My first scratch build - FINISHED

[woody]

Well I was fixed up with this chunk of cherry and a .56 cal. smooth bore barrel so I figured it was time to try may hand a a scratch build. After locating a gouge and with the guidance of a couple of friends I have started the process of my first scratch build. I pain on using hand tools only. It may take quite some time so the posts may be slow in coming, but I'll keep it updated as I can. 

[mongrel]

What are you planning to use for a lock?

I would hold off cutting out the stock blank till you've settled on that detail. You need the lock to position alongside the barrel and from there to position the trigger, and if there's going to be a conflict between the lock and trigger positions and the profile of the stock it's best to realize it before you've done the cutting or anything else that can't be undone.

So far, so good, though, so far as I can see.

[woody]

What are you planning to use for a lock?

I would hold off cutting out the stock blank till you've settled on that detail. You need the lock to position alongside the barrel and from there to position the trigger, and if there's going to be a conflict between the lock and trigger positions and the profile of the stock it's best to realize it before you've done the cutting or anything else that can't be undone.

So far, so good, though, so far as I can see.

Thanks Mike, I have a Chamber's Queen Ann Lock and I can use all the coaching I can get. I was planning on moving slow and asking a lot of questions. I'm very lucky in that I have some very talented builders near by and with your and their help,  I am going to get this done.

[CampbellClan]

Thats pretty cool Fred!

[Hanshi]

I respect anyone who scratch builds.  Will this be a small, big gun or a BIG, small gun?

[gunmaker]

Mongrel's right, don't cut bottom curve until lock is in & rod hole is drilled.  Then thin bottom as needed.  I usually make a full scale pattern on cardboard 1st.  I copy full size parts from TOW's catalog & place them in relation to bbl. & vent hole.....good luck....Tom

[CampbellClan]

Thats cool Fred! Keep us updated.

[woody]

I respect anyone who scratch builds.  Will this be a small, big gun or a BIG, small gun?

Thanks for all your input guys. I plan on tip toeing slowly through this project and Hanshi,..... I just hope it turns out to be "a working gun" 

[Bulldog lady]

Green with envy watching you guys build guns, just devotion, guts, and wana say"  I did it. "   Couldn't ask for any more willing hands and advice from the experts! 

[woody]

I got back at it today and got quite a bit accomplished on the pistol...at least for me. Got the barrel and tang inlet, ramrod channel cut and drilled and ready to start working on inletting the lock next trip to my coach. In addition I picked up several great tips of the trade. ...sure hope I can remember them by tomorrow!

[mongrel]

What I sort of maybe envy is you having someone close by to assist and advise as you attempt this. I learned by doing, no one to guide me. On one hand it probably would have been easier and quicker, learning with a teacher, but then on the other hand I've definitely come into my own way of doing things and have no problem with it being different in many ways from what others do. I think, though, that for what you're wanting to do, having a mentor is the way to go.

That breechplug tang inlet looks good. I can't tell in the picture -- did you leave a hair-fine gap between the end of the tang and the wood behind it? There is a tendency to want a perfectly snug fit, but even when the breech of the barrel is snugged perfectly against the stock wood, wood compresses under shock and what can happen, during recoil, is that the tang slams back a minute fraction of an inch and if it's butted flush to the wood behind it -- something's gonna give and it won't be the steel. I had bad chip-outs of wrist wood on a couple of stocks till I picked up on that little trick. Lest anyone think that a tiny (less than 1/16") gap is sloppy workmanship, where I picked up on this was in a book dealing with English gunmaking, specifically the building of high-end big-bore Mauser-actioned hunting rifles -- and I reckon if outfits like Purdey and H&H find the gap good then I also will call it good. Especially since now I don't get chip-outs when the barrel and tang "seat" themselves during recoil.

[woody]

Here is a shot of the area I think you are talking about.(still may need a little wood removed??) I have my friend double check my progress before moving on to the next step. He then tells me what I should do for the next step, then shows me what tools he uses, how to use it, the turns it over to me to do it. He checks my work and points out anything he sees I need to complete the process.

[Razor62]

I like it so far. Looking really good. What' style of pistol are you shooting for?

[mongrel]

Here is a shot of the area I think you are talking about.(still may need a little wood removed??) I have my friend double check my progress before moving on to the next step. He then tells me what I should do for the next step, then shows me what tools he uses, how to use it, the turns it over to me to do it. He checks my work and points out anything he sees I need to complete the process.

Yep. Teeny gap. Perfect.

You know that after this you will decide you just have to do a rifle.... Building is as addictive as owning and shooting these things. Plus there's the idea (even when it's not completely 100% true) that anything you want, you can just build. The problem isn't being ABLE to do it, it's finding time.

[woody]

I like it so far. Looking really good. What' style of pistol are you shooting for?

I'm not really sure what it's called, but I'll try to get a photo of the pistol that inspired this build the next trip to my friends place.