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TheThunderGun

TheThunderGun

32 Cal
Joined
Dec 9, 2023
Messages
23
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23
Location
Alabama
Hello all I want to get into building my own guns, to recreate some older models because it's difficult to find Spanish Muskets now a days 🤕. ANYWAYS I was looking for some points and tools that I'll need to get started. I'm in alabama and have some basic tools already but there some things I don't believe I have and I want to hear from experienced builders on what they use and what I would likely need. So I can create a list. I'm not aiming to exactly forge every little piece but I'd like to carve my own stocks, etc. As well as put together and fit the parts how I want. Like I said not sure I'll be forging the tangs and barrels or anything but still. Anyways thanks all!
 
TheThunderGun said:
Hello all I want to get into building my own guns, to recreate some older models because it's difficult to find Spanish Muskets now a days 🤕. ANYWAYS I was looking for some points and tools that I'll need to get started. I'm in alabama and have some basic tools already but there some things I don't believe I have and I want to hear from experienced builders on what they use and what I would likely need. So I can create a list. I'm not aiming to exactly forge every little piece but I'd like to carve my own stocks, etc. As well as put together and fit the parts how I want. Like I said not sure I'll be forging the tangs and barrels or anything but still. Anyways thanks all!
Click to expand...
I would suggest going on Rumble and looking up Bill Rabe he does like four hundred vids on custom builds
 
The Maryland rifle and 4 Bore Rifle #2 series go into the most detail. The 4 Bore #2 series is not all posted on Rumble yet but about all that is left on it is the engraving. The Schuetzen rifle series is just getting started. The Maryland rifle series is complete on Rumble now. There is no Escopeta in there but they are all built mostly the same way.
 
You don't need to get a lot of tools but get GOOD ones when you do. Stay away from cheap starter set chisels, get a few really good ones and a good set of stones to keep them sharp! I have about 3 straight chisels from 1/8" to 3/8" and a couple of round gouges that do 90% of my inletting. Check out the "Shinto" wood rasp, it is my go to tool for removing large amounts of wood. Assorted round/flat files and rasps. A good set of "Gunsmith" screwdrivers and your pretty well set.
 
billraby said:
This might help: https://rumble.com/user/BillRaby
Click to expand...
Your videos are very helpful. A question about your 12" bench now that you have used it for a while. If you made another based on how this one works, what changes would you make to it? Higher, lower, more narrow or wider, thicker, type of wood, etc? Does the base cause tripping issues? I've gotten older and falling is a concern now.

Thank you for your past videos and you patient explanations in them. I have d/l many to a portable drive over the years.
 
Skinny work bench is definitely the way to go if you have enough space for it. I don't think I would make any changes. I really have not had any problems with it. I have never tripped over the base. But if that is an issue you could always not use a base and just bolt the table down to the floor instead.
 
billraby said:
Skinny work bench is definitely the way to go if you have enough space for it. I don't think I would make any changes. I really have not had any problems with it. I have never tripped over the base. But if that is an issue you could always not use a base and just bolt the table down to the floor instead.
Click to expand...
Thank you. I was thinking of bolting to a floor joist and maybe a middle leg later for rigidity.
 
You will need a vise with the jaws lined with leather. I cut pieces of veg tanned leather and use carpet tape to stick them in the vise jaws. Get a light fixture that you can move around the gun. Good directional lighting is essential in gun building. Make yourself a stand to hold the gun up. I make mine out of old microphone stands.
1000006172.jpg
 
TheThunderGun said:
Hello all I want to get into building my own guns, to recreate some older models because it's difficult to find Spanish Muskets now a days 🤕. ANYWAYS I was looking for some points and tools that I'll need to get started. I'm in alabama and have some basic tools already but there some things I don't believe I have and I want to hear from experienced builders on what they use and what I would likely need. So I can create a list. I'm not aiming to exactly forge every little piece but I'd like to carve my own stocks, etc. As well as put together and fit the parts how I want. Like I said not sure I'll be forging the tangs and barrels or anything but still. Anyways thanks all!
Click to expand...
This may sound like a silly question....but you do not mention if you are currently a traditional ML shooter? A buddy of mine makes guitars....and never learned how to play....so he has a difficult time knowing just how....it should play! Thus....not that by any means there is anything wrong (actually cool) to want to build them, but kinda the same thing....If you dont shoot....learn. It will help your mission.
 
Go to the library and check out Hershel Houses VDO ,How to build a Kentucky long rifle . Its the best . The building books were no good to me until after I had built a couple ...this VDO is great . .. Really helped me . Best of luck
 
Just a comment on straight bench chisels. I restore old tools when not crippled up. I buy 100 yo socket chisels at fleas and yard sales, usually under a buck, as long as the sockets are not bunged up. Takes 15 minutes to turn a replacement handle if needed and you have a chisel as good as anything made today.

Save money on tools and spend it on learning to sharpen!
 
Hatchet-Jack said:
You will need a vise with the jaws lined with leather. I cut pieces of veg tanned leather and use carpet tape to stick them in the vise jaws. Get a light fixture that you can move around the gun. Good directional lighting is essential in gun building. Make yourself a stand to hold the gun up. I make mine out of old microphone stands.
View attachment 358277
Click to expand...
I keep a PC of 1/4 thick leather that I fold and put in vice jaws. That achieves the cushioning effect. The steady rest is a good idea
 

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