Newbie questions

[Burner]

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with kits from Jedediah-Starr. I know the disclaimer on the web site is a bit concerning about warranties, but the price seems right. I saw some body mention they didn't have much of a track record on this site, but didn't say whether what record there was is good or bad. The early Lancaster kit with a straight barrel has caught my eye. I really want to go with a pre-carved stock and straight barrel for my first build, as my inletting skills haven't been tested yet (I did carve a bowl in high school woodshop once ). Also, I was looking at carving tools and it looks like Pfeil or Arrow brand are some of the best. Is it worth the extra money to purchase this brand or is there a lower priced but similar quality name available? I already bought the Art of Building the Pennsylvania Longrifle as a reference and have The Gunsmith of Grenville County on the way.

Thanks,
James

 

[gordy]

Welcome to the Forum! Don't know anything about the J.Starr guns,but do buy the best quality tools You can afford.There are several folks that build custom guns here,and I think They will agree.Take Your time building the project and it will turn out well. :thumbsup:

 

Welcome, I posted about track record. It's just that, it seems no one on the site has bought from them yet, so we don't know what their service is like. People have only seen their warning/warrenty, and haven't bought yet. He might or might not be a good deal. His website has been upgraded. If you buy from him let us know how it plays out. Bill

 

[Birddog6]

Just keep in mind as with anything else, you get what you pay for. If their kit is considerably less than anyone elses, there IS a good reason for it & it is not because they like you.......... The only way to really cut prices is cut the quality of the parts.

I would contact TVM about some kits they had advertised at low prices (I hear they have a special going on) & also call Tip Curtis Frontier Shop about a low priced plain rifle kit. (615)654-4445. Tip has a multitude of parts sets available & can guide you along with what you need for your first build & he has the best all around inventory of any ML shop I know.

As for tools you will need general woodworking hand tools, an exacto knife, some files & rasps & drill bits, drill bit is handy. Call MSM & order their Drill Point Jig & save you the error or screwing that up, and about 5 Flexcut carving tools. I seldom use a chisel on any rifle & I do mean seldom, I use carving tools to do almost all of my inletting & barrel channel work & etc. And Harbor Freight had a set of heavy shanked carving tools for about $8. They are great to heat & bend & make very good scrapers with good handles. Either book you speak of are more than adequate, however I prefer The Gunsmiths of Grenville County.

:winking:

 

[aragorn]

My first ever build, beginning about six months ago, is a Jim Chambers York. I'd never inlet before (or tapped, put in a rivet, worked and polished small metal parts etc etc), so it has all been a learning curve. Personally I wouldn't worry about straight vs swamped in terms of skill level - the main challenge is patience and time! There's likely to be a lot of careful inletting involved in either case, and swamped might give you a better shooting rifle.

If I hadn't bought Chambers, I would have bought TOTW. I spent hours on both websites before choosing. As it is, I can thoroughly recommend Chambers and had excellent service from them, and will probably buy another from them for my next build.

My carving tools are all from Lee Valley, but I've also bought taps, screwdrivers etc from TOTW, who also do some very nice looking carving tools. Personally I'd invest in some really good quality carving tools, though expense doesn't necessarily mean best (the shape of the handles that suit you is important - I prefer the longer handled rather than bulbous handled chisels).

 

[CrackStock]

I see that you like Chambers and I can't argue with success, but I tend to go to new people each time as I like to have experience and a relationship with as many suppliers as I can.

Just another way of looking at it.

CS

 

[oldarmy]

TOTW is a good place to start. They offer gunsmithing servies at a small charge..
This will help you on your first build.. have them cut the dovetails and install the breech plug.. I understand Chambers kits are wonderfull and have lots of that work already done for you.
Jack's tennessee vally manufactoring can sell you a nice kit and do some of the gunsmithing for you. He deosn't put a dissclaimer on his kits
I personly like Dixion's book the best.
Last find a builder in your area.. There is nothing like actualy seeing one being build and talking to a real person to help you out when you are wondering what to do next..Or how to fix an error..

 

[Burner]

Thanks for all of the replies , it really makes me feel welcome.

 

[Trot]

Remember, the kit prices listed at Jedediah Starr do not include the price of the stock.