drilling the touchhole

[USMCsniper]

I've got a Hern 1/2 scale Napoleon. It did not have a touchhole drilled in it, so I need to drill one and was wondering what size it should be.
I'll be mounting a DGW percussion lock on it as well (5/16-24 musket nipple).

 

[TheDoubleD]

It's called a vent. I make all mine all .177 because I like to be able to use standard 1/8" cannon fuse as back up.

Did you build the carriage? Nice job.

 

[freekforge]

I'm not familiar with the lock but if the nipple screws directly into the barrel then you need to drill it with a .2720 (i) drill bit so it can be tapped for 5/16 24

 

[USMCsniper]

as much as I'd love to take credit for the Carriage, I did not build it. it was built by a man by the name of Dustin Show.

I think I will step drill this. Drill first .177 like you said. then drill a .2720 step in it just deep enough to fit the nipple.

 

[buzz]

nice carriage and i like say i agree with what has been said but may i suggest you add a touch hole liner made out of stainless steel screw with your touch hole drillin
this keep any corrosion developping between the steeel liner and the cast iron

 

[TheDoubleD]

nice carriage and i like say i agree with what has been said but may i suggest you add a touch hole liner made out of stainless steel screw with your touch hole drillin
this keep any corrosion developping between the steeel liner and the cast iron

Whoops missed that. Do indeed make a vent liner. Originals were copper.

 

[buzz]

yeah DD your right i made some out of stainless steel screws and threaded it in
i want put a brass one in my steel cannon but was affraid the bras thread would be to soft
i know i dont need one in a steel barrel but I like to make my vent little tighter on the fuse as if the fuse has curl it will spin

 

[TheDoubleD]

If you have a lined barrel you do indeed need a vent liner. You want to protect that seam between liner and and barrel in the vent. You do not want corrosion in that joint.