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A caution using vinegar. I have been restoring antique woodworking tools for almost 20 years, off and on. I used vinegar a few times to remove rust from modern tools, But fairly early on I ruined a lovely ancient draw knife by leaving it in a vinegar solution too long. My mistake, a lapse of...

Pure bear grease or bear oil. Depends on the bear being rendered and the ambient temperature.

Forstner bits are a rather modern invention, but I'd use that or a spoon bit yo avoid tear out. Good article on the basics of braces and bits: https://www.popularwoodworking.com/tools/arts-mysteries-boring-in-the-18th-century/

If you are really break one a month, you either don't know how to select the rod blank or are using it improperly. Last one I broke was a few decades back because I got lazy removing the rod and bent it the last couple inches exiting the barrel. This eventually caused a failure at the brass...

I have been a Muzzleloader subscriber since around 1980, with a lapse for a few years the early part of this century. The only other choice is Muzzle Blasts, but I think Muzzleloader Magazine is far superior for my interests. I keep every issue.

Been following this as I have a NIB Crockett staring at me much like my dog does when he wants us to go on a walk in the woods. I had issues with stuck patches in larger calibers (.40 and up) until I switched from button jags to extension loading jags. The relief behind the jag head makes a...

Dixie used to match springs if you sent them the broken one. Worth a call.

If the problem is flattening, you can revive with a fine file to make the cap fit again.

Always preferred the Frogwhompers version of that song.

Makes me wish I still lived Way Down in Athens County!!

From what I have read, most of Santa Anna's troops at the Alamo were using old Brown Besses bought from various parts of the Empire as surplus. 60-80 years old at the time?

Buddy of mine made a pull-on wool shirt.

____________________________________________________ Great point. Do not underestimate the importance of sharpening. The cheaper the tool, the more often you must sharpen. It is impossible to get a tool too sharp. Heck, I sharpen Xacto blades! Make sure you flatten the back and then polish...

When I lived in Ohio, the hummers built a nest on the same limb of a poplar tree about 40 feet from the porch for 5-6 years in a row. I can't say it was the same pair every year, but like like to think so. Or maybe their young'uns. Lots of trips from the porch feeders back and forth to the nest.

True, but in my case anyway, I've found that power tools let me make mistakes a lot faster.

We need a Groan button, complete with eye-roll.

Welcome back from a denizen of the Republic! Have fun!!

Thanks. Been lucky over the last 20 years. The number 2 Stanley at the near end of the table saw was in a set of three in an antique store. The #4 was priced at $45, next size down, a #3 was $30. That tiny (and scarce) #2 was also priced by size....$15. I grabbed it so fast and hard I...

I am more of a woodworker and tool restorer due to age. The local woodworking club has had a Hand Tool SIG for the last 20 years. I am one of the few left from that first meeting. The new location prevents attending any more. I have a thing about socket chisels. Love them because even the...

Glad the OP is unhurt. I guess we all have a massive brain fart once in a while, but hopefully not one so potentially lethal. I have three .45 rifles. The CVA MR groups best with 60g 3f Goex. The custom Douglas barrelled halfstock only groups at 60g. And the Colerain barreled flintlock...