Ready to Start.

[Mockingbird]

Finally getting ready to start my fist kit build. I purchased a chambers Little Feller's Rifle kit and am going to start working on it so my 11 y/o son and I can go out shooting together. I have done some horn work in the past but this is my first gun build. Got the garage re-organized and made a spot for my bench (just a start). I plan on making hangers for tools to go on the wall and I want to get a good work light as well. Here is a pic of my station so far:

I have the bench weighed down with about 100lbs (or more) of lead ingots. and it is bracketed to the wall so it is nice and stable. The vice is mounted on 2x8 that is secured to the table with bolts through the bench dog holes. Can easily be moved back and forth if needed. Since this is my first build any suggestions on setup or tools would be greatly appreciated. For tools so far I have:
Chisels
12mm Flat (Pfiel) , 6mm Flat (Pfiel), D7/10 (Pfiel), D1/12 (Pfiel), D12/8 (Pfiel), 1/8 offset (usa), 1/4 offest (usa), 3/8 offset (usa)
Files:
I have a large smooth mill file, Needle files, Nichelson Cabinet rasp, Triangle file with and without smooth edges, Smooth and corse rat tail files.
Other:
Leather mallet, Cabinet scrapers, Various size drill bits

Things I think I need: Wood mallet, gunsmith screwdrivers (not sure on sizes), Counter sink drill bits (not sure on sizes), good hacksaw, I am sure I am missing other files.

Like I said feel free to chime in with opinions and suggestions I will update this post as I go along.

 

[Ames]

I'd get it off the wall before "IT" happens. You know "IT". You get going, a few weeks in, fitting the nose piece, thin wood, get careless and when you swing it around for a better look.......oops.
I prefer my bench open at both ends just in case. But that's just me.

 

[Phil Coffins]

You didn’t mention sharping stones.

 

[Mockingbird]

You didn’t mention sharping stones.

Phil,
I have a set of DMT stones and a strop as well as a shaped strop for the gouges.

 

[Mockingbird]

I'd get it off the wall before "IT" happens. You know "IT". You get going, a few weeks in, fitting the nose piece, thin wood, get careless and when you swing it around for a better look.......oops.
I prefer my bench open at both ends just in case. But that's just me.

Ames,
The bench isn't an expensive one and does need the wall for stability. Might it be better to mount it back side to the wall?

 

[sawyer04]

Great start, and you will improvise as time goes forward.

 

[Buckskinn]

I know you already have a vise, but I can say the handiest tool I added this year was the Patternmakers vise. I spent a ridiculous amount of time shimming and trying to get the stock secure in a standard vise as you have. Now I just tighten and go, simple - no shimming, no worrying about protecting the wood. Saves a lot of time and headache.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/woodriver-patternmakers-or-gunstock-carving-vise

Also, I assume Chamber's sold you a tap?

 

[Ames]

Side of the wall would be better. My opinion.
Also my opinion that you shouldn't be racking and rolling THAT hard with sharp tools to make it an issue. My 2 cents.
Don't take it wrong. Have fun with the kids build by all means.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
This will help:
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/building-a-chambers-little-fellas-rifle.110688/
I urge you to read the whole thing.

dave

 

[Mockingbird]

Also, I assume Chamber's sold you a tap?

Indeed sir. I have the tap and drill bit from Chambers.

Hi,
This will help:
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/building-a-chambers-little-fellas-rifle.110688/
I urge you to read the whole thing.

dave

Dave thanks for the link. I had just found your post yesterday before putting up this post. Looking at the angle of the butt plate on mine it looks much better than yours was. The rear ramrod pipe tang has the same gap on the sides as yours did which really is a bummer. I would rather have to remove the extra wood and also be able to do a design in the tang than have that pre-inlet. I haven't taken a super close look at the lock yet but the pan seems to be nice and secure. All the work you had to do to the lock is the only thing that worries me. I am really appreciative of the tutorial you did I am sure it will save me much head scratching. As this is my first build I just plan to take it slow and steady, reference the books, and come here to ask lots of questions.

 

[Gun Tramp]

The bench isn't an expensive one and does need the wall for stability. Might it be better to mount it back side to the wall?

Being able to work all around a bench is ideal but not always do-able. Your current setup is great but I wouldn't attach a side to a wall. Being able to move the vise, or more importantly, remove the vise altogether when desired, is excellent. Bravo. The bench appears finely crafted but too light. Ames makes the best point of all; "sharp tools."

 

[Col. Batguano]

You're going to probably want a second vise or at least a way to securely hold the stock so you won't have to crank down so hard to hold it. It doesn't have to be a long way away from the first. About a foot would do it, but 2 would be better. The wider and greater the gripping area of the vice jaws the better too. Much more distance between them

than that and the wood may bow a bit when you are working between the vices, particularly on thin sections, like the upper forestock.

 

[simonbeans]

Or just a stand, A T-shaped device that you rest the long barrel/stock on with the butt end or lock area in your vice.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Ames,
The bench isn't an expensive one and does need the wall for stability. Might it be better to mount it back side to the wall?

Yes, for sure! You can get rid of your weights if you fasten the bench with it mounted against the wall. You want both ends of the bench open. Nice start, but I personally like the vice on one end. You are limiting your bench space by placing it in the middle. I do a lot of stock work with it being right down on the bench.
Your son is blessed to have a dad that will make him a good rifle.
Flintlocklar