Building Matchlock smoothbore

[Leonredbeard]

We have some nice grain going here. I did a little more smoothing today. I am almost ready for the scrapers I ordered, hope they get here soon.

volatpluvia

 

[PitchyPine]

That grain should really look good. :thumbsup:

 

[Leonredbeard]

Thanks Pitchy,
I like it. My scrapers arrived!
Here's a pic.

So, off to work!
volatpluvia

 

[PitchyPine]

Those are cool, bet one could make those from saw blade using plasma cutter :hmm:
Also if ya can finda old Stanley scraper they work good, here`s a pic of mine.

 

[bioprof]

Volatpluvia,

I think those have to be sharpened before you can use them. If you google using the keywords: you should find a set of instructions.

I have been meaning to buy a set of those. I was all ready to buy one two years ago when I visited a Woodcraft store, but I let the salesman talk me out of it. He said they were really difficult to sharpen. I wished I had gone ahead and bought a set though.

 

[Leonredbeard]

Pitchy,
Where I grew up that is a spoke shave. I have on although the base is not as long. And I used it extensively in shaping this gonne.
volatpluvia

 

[Leonredbeard]

Bioprof,
Sometimes ignorance is bliss. I set right to work last night and again this morning. They worked fine. I think they will need some sharpening for another stock.
Here is the results.

volatpluvia

 

[Musketeer]

It reminds me now of either the fins on a Buck Rogers space ship or the fins on a '58 plymouth, Har, Har!

That stock is looking good. All you need now is a tail light. :haha: :thumbsup:

 

[Leonredbeard]

Musketeer,
Would a nice brass buttplate siffice. Hee Hee! I am going away for the weekend and must wait til I get back to put first coat of Chamber's 18th century varnish on it. That should make it look even better.
volatpluvia

 

[PitchyPine]

Pitchy,
Where I grew up that is a spoke shave. I have on although the base is not as long. And I used it extensively in shaping this gonne.
volatpluvia

Nope that is a scraper, ya burnish the blade and draw it backwards just like you use those scrapers you posted.
Very cool looking stock.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

That's one of those tools that looks like a spokeshave only the blade is mounted almost vertically--right?

 

[PitchyPine]

That's one of those tools that looks like a spokeshave only the blade is mounted almost vertically--right?

No the blade is at a angle the sharp end faces away from you and you draw it toward you. That`s the reason for burnishing the edge which puts a hook in it thus makes it possible to shave off thin smooth curls of wood.
New to me too but after ya figure out how to sharpen and burnish it it works real well, the edge is ground at a 45 degree angle. The one in the picture is a Stanley number 80.

 

[Leonredbeard]

Okay, Pitchy,
I can see that if you do that you would get a smooth surface while going over curly grain, unlike the ripple effect I got.
volatpluvia

 

[PitchyPine]

Didn`t mean to change the topic but want to explain how that scraper works, i was amazed how well it worked. Saved a lot of sanding. :thumbsup:

 

[jeepwj992002]

Volatpluvia, your project is moving right along. The stock is looking great! I love how the figure in the wood just pops out at you! I can't wait to see this puppy when it is finished! :thumbsup:

 

[Musketeer]

Musketeer,
Would a nice brass buttplate siffice. Hee Hee!
volatpluvia

Well, I guess. If that's all ya got, but I was hoping for some kind of flashing red LED array... :haha:

Stryker is right. That curl really jumps out. Looking good. :thumbsup:

 

As always, a wonderful piece, job well done, sir!

CP

 

[Leonredbeard]

Thanks, gents,
I put the second coat of Chamber's 18th century varnish on the stock today. That has introduced some brown to the color which is pleasing. Believe it or not, the grain is even more visible with some finish on.
I keep learning. I always wanted to try scraping instead of sanding. I heard that scraping leaves the grain open to stain and finish. Well it is true. I have never seen hard maple suck up finish like this. The second coat still does not present a complete covering. As it started to dry dull spots showed up, meaning it pretty well sank into the wood. I am pleased because it will have a deep finish and be well protected.
volatpluvia

 

[Leonredbeard]

I have the wood finished. You can see the change in color.

The only thing neeing to be done now is to make a trigger guard and a return spring for the dog. It may be a while till I get these done so this is the practical end to the thread.
volatpluvia

 

[PitchyPine]

Looks great, looking forward to the day your taking the first shot. :thumbsup: