. ...Tom
Had some time this evening, and much to "She who must be obeyed"'s dismay, decided to work on the Badger Buster for awhile. I scored some used rigid urethane casters from a shop that was replacing some on their carts and made my Rube Goldberg rotisserie contraption thingy.The only thing I had for speed control was a few old rheostats from some intercom speakers. Before they burned up it worked great. I think I got almost 10 seconds of grinding bliss from one of them. I will pick up something a bit more heavy duty tomorrow and really go to town on it.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zpszawdtv9p.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zpszawdtv9p.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpskaqhtp4v.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpskaqhtp4v.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsnsvxlj2v.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsnsvxlj2v.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20009_zpsahcfeluo.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20009_zpsahcfeluo.jpg.html)
I need to get a real main pulley instead of an old one I made from wood to smooth it out. I have the plumbers tape across the top just in case it decides to go all "Prius" on me and speeds up and jumps the wheels. It's getting to darned heavy to just pick it back up. The two pillow block bearings are there to keep it from creeping off the rollers lengthwise and falling upon my" already been crushed once by heavy falling metal" toes.
a fine example of true maniacal .. I mean mechanical genius thmbsup :mini-devil-28492: :mini-devil-28492:
Just think what he could do if he put that talent to use instead of wasting it in a doomed attempt to beat me..... :mini-devil-28492:
;D Well Red Badger we gota hand it to the Californio. He does hold to the whole On The Cheap part. Pretty ingenious hold it and turn it thingy.
Quote from: Red Badger on June 21, 2015, 08:14:07 PM
Just think what he could do if he put that talent to use instead of wasting it in a doomed attempt to beat me..... :mini-devil-28492:
Doomed attempt??!!?? I don't think so Tim! (It's a quote, not your real name, sheesh relax already.) Your imminent demise is a foregone conclusion written in the stars. The heart of the cannon is complete and true, all this is just for cosmetic details. When "Bruce, Badger Buster of the Wild Frontier" is done transforming your rather large, yet slow moving countenance into tiny crimson badger bits spread out over a large area of the prairie, I just want your soul to rest easy knowing you were dispatched from your earthly toils by an historically correct, half scale, durned good looking cannon. My level of respect of you and your leadership demands nothing less. Although I will be sad (no really, I will, for a while anyway) at least I will be comforted by the fact that I will have the prettiest cannon on the West Coast and might even make some extra $ doing badger eradication after proving myself by ridding Oklahoma of it's largest burrowing varmint. blah
Back over to the technical side of things, I have figured out how to make a vent liner that can be used as a touch hole or a fuse hole. Now I think I shall honor my second, Mr. Dogshirt of the North, and figure a way to include percussion caps as a form of ignition in addition to the aforementioned two. I have seen a couple around the 'net and since I like to keep my options open, I will attempt to make it all work. Too bad RB will just be a memory in the furthest reaches of our minds by then, he would have appreciated it.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Smileys/smiley-sick002_zpsbc2c1b85.gif) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Smileys/smiley-sick002_zpsbc2c1b85.gif.html)
dixie sells these for $24.00 but it looks simple enough anyone could spend much time and money building one himself ! ROFL ROFL
The Baleful Badger can breathe easy for a while, I am off to Iowa to greet my first grand child who was supposed to be here two weeks ago and will definitely be here tomorrow. It's only 2000 miles in a truck with half an engine (Plus the AC stopped working yesterday, oh my!) so I am hoping to be there by Friday night and most likely won't be back to continue working on Bruce until the 4th. So the badger Man has a few more weeks to get his affairs in order. Lucky him.
After a long and tiring couple of weeks on the road and spending three days working on a reluctant sewer pipe I can relax and get to work on the cannon, I can't let RB get to complacent now can i? Oh what's that, "She who must be obeyed" said no more cannon work until the fountain in the back yard is done and the french doors are finally installed. Why? Oh, the prodigal daughter is coming home in a couple of weeks and she wants to have a graduation party in the back yard. Yes dear. But she was gone for a couple of hours today and I got a little bit of time in. My rotisserie turning thingy didn't quite work out as well as I had hoped using just stuff I had hanging around. It kept throwing the drive belt off and bounced too much or lost traction. So I pulled an old lazy susan swivel off the wall and made it a bit more upright and now things are cooking along.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/cannon%20003_zpsqxfaxfqb.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/cannon%20003_zpsqxfaxfqb.jpg.html)
Using an old 1/2" drill at the bottom for power I can control the speed and now material is coming off much easier.
