Clay Smith Trade Gun Build

[TDM]

I forgot to add that I weighed it when it was all together and it was 6 lbs 1 oz. Was pleased with that.

 

[TDM]

Well, I called myself paying attention to @Rob M. ’s work and advice, plus studying my trade gun books, but I screwed up the mortises anyway! So I’ve been trying to undo what I did and get something that resembles a trade gun mortise. Still uncertain of the final outcome.
I think I may make up a story that this is a copy of a very rare gun that was made in limited quantities for a secret British expedition into Mississippi & Louisiana around 1745 that had different mortises than other Trade Guns.

 

[Rob M.]

Well, I called myself paying attention to @Rob M. ’s work and advice, plus studying my trade gun books, but I screwed up the mortises anyway! So I’ve been trying to undo what I did and get something that resembles a trade gun mortise. Still uncertain of the final outcome.
I think I may make up a story that this is a copy of a very rare gun that was made in limited quantities for a secret British expedition into Mississippi & Louisiana around 1745 that had different mortises than other Trade Guns.

What ?! Looks good ! I was wondering how it would do ...looks great bud ! Good job !

 

[TDM]

What ?! Looks good ! I was wondering how it would do ...looks great bud ! Good job !

Thanks Rob, just finished roughing out the lock mortise to a more correct shape, I hope. I haven’t had to concentrate so hard in a long time!

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Looking much better

 

[PathfinderNC]

Why do you say you screwed up the lock mortises? They look pretty nice!

 

[TDM]

Why do you say you screwed up the lock mortises? They look pretty nice!

Thanks, but it’s what I did initially, a day or so ago. I cut a relief around the entire mortise instead of the blended bottom and rear. Just made more work for myself but a good learning experience.

 

[dneprdude]

Nice job!!!

 

[Rob M.]

Thanks Rob, just finished roughing out the lock mortise to a more correct shape, I hope. I haven’t had to concentrate so hard in a long time!

DUDE !!! Those pics are f$#@&% awesome !!! Great job !! :O

 

[TDM]

DUDE !!! Those pics are f$#@&% awesome !!! Great job !! :O

Rob, that is a relief to hear! I know I’ve still got a ways to go with it, but at least in fixing my mistake I was able to get a lot of slimming done to the wrist.

 

[Rob M.]

Rob, that is a relief to hear! I know I’ve still got a ways to go with it, but at least in fixing my mistake I was able to get a lot of slimming done to the wrist.

Looks gorgeous !

 

[dneprdude]

I'm watching. One day I'm going to attempt it. Hopefully soon

 

[TDM]

I'm watching. One day I'm going to attempt it. Hopefully soon

I hope you do, it’s been rewarding and just a bit frustrating now and again. Definitely the most involved build I’ve ever done. But with Rob Millers generous help and the build threads it gives you a pretty good template. Patience is the key.

 

[Ballshooter]

I hope you do, it’s been rewarding and just a bit frustrating now and again. Definitely the most involved build I’ve ever done. But with Rob Millers generous help and the build threads it gives you a pretty good template. Patience is the key.

I admire your work.. I don't have the patience to attempt more that a Kibler build. Wish I could do something like this but it would probably end up in the fire pit lol. Excellent work! Can't wait to see it finished and hear how well it shoots!

 

[TDM]

I admire your work.. I don't have the patience to attempt more that a Kibler build. Wish I could do something like this but it would probably end up in the fire pit lol. Excellent work! Can't wait to see it finished and hear how well it shoots!

Thank you, but there is a good bit of challenge in a Kibler build. As you know it’s how you finish them that sets them apart. But with that being said, when my Woodsrunner arrives in another month or so I’ll be a little bit more relaxed!

 

[mikesto44]

TDM you are doing a knock out job on your trade gun....

 

[TDM]

TDM you are doing a knock out job on your trade gun....

Thank you!

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

It’s amazing what you see after walking away from a project for the day, then coming back to it the next morning. As soon as I stood in front of the still assembled gun the front pipe and ram rod were as close to the 50% mark as I could hope to do. It was the 2nd and 3rd pipes that were still too deep. Evidently, though not intentional, I’d been working at an angle. Took a straight edge and marked along the rod channel to meet the front pipe. Disassembled and started with a fine rasp and sanding block, finally got all the pipes at 50%. Kept thinking the fore stock had a slight bulge, put the straight edge on it and it did. Got that fixed. Then I started on the lock mortise. As @Rob M. said, the trade guns had a very thin mortise, so I traced the lock outline as close as I dared and started removing the wood, mostly using my small rasp. Hopefully Rob can tell me if I need more depth on the mortise. I’ll work on the side plate mortise tomorrow.

It's looking good! Your doing a great job, little things happen.....and then go away!

 

[TDM]

It's looking good! Your doing a great job, little things happen.....and then go away!

Thanks Rich!

 

[Jim K]

I’m enjoying watching your progress. You’re doing a great job!