fowler barrel

[flaming canvas]

Finally getting to build a smoothie.

My question is, do you draw file the octagon part of the barrel to remove the milling marks?
Seems like you should, but just wondering what other guys have done. I would leave the three bottom flats alone since they won't be seen.

Also, would the round part be polished?

This barrel will be browned with Laurel Mountain reagent.

 

[Swampman]

It will brown better if it isn't polished. Are you building an 18th c. or 19th c. gun? 18th c. guns were not normally browned. I would remove any tool marks.

 

[Stophel]

barrel draw filing should be part of everyone's exercise program. It's definitely a good workout.

Flats filed, yes. Round filed, yes. bottom, no reason to unless you are just a masochist. :winking:

 

[flaming canvas]

I'm using a Queen Anne lock and iron furniture. This should be a 1760 plus or minus 20 fowler.


totw shows theirs with a browned barrel and the lock left plain. I may do some aging on the lock for mine, but I like the browned barrel. I will probably make a batch of aqua fortis stain for the maple stock.

 

[Swampman]

If authenticity isn't an issue, then by all means brown it. I'd either cold blue it or leave it in the white and let it rust naturally.

 

[Stophel]

I leave everything white. They "age" quite quickly all on their own. :winking: