Clay Smith Trade Gun Build

[Rob M.]

After I get my pipes in ....its close to roughing in the shape !! Is that the case here ?!. Im Gettin gitty !!

 

[TDM]

After I get my pipes in ....its close to roughing in the shape !! Is that the case here ?!. Im Gettin gitty !!

Yes, I got the 2nd pipe in later this afternoon. I’ll do the last in the morning and get them all pinned. Then fit and nail the butt plate. But I could start shaping wood tomorrow. Hard to believe. Seems like that day would never come!

 

[Rob M.]

....

 

[Rob M.]

Naw , get those things done then start taking her down to final. Lookin great ,!!

 

[TDM]

....

I’ll try my best, but no promises!

 

[TDM]

Got the last ram rod pipe inletted and got them all pinned. I used my little homemade pin hole marker and it made quick work of it. Then I chucked the ram rod in my hand drill and started sanding, trying to leave the tip as thick as possible. Took a while, but now it has a decent taper and fits snug but not tight. Next is fitting the butt plate.

 

[TDM]

Started on fitting the butt plate. I meant to take a photo of the stock before I started removing wood but forgot. First photo is after rasping off some wood. And I wanted to show what the pre inletting looked like before I started fitting. Still have a ways to go, but I should have it on by tomorrow afternoon. Then start shaping the stock, I’m looking forward to that as it’s enjoyable.

 

[TDM]

@PathfinderNC i was using the smaller of that 4 rasp set to rough this in. They’re very handy.

 

[PathfinderNC]

@PathfinderNC i was using the smaller of that 4 rasp set to rough this in. They’re very handy.

Great- I really like those rasps, a lot. And good inletting on your butt plate. Looking fine!

 

[Rob M.]

Looks great bud ! You got this $#it down !

 

[TDM]

Thanks @Rob M. !

 

[TDM]

Today I was able to get the butt plate fitted and nailed on. The kit came with unfinished square cut nails. The tabs on top have to be peened flat for use. A little time consuming, but got it done. After nailing in the top strap I use a rubber mallet to finish shaping the butt plate, I had already measured and drilled a 1/16” hole for each nail. Started at the top and worked down after drilling a short pilot hole with the 1/16” bit. Then started removing brass, and there was a lot to remove! I tried to copy @Rob M. ’s nail spacing. Overall, I’m pleased with the fit. Still have to inlet the wrist plate, but after that it’s all wood removal and finishing. And drilling & tapping the touch hole.

Also, from what Clay told me and what I’ve read, these early guns had a rounded top on the butt plate. If that’s not correct it’s too late now!

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Today I was able to get the butt plate fitted and nailed on. The kit came with unfinished square cut nails. The tabs on top have to be peened flat for use. A little time consuming, but got it done. After nailing in the top strap I use a rubber mallet to finish shaping the butt plate, I had already measured and drilled a 1/16” hole for each nail. Started at the top and worked down after drilling a short pilot hole with the 1/16” bit. Then started removing brass, and there was a lot to remove! I tried to copy @Rob M. ’s nail spacing. Overall, I’m pleased with the fit. Still have to inlet the wrist plate, but after that it’s all wood removal and finishing. And drilling & tapping the touch hole.

Also, from what Clay told me and what I’ve read, these early guns had a rounded top on the butt plate. If that’s not correct it’s too late now!

Round enough!

 

[TDM]

Back to work on the build today. First I took a punch and peened down the edges of all the butt cap nails until they were smooth to the touch with no grabs. Polished the cap some but that’s not the final finish. Then started making saw dust with the rasp. Got the big hunk removed. This will take 2-3 days, no rushing.

 

[TDM]

Actually got more accomplished today than I expected. My arm got a good workout with the rasp. The initial shaping is done. I block sanded with 100 grit to get rid of the rasp cuts. Tomorrow I’ll continue block sanding and fine rasp work to trim everything down. Still a fair amount of wood to remove and I have to trim a little off the muzzle end and cut my ram rod relief.

 

[TDM]

@Rob M. what do you think? Slimmer for sure I’m thinking.

 

[Rob M.]

It'll take a bit for pics to download ....livin. In the sticks ! LOL ...I'm surprised 100 grit did anything for you glad it did though . after rasp.I go , 50 grit , 80/, 100

 

[Rob M.]

Lookin good . I can't tell for sure but looks like you still have more to take off . Leave the flat space on barrel side and ramrod groove side , about an 1/8 inch thick or bit less , until you have call thickness in stock gone with rasp .. Then when its all down CLOSE to what you wantbyou have to take that thickness you left top and bottom away so there is no more " flat " left . Course wood file to do this ...after course wood file , then sand paper time .... Clean it all up . Looking great !!

 

[TDM]

It'll take a bit for pics to download ....livin. In the sticks ! LOL ...I'm surprised 100 grit did anything for you glad it did though . after rasp.I go , 50 grit , 80/, 100

Wish I’d had some 80, but was out. I had to go over it with a fine metal rasp, that was the only way to get it smooth with the 100.

 

[TDM]

Lookin good . I can't tell for sure but looks like you still have more to take off . Leave the flat space on barrel side and ramrod groove side , about an 1/8 inch thick or bit less , until you have call thickness in stock gone with rasp .. Then when its all down CLOSE to what you wantbyou have to take that thickness you left top and bottom away so there is no more " flat " left . Course wood file to do this ...after course wood file , then sand paper time .... Clean it all up . Looking great !!

Thanks, will be working on that tomorrow.