Laying out lines on stock for English Lock Project V1.0

[Philip Chua]

Ok - first “from scratch” project. The lines I have laid out - top one is the bottom of the barrel (the deepest ends as it’s swamped). Second is the bottom of the web. The web is 1/4”. Below that is the ramrod channel which is 3/8’s. My first plan is to inlet the barrel into the centerline and try to get the ends to match that top line. There is a lot of extra wood but it’s my first one and I already sorta mis-measured #1 so I’d like some other sets of eyes. You can see the outline of the approximate position of the lock. It’s huge. Anyway, then I’m going to plane the bottom down and then inlet the ramrod channel to the approximate bottom of the web. Ramrod entry is approx 13” from the trigger.

This is all stuff that I’ve sort of coalesced from all the “starter books” but doing it… I feel a little unsure. Anyway, appreciate any pointers.

 

[billraby]

Web is too thick. Go with about 1/16 to 1/8 inch. You can notch the bottom of the barrel to make room for the front lock bolt.

 

[Flintandsteel]

What Bill said!

 

[Philip Chua]

Roger that. 1/8 looks so narrow!! I’ll rescribe it and have a look.

 

[Philip Chua]

Alrighty. I reduced the web to 1/8”. Might require some moving around of the lock but I think there is room. It was suggested that the threads of the modern ML barrel tend to push the flash hole/fence/pan a bit far forward compared to original designs. Not sure I’m up to trimming up the breech plug but I did just get my 1st metal lathe (an adorable 6” craftsman 101) and my FIL taught tool and for making so we can prob do a lot of things now. Anyway, if this looks OK in my free time this week (my 7 days on work) I’m going to work on inletting the barrel and probably removing some of the redundant wood beneath where the ramrod channel will be.