Kibler progress....

[labrat]

Still chugging away at it. I inlayed a brass band at the muzzle tip, finished the brass & steel engraving, french grayed the barrel and trying to finish the woodwork. Saved the hard part for last, Ha. If I can get thru the finishing steps on woodworking, scrapping, sanding and staining without any mistakes I'll be a happy camper. Here are some pictures, the barrel is covered with oil and there's alot of lint from the hand towels.......

 

[Ricochet]

Outstanding!! You have quite the talent!!

 

[Winchester97]

Wow, makes mine I did look like a loaf of stale wonder bread.

 

[zerosprk]

I'd say you have skill and patience that is super-sized. Very nice indeed!

 

[muzzlediscipline]

Any chance you take on commissions for engraving? You do great work.

 

[Brokennock]

Very nice. I like your later Lehigh style inlay of a person, it came out very well.
And the tiny spiderweb on the side plate is an interesting tidbit. Have you seen one mixed into longrifle engraving before? Regardless, it looks good there.

 

[Norman Brooks]

Absolutely fantastic work!!!

 

[PathfinderNC]

I wonder which museum this rifle will eventually being showcased in?

 

[JohnL]

That is beautiful!

 

[Mule333]

Wow, that’s gorgeous! Is this your first build?

 

[labrat]

Yes this is my first kit build and introduction to muzzle loaders. I love firearms and target shooting but never thought about having a flintlock let alone build one. I just jumped in and prayed for a good outcome. No woodwork experience and is my biggest challenge. Engraving I have done for years as a hobby. Looking at pictures I haven't seen the spider web on flintlocks. My engraving is not period correct and my style is American scrolls of L.D. Nimschke & Gustave . I have never done commission work or signed my work other than father or grandpa. I will think about it if the work is kept small and no hard labor is involved. I see that there is a need for it... Thank You all for your kind words and is most appreciated..........Labrat

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Yes this is my first kit build and introduction to muzzle loaders. I love firearms and target shooting but never thought about having a flintlock let alone build one. I just jumped in and prayed for a good outcome. No woodwork experience and is my biggest challenge. Engraving I have done for years as a hobby. Looking at pictures I haven't seen the spider web on flintlocks. My engraving is not period correct and my style is American scrolls of L.D. Nimschke & Gustave . I have never done commission work or signed my work other than father or grandpa. I will think about it if the work is kept small and no hard labor is involved. I see that there is a need for it... Thank You all for your kind words and is most appreciated..........Labrat

After looking at your work I think there is definitely a niche for you to take on work! Beautiful!

 

[45man]

With all my years of experience, you are a master---fantastic!

 

[flashpoint]

Wow! You are a master craftsman. If I can ask, is all your woodwork done with wood carving chisels or do you use other tools? I was thinking I might inlay maybe a 1/2" wide a silver band on my hawk but not sure what tool I would use to do that? Any suggestions would be appreciated. FP

 

[labrat]

Hi FP, I really have no experience in woodworking. I learned by watching UTube and following woodworkers like on this website. I'm embarrassed to say I couldn't afford good tools so I use a cheap set of gouges from China. I just have to keep them sharp and alot of stropping. I have more time than money, Ha. Now if you are talking about inlaying a silver band into steel, yes there is some very special tools needed to complete that task along with alot of practice. Utube has a few videos on that......Thanks for your kind words...........Labrat

 

[Ferret Master]

Fine workmanship my friend!

 

[Steve Martin]

Absolutely beautiful! Man, I wish I could do work like that!

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Green ! Just green with envy!!

 

[Miles42]

so well done