I had to spend a bit more money today to get a piece of steel for the breech cap which I have to shape a lot but I am down to the muzzle band, breech cap & ball handle and a bit more shaping. Then it is on to the trunnions and sand blaster. Started shaping the trunnion clamps and have to go scavenge the wood to start on the carriage, but the end is in sight.
Another side note, I was talking to an engineer type friend and after a bit of scribbling on a piece of paper, he determined that this cannon would be at least ten times stronger than an original one. I think that maybe it could achieve a low orbit with enough powder in it. Hmm, something to think about.
Could maybe hit a target just NW of Tulsa, Oklahoma????? pnic wtch
NAW he got himself a pretty thing there but the proof will be which end the ball comes out of, and if it survives it first test firing.... wtch
This post has inspired me to get a move on with all my DIY projects. Especially since none of them are quite this awesome. A homemade cannon. Epic
About that Engineer type friend,is he licensed to practice in California?You need to be careful about that stuff,Cal. gets real picky about that stuff.If the word got out that an unlicesed party was practising Engr.you could have inspectors from the licensing Board all over you.By the way how are you going to get enough powder to fire that thing or do black powder substitutes work in a cannon? pnic
After untold hours of welding and grinding and welding and grinding, I finally have this stupid, ah magnificent cannon to a point where I can weld on the trunnions. I am starting with some 1" safe door bolts then sliding 1" black pipe over the bolts and welding them in place. Then making the bearing faces out of two more layers of pipe and welding caps over the bearing and the end of the trunnions, for extra strength. Here it is so far.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsq6blkkeh.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsq6blkkeh.jpg.html)
You can see the little jig I made up to make sure the trunnions are square and plumb on the lower left side of the cart. I couldn't find it for the picture taking but I got a 2" hitch ball for the handle at the breech. That rockets my cost for this thing so far up to $35. Man this is an expensive hobby. After many days and websites of searching, I decided to go ahead and make the carriage wheels myself. I have more than enough scrap oak to do it and I can't see paying $145 to $300 apiece plus shipping for already built wheels. I don't care about proper "dish" as I don't really plan on strapping this thing on the back end of a horse and heading off into the prairie lands to fight indians or blue bellies so I really just don't care if I have the proper steel on the wheels. Back to the grind(ing) for now.
thmbsup Looking good.
can finally tell what it is thmbsup
Yes do have to give a bit of credit - for $35.00 it does look like a cannon... My only question is - with the wildfires is he gonna be able to shoot it> and if he gets caught are they gonna think he started the fires.... So for safetys sake cut it up and dispose of the evidence or pour cement down the tube! :mini-devil-28492:
Man, I may not be the world's worst welder, but I am circling with him down at the bottom of the welders barrel. Outside of half a year of metal shop in 8th grade, I am for the most part self taught and now I am paying for that cheap education. Structurally the cannon cannot be beat, but cosmetically I am having some issues with my limited choices of cheap (free) materials. As a result, getting a little jiggy with the grinder has already caused me to do a lot of filling and patching, then of course a lot more grinding.But there is light at the end of the tunnel, a couple of more hours tomorrow and I should be ready for sand blasting, vent tube and Plum Browning. I hope Red Badger appreciates the effort I am gong through to make sure his demise is swift and sure.I wouldn't work this hard for just anyone.
ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL
I tend to get tunnel vision and it prevents common sense from entering my poor overworked brain. After an entire 10LB roll of wire, a tank of shield gas and close to $60 in sanding disks, it finally dawned on me that this weld and grind of foil thin metal was just an exercise in futility and I was just creating a whole bunch of iron filings that get everywhere. So off to the local steel yard and dropped another load of $$ and got some more pipe and started cladding the outside of the neverending cannon project. The cruel rub is that now it will be much closer to the correct diameter for a true half scale 1841 cannon.
On another note, does anyone realize what a pain it is to try to drill a hole through a 3/8"grade 8 bolt and cut full threads to make a vent tube?
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpsvakmexo9.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpsvakmexo9.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zps7pyzff0j.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zps7pyzff0j.jpg.html)
Well now I do. On the other hand, I must be one talented son of my mother to be able to do this holding the bolt with a vise grip and drilling that hole with my civil war era drill press. And this is the only bolt I bought and I didn't screw it up. Of course I now have to get that broken bit out before I drill the cannon and install it, but that is just a minor detail.
hotfxr,,if you ever get to production line status, I need to place an order [hmm] I think the way things are going here in DIXIE,that I just might be needing one [conf]
thmbsup :applause: wtch
It sure does look purty - now will it shoot?
What is that sound? Is the slight tremor in your voice the gradual realization of your soon to be accelerated mortality? fncg Casting disparities about the combustion capabilities of Bruce only shows to the world your desperate and disconsolate attempts to weasel (in a badger type way) out of your upcoming date with the Pale Rider. noway Are you even thinking of (gasp) srndr acquiescence and abandonment of your contumelious twisting of my words that got you in this situation in the first place? I am from the South [conf] and we don't quit until it's over, so stop with the pathetic attempts to besmirch my good name and (questionable) abilities and accept your fate. Of course I am always willing to consider any and all advice as to making this cannon more effective and accurate and will gladly defer to your advanced knowledge on these things.
:applause: PROGRESS!!! :applause:
After spending more than a week chasing my tail filling and grinding and filling and grinding, I finally got to the steel yard and "procured" some various sizes of black pipe, cut them to length and quartered them them (laugh if you will, just try and split some heavy walled 6" pipe 16" long with a fiber blade on a broken 10" miter box) and fit them to the outside of Bruce. A little welding, a little grinding, a little more grinding, and a little more grinding, and filling some air spaces with lead, a little more welding, a little more grinding, a little swearing when the welding wire hits some of the lead in a shallow spot in the metal, and so on. It's starting to look more like a cannon now.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zps5dm0cvxm.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zps5dm0cvxm.jpg.html)
Finally got the body where I want it. I need to do a bit to the muzzle end (detail work to make Bruce look pretty), and weld on the round handle/knob thingy that goes in the back end. It's balance is just a bit to the breech, right where I want it. Good balance is essential when hunting badgers as everyone knows.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20005_zpsnqj5yxtj.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20005_zpsnqj5yxtj.jpg.html)
While Bruce's main body is hanging out to dry, literally, it's time to start on the "made from scrap wood" half scale #1 Field artillery carriage. Since there is no way in the world I am going to pay the going rate for a 30" wagon/cannon wheel (Cheapest I could find $145.00 each plus shipping) I am doing it myself. And since my tired out brain can't figure out the math for 14 or 17 spokes, it will have 12 on each wheel. It all starts with a plan.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpsz8bdufxp.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpsz8bdufxp.jpg.html)
There is a lot of decision making and figuring going into this. I don't have any dimensioned drawings to go off of, I had to extrapolate sizes going from overall full scale and making my own drawings, or more correctly, a list of measurements at several points on the cannon and will have to do the same for the carriage. The first thing to be made is the hubs for the wheels. Had plenty of Northern Hard Maple left over from cutting the stock out for my long ignored 1780 flintlock project so they were glued together, cut to size and now a block of maple is sitting in the lathe waiting to become a matched pair of hubs. Already have the retention rings by cutting them out of some leftover pieces of 5" and 3" pipe.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20003_zpsecwbwmoe.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20003_zpsecwbwmoe.jpg.html)
That's as far as I have gotten so thus ends this entry into the progress of the cannon and will become part of Red Badge'rs eulogy which I will proudly give after the duel.
thmbsup thmbsup wtch
so far ,so good ! it do look cannonish !
It is looking good! Why not take a day and go to the local library where you will find a thing called a book which will have detailed instructions on how wheels were made.... [conf]
I'll take two, can you ship end week ? or sooner would be really swell.......You got way tooo much time on your hands son, get a hobby... ROFL Way cool dude ( I speak Cali" don't ask me how I learnt it.....Tom
P.S. bring "Brucie" to sin city in Nov. for our rondy, we shoot those on line for score.......
Quote from: gunmaker on August 17, 2015, 03:56:09 PM
I'll take two, can you ship end week ? or sooner would be really swell.......You got way tooo much time on your hands son, get a hobby... ROFL Way cool dude ( I speak Cali" don't ask me how I learnt it.....Tom
P.S. bring "Brucie" to sin city in Nov. for our rondy, we shoot those on line for score.......
