Tools to build a pistol kit?

[gloriavoxdei]

I was just given a 40-50 year old blackpowder pistol kit that belonged to my great grandfather. My dad partialy assembled it in the late 80's and got the basic barrel and lock inlaying done but the stock still has to be finish sanded and some more fitting has to be done with the various parts (trigger guard, lock, etc). What tools do I need to aquire to finsh this thing out? I have some woodworking experience but not at this level. I do like to learn so any help you all can offer would be VERY appreciated.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Good woodworking chisels. Not the stuff you buy at Lowe's or Home Depot but chisels with good steel that will hold an edge. I'm thinking Pfeil or some other good make. You're going to need a couple of gouges ("U" shape blade) and straight edge blades.

Consider the surface of the item you must inlet and try to match the surface to the tool. Pick the tool according to the need when you buy.

When you inlet, use a sharp scribe (or scaple) to trace the item to be inletted. Chisel away on the inside of the line (you can always remove but you can't add wood) to get parts to fit. You might find it helpful to use inletting black (or a black felt tip marker) to blacken the underside of the object that is to be inletted. Tap it lightly to transfer a mark onto the wood. Anything that shows up black is removed. Go slow.

BTW, try to get the book, Building the Kentucky Long Rifle or Recreating the Kentucky Long Rifle through inter-library loan.

 

[Chawbaccer]

A sharp Sureform rasp is an easy way to rough shape the wood. Then work your way down with finer and finer grit sand paper. A Dremel with a sanding drum will ruin a ram rod channel. Been there tried that.

 

[DrLaw]

Just say 'no' to power tools

Yeah, a Dremel on wood will take away more faster than you want. Go slow and sure. Actually, more pride comes from that this way.

As others have said. Chisels, maybe some X-acto knifes or gouges. A set of files including possibly rat's tail files, definately flat files though. A set of emory papers for the metal parts before finishing, a good wood stain or Boiled Linseed Oil, and a metal preservative, either a browning or bluing solutions.

One other thing. Plenty of patience.

Also, while you are at it, google up or search these forums for gun kits. You will get plenty of ideas and plenty of advice on how to make a great gun.

The Doc is out now.

 

[Voodoochile]

I will agree with all that have responded so far, I have semi finished a CVA rifle with a wood stock & have refraimed from using the Dremel exept in the beginning phases where the ammount of wood removal was necessary for a faster tool but not too fast as to ruin the entire job.

From reading your post you do not need the fast tools & just need the files & sand paper to get the right smoothness & feel out of the wood to make your pistol be just right.

I've used a half round, flat square, & a full round file in both coarse & fine cut to get the wood close to what I needed then used 400, 800, then 1000 grit sand paper & 00 & 0000 steel wool to schieve the smoothness that I wanted before I laid down the first coat of Lineed Oil.

 

[StrawHat]

A way to make inletting metal parts a bit easier is to file the edges so they have a slight inward bevel instead of the straight profile they come with. The slight V shape allows you to cut a smaller channel and pull the piece into the channel compressing the wood fibers. This works on items like guards, barrel tangs and such that are thicker than sheet brass inlays.

Other than that, good sharp tools and plenty of patience.

 

[gloriavoxdei]

Thanks for all the help so far. I agree that a dremmel is not something I want to use, since it was my great grandfathers I want to make is really pretty. What tools specificly will I need at minnimum, I know I need some chissles and gouges but what kinds? I have very minnimal experience with this level of craftsmanship as I've already said.

 

[DrLaw]

Don't worry, be happy

It's a lot simpler than you are making it sound. I am definately not a woodworker, but I managed this with files, sandpaper, browning solution, a screwdriver, an X-acto knife and that dreaded Moto-tool - but gingerly! It was a kit that I got from The Possible Shop.



The Doc is out now.

 

[Niner]

Drlaw you did good

gloriavoxdei ....40 or 50 years and still not together? You got a photo of the parts?

 

[wh]

I got one of the Cabela's hawken .54 rifle kits 5 years ago. Never did one before.

I only used sand paper and steel wool and a hack saw to work on it. For the finish I used tung oil (well the stuff that passes for tung oil which usually has a few additives).

Came out really nice, took about 4 days to do, most of that being drying for the finish between coats and sanding/steel wool rubbing.

 

[gloriavoxdei]

I don't have a digital camera that works now otherwise I'd post it. It's a dixie gun works according to the instructions. Looks like a OLD newspaper and has rifle on one side and pistol on the other. I might be off on the era of manufature but I know it is the 70's at the earliest. It just appears older to me. I'll get a pic up if I can get a friend to take on for me.

 

[scrat]

Yes indeed Dr. Law you did really good.