lock timing?

[hawk]

When one says "the lock needs to be timed" what is involved,or what is the procedure or measures taken to do so ?

 

[Flintandsteel]

Hawk,

The only thing I am aware of on a flintlock at any rate, is the timeing of the frizzen flipping open, as the flint scrapes the face.
Good quality american locks are already timed pretty well. Just no reason to mess with them.
Some homemade kits, do require some touch up however.
Adjusting the cam on the tail of the frizzen, bending the cock so the flint strikes higher or lower on the frizzen are the main areas that are involved.
Basically, if you haven't done it before, I'd leave it alone and have a qualified BP smith do it for you. :imo:

 

[CrackStock]

I do not know about the timing, but some info on tuning can be found at:

http://members.aol.com/illinewek/faqs/tuning.htm

CS

 

[Donny]

the easiest thing to do is to look for scrapes on the lockplate where the tumbler, sear or spring rubbed. file the parts so they don't make contact. ::

 

[hawk]

thanks for your replies fellas. the reason for askin' is Loyalist has some 1740-50's british carbine kits that need some inlet fitting and lock timing . $400 u.s I'm thinkin'
may be worth a look. :thumbsup:

 

[SAJones]

Also part of the timing is the angle the flint hits the frizzen. Needs to be angled just right to scrape the frizzen as described above. Have a 1777 Chrleville that didn't spark right, so TOTW recommended cutting the forward part of the double cock & rewelding (more downward angle) or replacing the cock w/ an 1816 cock. Since I'm not a welder, I replaced the cock & now it sparks well.