Getting started

mikesto44 · Dec 17, 2024

Pearl drum like others have said you don't need a lot.
I have a 1/4 inch, 1/8 gouge and the same in chisel s.
Plus a wood block hammer for lightly tapping a chisel when needed. Like you the Kiblers just don't leave me with enough challenge. But dang they sure do turn out nice.
After I built a couple of guns from scratch. I bought the late Hershel House gun building CD. It was an eye opener to how little tools you really need to build a gun. Cheers an have fun..!

PEARL DRUMS · Dec 17, 2024

I have two small chisels coming my way and I stopped at my buddies shop and grabbed some old walnut and maple stock pieces to practice on. I'm going to dismantle a TC lock and use it as template to start my inletting journey. Again, thanks for all the tips guys.

longcruise · Dec 17, 2024

Bought two of these chisels. You supply or make your own handles. So.far their only limitation is my poor sharpening skills.

https://www.muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com/mbs3cart/agora.cgi?cart_id=7010909.12008&product=Tools

Eric Krewson · Dec 18, 2024

Don't know if you have a lathe, these carving mallets are easy to make out of any scrap wood, again very addictive. They come in handy for precise wood removal from the bottom of inlets. I make big ones, little ones, heavy ones and light ones. I tried a piece of sweet gum fire wood for this one, very light and cracked as the wood dried, I filled the cracks with superglue and it works just fine.

Walnut from a long dead sapling I found in the woods.

Both of my granddaughters got into making them as well. This one is from curly maple scrap.

PEARL DRUMS · Dec 18, 2024

I have no lathe, Eric. Its one of the few power tools I don't have. I do have a few 4x36 belt sanders and can make round stuff on it. Not perfectly round. But, good enough for a mallet.

waksupi · Dec 18, 2024

Most anything will work for a mallet. Mine is more square, with rounded edges. These are all of the chisels and turn screws I use when building guns. If I need something different, I make it.

Eric Krewson · Dec 19, 2024

For tool ferrules, a 1/2" copper connector cut in half, like in the picture above shows, is the way to go, you will have pennies in them instead of dollars like the actual brass ones cost.

reddogge · Dec 19, 2024

For a mallet I use an ancient plastic headed hammer.

PEARL DRUMS · Dec 24, 2024

I made the long haul to the only specialty wood shop around me. Bought two each small chisels and gouges. Two Cherries brand. They had a perfectly clean, flat sawn hard maple plank in the rack. So I bought that as well. 2x9x64, I should be able to get (ruin) two stocks from it

. The pic is my first attempt inletting. It’s hickory and a boning knife. Two pith tear outs and two my fault tear outs. I’ll get it eventually.

CuNosecap · Dec 24, 2024

Good start and TwoCherries is a good choice. Best wishes.
I trust you have also invested in a couple of the necessary books for when you need direction?

deerstalkert · Dec 24, 2024

you have all the chisel info needed. the other tool no one has mentioned is a scraper. can be made or purchased.
I get mine from "gasp" harbor freight. i bought a half dozen because they are cheap and you never know if HF will have them next time you are there.

PEARL DRUMS · Dec 24, 2024

I don’t have any books. Yet. I’m slowly getting everything around. I have all kinds of scrapers. But, nothing like that style. I’ll get one ordered.

CuNosecap · Dec 24, 2024

Two best starter books (IMO): The Gunsmith of Greenville County, and Recreating the American Longrifle.

Mike in FL · Dec 25, 2024

You guys amaze me with your skill and talent and experience. I'm too old to learn now; wish I had started learning decades ago. My Colonial kit gave me a fit. If not from help here I would never finished it. But I knew that going in, that you would be here when I got stuck. I'm sure our Maker gave us all different inherent abilities, Mine are elsewhere but I've put them to good use. What a shame to not use your gift or to not help others in their learning journey. Today is Christmas. Let's be mindful of our blessings and how we got them.

Eric Krewson · Dec 25, 2024

I have found that books only give you an idea of what to do but fall short on exactly what to do. I got more out of watching involved build videos on YouTube and just plain doing it and learning from my mistakes, I sold all of my books.

Like bow building, lots of books and videos out there but not one of them that a beginner can follow and actually make a bow, they leave too much stuff out, especially what to do if things go wrong, and they will.

LME · Dec 25, 2024

PEARL DRUMS said:
Single malt whiskey. I like where you're going. I'm a bourbon guy myself. But, wont turn down a few fingers of proper whiskey if offered.

Thanks for the sharpening tips.

You wouldn't by chance have a little Canadian Blend would you? LOL!
One indispensible tool in my shop is a Fariors Rasp. In my work it beats a wood rasp! Round rods of different sizes for sanding and a piece of wood shaped like the barrel could help as well? My drill press with a bit shaped like your barrel channel. You can make the bit if you have a few machines shop tools?

rp77469 · Dec 25, 2024

waksupi said:
Most anything will work for a mallet. Mine is more square, with rounded edges. These are all of the chisels and turn screws I use when building guns. If I need something different, I make it.

Hex or octagon handles really cut down on tools that roll off the bench and hit the concrete floor point first!

rp77469 · Dec 25, 2024

longcruise said:
Bought two of these chisels. You supply or make your own handles. So.far their only limitation is my poor sharpening skills.

https://www.muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com/mbs3cart/agora.cgi?cart_id=7010909.12008&product=Tools

We have a 20 year old Hand Tool subgroup in our local woodworking club. The most popular by far sharpening jig is this one from Lee Valley. I do not own one as I am stubborn and do most of my sharpening by hand and eye like our forefathers. Others say I am too cheap to pry open my wallet. I MAY break down and buy one someday as I resharpen too often. The folks who own this jig think it's the bees knees. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/sho...itas-mk-ii-standard-honing-guide?item=05M0901

mikesto44 · Dec 25, 2024

I agree with Erick , books are great but any hands on is the best. If you can attend as many Longrifle shows as possible.
Also watch as many U tube videos. But above all have patience when your working on your gun.

Clark Badgett · Dec 25, 2024

rp77469 said:
We have a 20 year old Hand Tool subgroup in our local woodworking club. The most popular by far sharpening jig is this one from Lee Valley. I do not own one as I am stubborn and do most of my sharpening by hand and eye like our forefathers. Others say I am too cheap to pry open my wallet. I MAY break down and buy one someday as I resharpen too often. The folks who own this jig think it's the bees knees. https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/sho...itas-mk-ii-standard-honing-guide?item=05M0901

I have one of the earlier versions of that tool. It works, but I rarely use it. It’s best use I have found is getting old jagged plane blades back to square.

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