Domed Patchbox Learnings

[Cloverprint]

So I am building my first rifle and of course I decided to go with a domed patchbox. I researched and struggled to find out how to finish the end so I'm sharing my learnings in this post (and maybe this is how you all do it anyway so this may NOT be new to you) but this happy accident worked out pretty slick. So maybe this will help others like me! Enjoy.

 

[Cloverprint]

So in the first picture you can see the patchbox in its full length. I trimmed the end to about +1/8" to maybe even 1/4" long but wondered how I will get this to match and blend with the butt plate. I traced and cut a piece of brass for the end closure but was really struggling to get it to hold in position for solder with a metal clamp. So I just started filing the patchbox dome in place...filing in a down direction. Filing and filing I started to notice a thin lip forming.

 

[Cloverprint]

I filed the lip down to within about 1/32" of its final position blending with the butt plate - the lip allowed the brass insert to rest perfectly in position.

 

[Cloverprint]

Fluxed the end and heated and soldered using regular plumbers solder. Here you can see the interior and exterior rough view - the lip worked perfectly. Held the piece and allowed for a solid solder job.

 

[Cloverprint]

With the patchbox now back in position I was free to file away and you can barely tell it was two pieces once the excess solder and lip were filed away.

 

[Cloverprint]

So in the first picture you can see the patchbox in its full length. I trimmed the end to about +1/8" to maybe even 1/4" long but wondered how I will get this to match and blend with the butt plate. I traced and cut a piece of brass for the end closure but was really struggling to get it to hold in position for solder with a metal clamp. So I just started filing the patchbox dome in place...filing in a down direction. Filing and filing I started to notice a thin lip forming. View attachment 126079

 

[Phil Coffins]

Good work. Sometimes just doing is better then a google search!

 

[deerstalkert]

i learned a long time ago that there are unnumbered ways of doing a thing. In my feeble mind i concluded that if it works, and LOOKS good, it is done right.
your milage may vary!
ps. that looks great!

 

[45man]

What am I going to say? I am going to tell you that you did perfect and you can pat yourself on the back, thank you for the great pictures.

 

[appalichian hunter]

Looks good.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

I have thought of doing a domed box but was put off from it just from what your pictures are saying, thanks for posting! Good job!

 

[Billy Boy]

With the patchbox now back in position I was free to file away and you can barely tell it was two pieces once the excess solder and lip were filed away.
View attachment 126085

Nice work!