Sounds like the perfect time to have the Duel. With both Duelists present. Too bad it is so far from Tulsa
Quote from: Red Badger on August 17, 2015, 12:17:17 PM
It is looking good! Why not take a day and go to the local library where you will find a thing called a book which will have detailed instructions on how wheels were made.... [conf]
Books? Library? What are those? Oh yeah, I remember them from high school. Out here when the libraries are open the few days they are, they are filled with our ever increasing homeless population become quite odoriferous, plus this being California, any and all books pertaining to anything that goes boom are locked up and you have to go through a background check to look at them in a caged room.
Seriously, I would have no real problem finding out exact specs and so forth, I am just trying to figure out how to make components that look correct but living with the limitations of my tools and skills.
Just in case RB is getting complacent thinking I am never going to get this cannon to rain cannonballs upon him, rest assured that I am ever vigilant and always working on it. Now the body is complete and work has started on the carriage.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zpscaq4bupg.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zpscaq4bupg.jpg.html)
Some paint and a coat of bed liner to give it that good old cast iron look.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsw6mvo2oz.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsw6mvo2oz.jpg.html)
And work on the carriage. All spokes are cut, hubs are turned and just need to be drilled out, then it is down to cutting out the outside wood pieces.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20007_zpshgtnhikw.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20007_zpshgtnhikw.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20008_zpsm6eea8r5.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20008_zpsm6eea8r5.jpg.html)
Getting closer to a rolling cannon but for now I am having too much fun having it mounted in the back of the truck and driving around the county.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20006_zps2svrwcnp.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20006_zps2svrwcnp.jpg.html)
And to quiet down the naysayers ( RB, are your ears burning) who say that it looks great, but will it shoot? Well here is a special treat for you that should have RB shaking is his size 16 boots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKzjQwJ5w7U&edit=vd
When shooting a projectile I plan on using 2 ounces of 1F cannon powder. Since I don't have any, I used 1/2 ounce of 3FFF that I have here, wrapped in foil pouches. Ans I used no backing whatsoever, just the foil pouch. Rammed in the pouch, poked it with the gimlet (Although why I need a cocktail to shoot a cannon is beyond me) stuck in a fuse and lit it. Later this week I am taking it in it's red truck foundation to a vineyard up the road a (good) ways and we eill try it out with a projectile to start finding it's range. More reports as they happen.
very nice hotfxr. only thing needed now is elevation blocks or an elevation screw. and some sort of sighting mechanism as used in the old days to figure range and elevation.
Do you intend to proof the barrel? If so, I would take it off the truck bed and place the platform on the ground to keep the truck safe, just in case. don't want to light off the trucks gas tank.
Hark, what is that knocking sound...........................................Oh............................Red Badgers knees knocking
Thumbs up hotfxr, I can't get the smilies to post with this damned windows 10.
Remember, when making your wheels, they should be circular. Triangular or square won't roll worth a hoot. Even octagonal rolls extremely rough. Also check your local laws. In California, wooden wheels even with metal tires, might not be consideredlawfu due to environmental concerns. BTW, lookin' gnarly dude.
thmbsup You are showin some real talent there bub. Cant wait to see her finished. Have ya thought of a name for the little gal yet?
Quote from: Hawken50 on August 26, 2015, 10:53:22 AM
thmbsup You are showin some real talent there bub. Cant wait to see her finished. Have ya thought of a name for the little gal yet?
It was named awhile ago but modified a bit. At this point in time it is "Bruce, Badger Buster of the Wild Frontier". If it needs a feminine modifier, then it can only be "Bridget" since that seems to be the perfect muliebrous name for a cannon.
them badgers is dangerous critters , ye might need a bigger gun ! somethin along the lines o this !
And onward we go. The one thing that was holding me back was building the wheels for the carriage. This is something I haven't actually ever done, making a working wheel. After a lot of head scratching I just jumped into it, making up a cool jig for a router to cut the circle parts out. The hubs are maple, spokes are oak, and the rings are poplar. I know, poplar is too soft, but I had enough of it to do the job and I'm not really planning on hitching this beast up to a horse and towing it 150 miles through undeveloped wilderness, so I am not that worried about longevity or breakage. The tires will still be steel anyway. Without further ado, the beginnings of the half scale #1 field carriage.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20008_zpsstlruiez.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20008_zpsstlruiez.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpsllxw7zi6.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpsllxw7zi6.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsn6c7so7x.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsn6c7so7x.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20010_zpsolhhansg.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20010_zpsolhhansg.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20011_zpsj74kaizk.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20011_zpsj74kaizk.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20013_zpsaathhf88.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20013_zpsaathhf88.jpg.html)
Before you ask, I am building the wheels one at a time and one is painted while the other is not. Besides, now it will confuse any witnesses who happen to be spying on the project.
This is looking very nice - and although I am not in the slightest worried about my own personal safety because although you have proven concept you still need to consider that my mere presence tends to change the laws of Physics so any projectile fired at me either disintegrates, changes direction, or just flat bounces off me. I will say that after I have decimated you I will be honored to bring that beast home and put it on display in my front yard.
wtch :applause:
thmbsup Keep up the schooling Badger. Hotfxr is like ol Gus In Lonesome Dove...... He wants the chance to shoot at an edgucated man one time......lol strpot
Schooling? I shall school Mr. Badger in the art of having cannonballs raining down upon his head. I was busy this weekend, working like a furious beaver who waited to build his dam until December and made some progress.
Got some paint on the carriage frame.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zpsjvb4fkjd.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zpsjvb4fkjd.jpg.html)
Made new cheeks out of some real wood and started machining them.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20003_zpsa98clbm9.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20003_zpsa98clbm9.jpg.html)
Got the cheeks mostly banded, right now it's more of a template than a finished product.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsxvwejm2p.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpsxvwejm2p.jpg.html)
Well, I still have a ways to go.... Make the trunnion caps, make the elevation screw, figure out what all those chains and bolts are for in the pictures I've been looking at to make this in the first place and figuring out what I need and what is just superfluous extra bling that I will never use. But now it is a cannon!
Meet "Bruce, Badger Blaster of the Wild Frontier" on it's way to terminating a certain rouge colored burrowing varmint from Oklahoma! blah
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20005_zpsyv8ore8v.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20005_zpsyv8ore8v.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20006_zpsw5yaxeqx.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20006_zpsw5yaxeqx.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20007_zps7psupuif.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20007_zps7psupuif.jpg.html)
I actually have to work this week, so further progress might be slower than I would like, but until we get some rain there aren't too many places I can shoot this beast with a full load and a projectile. Hmmm, It's going to be tough for RB to explain how he was done in by cannon fired golf balls from at least one county over. ROFL
thmbsup looking good so far !
Buddy and I went with our wives to the local rennaisance fair, we saw a small catapult, which he remarked was similar in size to my cannon. After a mead or two, we began wondering is there is a possible projectile similar to a water balloon to fire at each other. We may have to settle for catapults but the idea of a water balloon mortar duel seems like fun.
That is a beautiful cannon. when will you be taking orders for them. Would love to lob a few golf balls at the groundhogs that raid my garden. You can always build them if you regular line of work slows too much.
Quote from: zimmerstutzen on August 31, 2015, 04:17:19 PM
Buddy and I went with our wives to the local rennaisance fair, we saw a small catapult, which he remarked was similar in size to my cannon. After a mead or two, we began wondering is there is a possible projectile similar to a water balloon to fire at each other. We may have to settle for catapults but the idea of a water balloon mortar duel seems like fun.
Knowing just a bit about hydrology and knowing what an exploding depth charge feels like and why, I can firmly state that water and cannons will not mix. The only way you could shoot water would be inside a can, which means you are now shooting a can at someone or ice, which can do a lot of damage (but leaves no evidence when it evaporates). Even if there was some way to shoot a water balloon and defying the laws of physics it stayed intact, it would do almost as much damage as a normal projectile when it hit. I think the only thing that would be guaranteed to happen with a water balloon in the barrel is that barrel is going to blow up. Not might, going to. Please do not even think of trying it. Now a catapult sounds like a lot of fun and I ran into a guy that is building one and wants my help with a couple of things on it so it looks like it's time to learn a bit about them. I should have some free time after I dispatch that annoying Red Badger guy into the firmament. If you get involved in one, be sure to chronicle your adventure here, we love stuff like that.
