Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
Made some progress on the Fowler. The butt plate screws are looking pretty good. Started to get the trigger guard ready to inlet.
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My next build Jim Chambers PA Fowler
- Thread starter Hatchet-Jack
- Start date
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Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
BJHabermehl
40 Cal
I probably would have spent a lot less time pre polishing the grip rail on your guard. I generally inlet it first, then pin, and then file and pre finish sand the guard and the grip rail area in the stock together. This makes for a neater job. And is a bit easier, In my opinion.
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
To each his own but I'm completely happy with my results and so was my teacher when I brought it to his shop today so we could work on inletting it.
BJHabermehl
40 Cal
Jim Chambers lost wax castings are really nice to work with. I’ve often used much rougher sand castings. I usually just clean up the bottom and sides for inletting draft, then inlet and pin. The stock then becomes my holding fixture for the long grip extension. The guard also supports the edges of the inlets. I’ll shape the stock as well as the guard as needed at the same time. Just a different technique born of different circumstances. Like you said to each his own. No fuss no bother. Just a different approach. BJH
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
I like your approach. If my teacher hadn't of lent me this nice clamp that holds the TG I probably would have gone that route. I agree Jim's brass is very nice to work with and it's soft so it makes quick work for filing and sanding.
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
Inletting the trigger guard.
Norman Brooks
45 Cal.
Nice looking gun. That is a nifty trigger guard holder. Could you post pictures of it.
Thanks,
Norm
Thanks,
Norm
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
You bet I'll take some pics and post them.
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
I got a few hours in today working on inletting the trigger guard. The acorn finial is a bit tricky but it's getting there. It won't be perfect but I'm learning a lot.
I've been researching this Fowler trying to decide what kind of carving I want to do. Chambers calls it a PA Fowler. I found several original guns that have the same hardware in the excellent book "Flintlock Fowlers the first guns made in America" by Tom Grinslade. These were what he calls "British Style Fowlers" made in the Colonies. The early Acorn Finial on the trigger Guard, the round faces British Lock, the Butt Plate style etc. match the Chambers hardware. These were made in New York and Grinslade has 3 that were made in Pennsylvania. They typically had a shell pattern carving around the barrel tang, rear ramrod pipe or trigger guard. I also see examples with a thumb piece. Also some simple engraving on the brass and the lock
I've been researching this Fowler trying to decide what kind of carving I want to do. Chambers calls it a PA Fowler. I found several original guns that have the same hardware in the excellent book "Flintlock Fowlers the first guns made in America" by Tom Grinslade. These were what he calls "British Style Fowlers" made in the Colonies. The early Acorn Finial on the trigger Guard, the round faces British Lock, the Butt Plate style etc. match the Chambers hardware. These were made in New York and Grinslade has 3 that were made in Pennsylvania. They typically had a shell pattern carving around the barrel tang, rear ramrod pipe or trigger guard. I also see examples with a thumb piece. Also some simple engraving on the brass and the lock
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
The back of the trigger guard inletting is done. Now to pin it and start on the ramrod thimbles.
Buckskinn
45 Cal.
Looking good, gonna be a fine Fowler! I've been enjoying following along. I was hoping to start on my Chambers English Folwer but I've been battling this China virus and it has my brain on the funk and no energy. I tried to start but just couldn't. Hopefully this thing turns soon.
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
Thanks Buckskin. Hang in there and get well soon.
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Great and instructive build, my workshop looks like yours 
.
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Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
Thanks CB! I feel fortunate to have my little workshop.Great and instructive build, my workshop looks like yours
MAC1967
40 Cal
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As you know from my previous posts I built this same rifle but in left hand. I chose screws for the trigger guard long tail as I was afraid of drilling on the rounded wrist. . . also you may find it of interest that the left hand PA Fowler has a straight trigger plate rather than the ornate one.
You are doing GREAT !!! BTW.
You are doing GREAT !!! BTW.
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Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
Thanks MAC1967! I do remember your fowler. Interesting about the trigger guard.
My next step will be to Drill and Pin mine. It should be fun!
Buckskinn
45 Cal.
Glad you're pinning the guard!
Almost to the fun part! You've probably already seen them but just in case, make sure you look over Dave Person's tutorials on fowlers before shaping.
Almost to the fun part! You've probably already seen them but just in case, make sure you look over Dave Person's tutorials on fowlers before shaping.
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
Yes I have, good information! I am also getting help/education from a local master builder. I go to his shop when I get stuck or want to learn new techniques. He's going to teach me how to shape the stock, do some carving and he's offered to do some engraving on the brass.
Hatchet-Jack
54 Cal.
The trigger guard is pinned. I plan to start on the ramrod thimbles tomorrow.
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