Patchbox gap

[WAN87]

Hello. First post (maybe second, tried on another thread but can’t find it?)

Anyway. Recently built my first flintlock, a Kibler woodsrunner and everything went fairly well for me being my first time. I do think I got a little over zealous trying to fit the wooden patch box annd over sanded as there is a little gap on top. Not very noticeable but I’m afraid rain may get in as I do plan to hunt with it. Any suggestions for a fix? I’ll include pics, one with a piece of paper in the gap as again it is hard to see unless you are at a specific angle.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Still a good fit.

 

[Johnny Too-Tall]

A heck its ok to me.

 

[2 shots]

you do not want it too tight, its wood it will swell under certain conditions [ as in the rain you mention] , then it will not open. bees wax comes to mind.

 

[stubshaft]

Looks fine to me too. If you are concerned with it than as stated before beeswax would seal it. You do NOT want it too tight as if it swells you will NEVER get it open.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I have used a steam iron and a damp washcloth a bunch of times to close of a loose inlet, when you use a chisel on anything the wood is compressed a little and will swell back out and stay that way some with moisture and heat. Because your parts are CNC, I don't know if a little steam and a damp washcloth will expand the wood or not but it would hurt to try it on the bare wood side of your patch box lid.

 

[rich pierce]

As stated above, you do not have a problem in need of a solution. Rub some beeswax in there if you’re concerned about moisture getting in there.