Going to take the plunge

[RDavidP]

I have already built a Lyman's Plains pistol, and I am now itching to build another gun. I have a DVD called "Building Flintlock Rifles" and have Chuck Dixon's book, along with "Building American Longrifles", and "Modern Kentucky Rifle". I have zero experience in woodworking and metal work, but I want to do something more than just sand and paint. I have been thinking about a TOW lefthand NorthWest Trade Gun. Should I have them install the breechplug and solder the sight and underlugs? I have never done any soldering before. As for the breechplug, the DVD shows the guy installing one. It doesn't "look" too hard. Can a newbie easily do it? Also, I don't have room for a drill press, nor have a place to store the Craftsman table top model. Can I still be able to drill the flash hole, pin holes, and such with my hand held electric drill? When I order the kit, I am also going to order the bits and taps that TOW lists with the kit.

 

[ehoff]

You've made a good start in getting and reading some books, and by completeing your first project

I'll start with you question on the breech plug, Yes, a newbie can breech a barrel. If you choose to do it, go slow, metal is easy to take off, hard to put back on. I breech my first barrel, took me about 16 hours, but the fit is tight to the bore and the back of the barrel.

Soldering isn't to hard, a bigger problem is keeping what you are soldering straight. The lug and front site have to be installed on the center line of the barrel. You'll also need a torch to solder with.

No, you don't need a drill press but it makes life easier. I built my first rifle using a hand cranked egg beater drill. Chuck Dixion suggests this in his book too. They cut slow, but there is less chance of something grabbing or raming a fast spinging chuck into the side of the stock. I bought mine at a yard sale for the huge price of fifty cents. If you feel safe using an electric drill, go a head, just go slow, don't use too much pressure when drilling.

Other things you'll want to get is some inletting black or gold (gold for walnut stocks) and some tapping fluid.

The whole key to building is go slow and if your not sure ask.

 

[44-henry]

You can get some jigs that will help when drilling holes with an electric hand drill. Are you sure you don't have someplace that you can store a small benchtop drill press though. I've got a couple really small ones that would fit on the kitchen table if my wife would let me put them there. They do make life a whole lot easier. They used to sell some holders for hand held electric drills that turned them into drill presses. You could still find these on Ebay I think.

 

[RDavidP]

It's not so much a place to use the drill press, as in a place to store it when not in use.

 

[J.D.]

I believe that Hershel House uses a handheld electric drill for all of his drilling, and always has. He doesn't use jigs or fixtures either.Just go slow and watch what you are doing.

Just a thought, maybe practice drilling straight holes on a scrap piece of 2X4. Measure and mark a location on either side of the 2X and drill through and try to hit your mark on the opposite side.

 

[mbw907]

I was thinking the same thing. Old Hershel is a hero of mine and he does most of his work "poor boy" style. He even uses a hand drill to turn his pins for various applications. It makes me feel like I run out of excuses as to why I am not doing more projects. You can make things happen with very little if you think them through.

 

[oldarmy]

David,
Can you find a "mentor" somewhere in the Delaware area?
I build my first rifle from a TOTW kit,and had many of the same questions...
There is nothing like having a "go to experianced builder/friend" that can give you real hands on help.
Plus, usually they have, tools and equiptment. :bow:
Every gunbuilder I have ever met is more then willing to share their expertise and time with a new gunbuilder..
The gun builder that I met here on this forum helped me with my first build and second,third,etc..
He has turned into a "great personal" friend..
Good luck with your project.

 

[oldarmy]

I ment DEL/MD area :redface: