bending a percussion hammer

[crockett]

I am building a Deer Creek, northwest rifle. The hammer needs to be bent inward, toward the bore, about 1/16". I am afraid to try cold bending because it may snap the metal. Should I heat the metal? How hot? Does anyone have any tips on measuring how far the twist is made. Right now I am figuring I will have to bend a bit and test the fit. That's a lot of back and forth if there is a short cut. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[albert]

Hey Crockett,it would be the best if you would heat it in the neck area to a dull red color to bend it.Some hammers have hard spots in them after they are cast,and if you would have one of them,it is possible that it could fracture. Before you do any bending take a reference measurement from the side of the hammer,you can do this by laying a straight edge on the side and measure to the center of the hammer face,then you will know when you get the movement you want. Hope this helps a little