catapults and trebuchet seem to be a rather common thing today ! seems the brits cant be trusted with fire arms ,but pre black powder artillery is fine ROFL. https://youtu.be/oaZRhoxtHKY
[hmm] "seems the Brits cant be trusted with fire arms"
Yep beowulf............... Perhaps the Brits recall what happened when a bunch of Brits had enough back in 1776?? pnic pnic flwa thmbsup
Now I am zeroing in on completion of the first Badger Blasting Cannon in the West. Held together with baling wire and thumbtacks, I took it out for a ride to get some critiques on the wheels and the planned fastening methods. Plus I just wanted to see how much trouble I could get into with a covered cannon in the back of my (ex) little red S-10 before I sold it. (The truck, not the cannon.) Seems some people can really get their dander in an uproar when they see a cannon driving down the road. It looked pretty innocent to me.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zpstnf8pshj.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20001_zpstnf8pshj.jpg.html)
Went through my brother in law's recycle bin and found the handles and made backing plates for them. Still have to make some iron hooks to hang the rams on both sides of the cheeks and maybe a couple of loops at the tail for an aiming pole. I had an elevation control started. It seems that a hand wheel from a treadle sewing machine is the perfect size and looks cool enough to be close to correct and we just happened to have a treadle machine in the house, just sitting there in the hallway folded all up, covered with mail & keys. I figured who would miss it? I found out who would miss it when I had to put it back on the machine. I ordered one off of Ebay and as soon as it gets here, it will be complete. Paying $25 for the wheel brings my material cost of the carriage up to, now let's see, add this, divide by that, take the square route of the old road, and we get, oh yeah, $25. Red Badger, you are going to be decimated by a discounted bargain basement cannon my friend.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpsavlqwbhp.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20002_zpsavlqwbhp.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20003_zpsa7r51h5m.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20003_zpsa7r51h5m.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpslyxdj46v.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20004_zpslyxdj46v.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon/Cannon%20005_zps11nassga.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon/Cannon%20005_zps11nassga.jpg.html)
As long as they are not picking tomorrow, we are going to shoot a projectile up into the vineyard across the driveway with a mini load (half ounce of 3FFF) just to get an idea of the trajectory and to see if it happens to hook or slice or just heads straight on out. Now if I can find some RWS musket caps with out having to take out a loan on the house, I can start on some alternate ignition systems. I am getting kind of burned out on building or I would tackle making some friction fuses. And I certainly don't want to have to pay a buck a piece for them at this point in time.
http://www.cannonfuse.com/store/pc/Fuse-c2.htm
http://www.firefox-fx.com/kits.htm
hotfxr thmbsup That is one fine Badger Buster! A true work of Art! thmbsup
But Badgers are Sneaky & Tough Critters! So you might need to get a Limber and a few caissons to Haul Ammunition and move quickly as you are chasing down the "Dreaded Red Badger" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbers_and_caissons
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbers_and_caissons#/media/File:CWlimberSIDE.jpg
you`ve acheived wonders on that massive budget thmbsup
This "war"is starting to remind of the phony war in late 1939 early 1940 all talk no action,then everybody got into it I hope this thing doesn't end up the same way.Hauling a cannon around in the back of a pckup in California is my idea of living dangerously.
Quote from: punjab on September 09, 2015, 04:25:54 PM
This "war"is starting to remind of the phony war in late 1939 early 1940 all talk no action,then everybody got into it I hope this thing doesn't end up the same way.Hauling a cannon around in the back of a pckup in California is my idea of living dangerously.
I drove that cannon around in the truck just for you, given your earlier post about transporting cannons. And being in the U.S.S.C. and living close to San Francisco I do believe I was taking my life in my hands, but really I just wanted to see how much trouble I could cause. Doggone Red Badger set the range for our duel at 1000 yards. I still am not sure I can find a place in this state where firing it off won't bring out the swat teams or even being able to find a 1000 yard range to shoot it at. But between me and my equally crazy friends I am sure we will come up with a safe area soon.If anyone knows of a sanctioned area that isn't more than a couple hour drive north of San Francisco, please let me know. If I have to make the 1800 mile drive to OK to duel it out in person, I will be somewhat miffed.
