Striping a ramrod

[Carolina Longhunter]

I kinda like the looks of a striped ramrod on a M.L., but you don't see it as often as you see a plain one. Is this something that was done more in the old days than it is now? And how was/is it done? I have several front-stuffers, some of which would look pretty neat w/striped rods. Any info on how it's done would be appreciated. :hmm:

 

[flintriflesmith]

Longhunter,
I think this question might do better on the Gun Builders Bench forum.

Your question is a difficult one because it is next to impossible to tell how long a ramrod has been with an original rifle. They got broken and replaced so the absence of a stripped rod doesn't mean there wasn't one originally. That said, I think most rifles that survive with a stripped rod are post 1800.
Gary

 

[ADK Ephraim]

When I recreate a striped rod, I use at least a 1/2 in to 5/8 in wide, thicker tape to mask off the stripes. Closeness/rate of twist to the stripe is easily modified by tape placement on the rod. Once you've decided, then take your rod and spaced tape, place on a table, and roll the rod onto the taut tape. Smooth all tape edges with your finger. Take a propane torch and, again, off the side of the table, roll the rod through the flame and down the spiral, gauging the amount of 'burn in'. Once done, have some mineral spirits on hand and some rags to scrape and clean up the tape adhesive. Should give you a nice effect with a little practice! mjw

 

[hotsparks]

You have to remember that the original purpose of the ramrod striping was not decrotive, ramrods were passed through open flame to "temper" them. Some of the guys in the "paleo" websites can explain why they "temper" the tips of spears and arrows to improve the strength and wearibility. IMHO, the sprial strip effect evolved as the smith passed the rod acros the flame, holding it in one place too long would cause the wood to burst into flame. I guess he could have passed the rod the length of the flame in a straight line, rolled it x degrees and repeated until he finished. But rolling the rod and advancing it into the flame is quicker and accomplishes about the same thing, plus the spiral does look good. I still temper my ramrods this way, but it's kinda evolved to mostly decoration, many guys use stain for the spiral.

 

[Zonie]

The question of striping a ramrod opens up a whole can of worms.

There are many who adamantly maintain that NO ramrod was striped before the mid 1800's.
There are others who have found original guns dating to periods prior to that and these guns have what appears to be original ramrods that were striped.

I don't think the question about striped ramrods Historical Correctness will ever be answered but if a person was intending to attend a pre-1800 Reenactment with a gun with a striped ramrod they should be aware that someone will question its authenticity.

That said, if you like striped ramrods for your gun then by all means, go ahead and stripe them.

Rather than using heat, the ramrods I've striped were done with plastic electricians tape wrapped as described above and Walnut alcohol based stains to stain the exposed wood.
After staining, I remove the tape and apply a coating or two of Linseed oil.

 

[MSK]

I know this is an old thread, but it came up in my search for striping a ramrod. I like Zonie's method of using alcohol stain and electrical tape, and have a question. Does the alcohol stain stay within the un-taped sections of the wood, or does it tend to migrate under the electrical tape? If the latter, how is that avoided/minimized?

Thanks, Smollett

 

[Zonie]

There is some migration of the stain under the electrical tape but it seems to depend on the wood.

I've got a TC ramrod that came out with crisp edges but the guns where I used Hickory ramrods ended up with somewhat feathered edges.

I think this was due to the porosity of the wood.

 

[Birddog6]

:grin: The next thread will be about how the "ol Timers" used kerosene to temper their RR's. Well, :idunno: they did....... way back in the ol days of 1965 ! I'll bet Turner Kirkland is still laughing his butt off about starting all of that mess ! :rotf: :rotf:

Striping a RR is what I often refer to "Hollywood"'en yer rifle. Makes it look like it goes all the way back to 1974 !

But if ya must, go to the fabric store & get some 1/2" cotton binding. Wet it well, wire it down on one end & turn the rod & wind it tightly on & tie the other end down. Take a propane torch & scorch the wood, Remove the binding & then 0000 steel wool a bit, let dry a day & apply some Permalyn to the wood, rubbing it in well & wiping off the excess. Let it dry overnight & you are good to go. I suggest ya do a couple Test Dowel Rods before ya mess up yer good ramrod.

You are now ready to be a extra on the next Dan'l Boone series !

Keith Lisle

 

[LRB]

I have yet to see a striped RR in any paintings done in the 18th c., but it's yours, so you can do as you please.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I have yet to see a striped RR in any paintings done in the 18th c., but it's yours, so you can do as you please.

Amen. Back in my early days I just used a candle and carefully rotated. Works. In fact, I still belvive done right it gives a pleasing appearance albiet not 'authentic'. Do yer own thang and enjoy.

 

[robinsroost]

I made a solution of potassium nitrate, dissolved in water, as much as will dissolve in a cup of tap water. I soaked a piece of heavy butcher's string in the solution overnight. I wrapped the wet string around the ramrod, and let it dry overnight. I ignited the string and let it burn out. Then I rubbed as much Johnson's paste floor wax into the wood as it would take, then buffed it to a sheen, after it hazed over.......Robin :wink: