Dovetailing a barrel

[Nick D]

Hello,

I mentioned in another thread that I'm planning on building a matchlock, and part of that planning is doing my best to have all the details I can think of covered before I start. I'm pretty much set except for one thing that's been puzzling me for a while, dovetailing the pan. What would be the best way to put the dovetail channel in the barrel? (I'm not worried about the pan itself) I'm mostly looking for low-tech solutions, but any suggestions are welcome. Sometimes high-tech solutions can suggest low-tech ones, or I can get access to the proper tooling.

 

[spitfire]

Here's Colonial Boy's forum post Link-Hand cutting Dovetails :v !

 

[Nick D]

Thanks! Must've missed that in the search :redface:

 

[spitfire]

Your welcome-the method in the article dates several centuries,but is still useable today-KISS-(Keep It Simple & Stupid)is a engineering axiom one must allways keep in mind.Good luck and welcome to the forum :winking: !

 

[bioprof]

I cut my dovetails with a special triangular file that I bought from Brownells. It only has teeth on one side of the file so you only cut the dovetail without going deeper. You can also make your own by grinding off the teeth on two sides of a triangular file. I dreaded that job before I did one, but then realized that it's really a simple job. One word of advice: wear gloves when using the file. The edges are REALLY sharp and will cut your fingers.

 

[spitfire]

Yes,the Brownell's dovetail files are excellent!I have also used the files.The filing takes patience and attention to fit.