I talked with a co-worker, about your cannon and told him about the duel. We discussed the problem of the 1000 yard shot, he suggested goin to the beach and positioning a rowboat at sea, 1000 yards and shooting from the land to the floating target. Could maybe need to make a floating, pontoon target, BUT will the USCG permit it???????????? Or maybe a privately owned Lake.
It would make it a bobbing, wobbling unsteady target, BUT I am certain that the Badger would not set still either. I'm sure he has bobbed and wobbled a few times. especially after seeing the cannon of his DOOM.
Quote from: hotfxr on September 09, 2015, 06:39:30 PM
Quote from: punjab on September 09, 2015, 04:25:54 PM
This "war"is starting to remind of the phony war in late 1939 early 1940 all talk no action,then everybody got into it I hope this thing doesn't end up the same way.Hauling a cannon around in the back of a pckup in California is my idea of living dangerously.
I drove that cannon around in the truck just for you, given your earlier post about transporting cannons. And being in the U.S.S.C. and living close to San Francisco I do believe I was taking my life in my hands, but really I just wanted to see how much trouble I could cause. Doggone Red Badger set the range for our duel at 1000 yards. I still am not sure I can find a place in this state where firing it off won't bring out the swat teams or even being able to find a 1000 yard range to shoot it at. But between me and my equally crazy friends I am sure we will come up with a safe area soon.If anyone knows of a sanctioned area that isn't more than a couple hour drive north of San Francisco, please let me know. If I have to make the 1800 mile drive to OK to duel it out in person, I will be somewhat miffed.
As your second I offer the use of MY State. 1; we have LOTS of open space to go out to 1000 or even 2000 yards, and 2; we don't give a rats behind WHAT the USSC does or DOESN'T like! We, on MY side of the state, don't care what SEATTLE does or doesn't like! In fact, we don't care what ANYBODY may or may not like!
So make the shorter drive up here, we'll put YOU up, put the BADGER to rest, and have some killer craft brews while we're at it!
thmbsup Brother all kidding aside. That is one fine piece . Hats off to ya.
Man that is one SWEET looking cannon. thmbsup I most definitely have cannon envy. If you don't have proper cannon storage I'll volunteer one of my many fine storage facilities for it. ;D
In all seriousness: I am amazed at what you have produced and executed with almost no financial investment. Just looking at the artillery piece you have created reminds me of how dangerous a determined human being can be... When I suggested the cannon as my choice for this duel it was said in jest to get some conversation started as well as some bragging on my part.
While my cannon has a bit of history behind it - yours will gain it's fair share! and it is homemade... You have the build photos and the thread to prove it's provenance. my hat is off to you my friend! now we just need to see a range report so go blow up some grapes
We got lots a OPEN SPACES over here in "the gravel pit" (Nevada) and our club shoots those big mouths, maybe 5-6 guns in spring mt. free trappers club here & will shoot for score at Nov. rondy...ya'all come....Tom
That is a great piece of work and your out of pocket costs really lives up to the name of the site.The man hours you have in it even at minimum wage must be a bundle though.
I'm pretty much back in the saddle again (side saddle, however) and have to say that you, hotfxr, have produced a fine, aesthetically pleasing piece of field artillery fit for a Confederate General. Now for observations.
It appears, though my old eyes can't be totally trusted, that urine is more bigger than hizzin. With rifling out of the mix, properly setting up the gun for an accurate strike is of utmost importance. Don't rule out grapeshot; after all, you'll be shooting in a vineyard. Both of you remember to wear your helmet. :applause: fght
Quote from: Hanshi on September 10, 2015, 11:21:38 PM
I'm pretty much back in the saddle again (side saddle, however) and have to say that you, hotfxr, have produced a fine, aesthetically pleasing piece of field artillery fit for a Confederate General. Now for observations.
It appears, though my old eyes can't be totally trusted, that urine is more bigger than hizzin. With rifling out of the mix, properly setting up the gun for an accurate strike is of utmost importance. Don't rule out grapeshot; after all, you'll be shooting in a vineyard. Both of you remember to wear your helmet. :applause: fght
I would love nothing more than to make a trip out to the badlands of Oklahoma and compare cannons with R.B. Just so you know, mine is always bigger, it's just seems to always be that way.
However, last time I was in OK was in 2004, riding through with a bunch of like minded biker type friends, we wound up being escorted to the Arkansas border and invited never to visit Oklahoma again. Of curse the statute of limitations has expired by now so I would probably be safe crossing into the state once again. As I am typing this they are continuing their night harvesting in the 500 plus acre vineyard that shares a driveway with me, with lot's of yelling in Spanish, loud machines and air raid lights so it looks brighter than most days out now. I think grapeshot might just do the trick in convincing the owners that they should practice some manners once in a while. Hmmm
In the attempt to remain ever save, armed and ready, being able to move artillery quickly is a must. Such as the re-positioning need in case of a Badger running for the hills or an attack by a zombie apocalypse. Neither one is very pretty. So using an ancient lifting device I have been trying to come up with a system that will allow me to safely load Bruce on and off of a truck by myself. Since Flame, my little red S-10 went off to annoy and strand it's new owners, I have to lift this up into my work truck whose bed is 14" higher than Flame's was. This is the third configuration that was used and this one works pretty good. It's a lot easier with two people (one to guide the tail) but I can load and unload it by myself fairly quickly and without having the HiJack tip over like it did in the first configuration and then spending the time rebuilding one of the wheels. I know, I know, it only weighs 300 pound or so and I could just muscle it up by myself, with one hand, while eating a sandwich with the other, but then women swoon and the guys get jealous, and it's just not as much fun. I have to wait around till the weekend when I can get three other macho and ruggedly handsome guys out here to see how hard it will be to load it by hand. Hence the reason it has the extra handles on it.
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon%20002_zps1edenuih.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon%20002_zps1edenuih.jpg.html)
(http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a603/hotfxr/Cannon%20001_zps643bd5ia.jpg) (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/hotfxr/media/Cannon%20001_zps643bd5ia.jpg.html)
It does ride well and I do get some odd looks when I get passed. I am trying to see how much trouble I can get into with just covering the barrel with a blanket so it is obvious that it is a cannon, but you can't be 100% sure. ROFL
Come on zombies!
If you want to find out how much trouble you can get into. Park the truck, loaded with the cannon facing a Federal Courts building!!!
OR put signs on your truck, BLACK LIVES MATTER and park the truck/cannon facing the local police station.
if its trouble you want these are two guaranteed ways to get it.
Quote from: pilgrim on September 16, 2015, 10:37:56 AM
If you want to find out how much trouble you can get into. Park the truck, loaded with the cannon facing a Federal Courts building!!!
OR put signs on your truck, BLACK LIVES MATTER and park the truck/cannon facing the local police station.
if its trouble you want these are two guaranteed ways to get it.
good lord , man ! dont give him any ideas ! ROFL ROFL ROFL hdslp
Nope Hotfxr, your in caly just tell them it's a fishing cannon and your using a 6 pound "LEAD" ball. "Can't have lead in the water". They will probably throw the book at you. ROFL
Found a place to safely (and legally) fire off this beast. It's been a while so I had forgotten about a small lake up north that has a box end dirt airstrip that is used as a long distance shooting range when there aren't any planes flying in. And there are almost never eny planes flying in. I landed there a several years back when I could still afford to fly and it was always a bit disconcerting landing with that hill staring you in the face at the end of the runway. The strip is about 1200 yards long so I will bring up some targets and do in old Red Badger from there. Mwah-ha-ha-ha! We did a practice shoot in the driveway yesterday. I wanted to see a golf ball lobbed out the barrel so instead of 2 ounces of cannon powder and a patched ball, we loaded it up with 1/4 ounce of powder and just rolled the ball loose down the barrel. When it went off I was hoping it would clear the fence but as it was, we never saw the ball come out and never saw where it landed. At least I know it was a safe area since it is at least 1000 yards to the top of the rise and there is nothing but more vines for more than 1000 yards on the other side. I am guessing it went about 100 yards or so, but I just don't know.
<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4WlEoXk_KtE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Old Badger De La Rouge should be quaking in his size 16's about now.
Sorry about the quality of the video, it was taken with an Iphone and they are usually better than this.
maybe paint the golf balls florescent green or orange for better visibility for locating them.
are you going to use a patched ball or put wadding over the powder, then the ball?
That ball may have flew a lot further than 100 yards. Have you searched for the ball?
Great job on that Cannon.