SPIRAL STAINED RAM ROD

[James Kopp]

All,

Looking for tips and tricks to make that nice spiral pattern on your ram rod....I searched the site and did not seem to find any treads on the topics, so it thought I would ask.

Standing by for enlightenment....

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Query on terms ‘candy striped ramrod’ and you’ll see a few options … like tape spiraled on and then stain or burning it on with a torch, or a torch by freehand …

See below, click …
https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/search/1423565/?searchform=1&q=Candy+striped+ramrod&o=relevance

 

[Arrowhead_92]

I use metal heat tape and a blow torch. Some times it leaves a sticky tape residue so I wipe it off with boiled linseed oil.

 

[64Springer]

.

 

[Art Caputo]

The approach I used about 40years ago on a Hawken was to use a standard sized, water dampened, cotton rope(approximately 1/2” diameter) spiraled(wrapped) down the sanded, but unfinished hickory ramrod. I then carefully applied heat from a propane torch to slightly and evenly char the exposed wood area. Remove the rope, lightly sand, and apply oil/finish. Still looks good.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

All,

Looking for tips and tricks to make that nice spiral pattern on your ram rod....I searched the site and did not seem to find any treads on the topics, so it thought I would ask.

Standing by for enlightenment....

You will get several ways to do this simple project. In the early 70s I asked myself what you just posted. Thought about it, and this is what I do:
Take a sample dowel and try the procedure first. With dowel in one hand and burning soldering torch in the other (you want a pin flame) just start blackening at one end, rotate, while moving to the opposite end. Is it perfect? No! Is it irregular like grain in lumber, yes!
Larry

 

[reddogge]

I only did one in the 80s before I found out it wasn't historically accurate. I just held it in a V groove and burnt it with a propane torch while rotating it. Like above, it wasn't perfect but worked.

 

[Rifleman1776]

First starting in this game I thought striped rods were neat. That quickly wore off. But, then my method was to freehand using a candle to burn.

 

[CuNosecap]

I have just used simple painter's or masking tape and light scorching with propane torch. Tape is easily removed then wiped with acetone prior to waxing. Easy.

 

[Wildglen]

I only did one in the 80s before I found out it wasn't historically accurate. I just held it in a V groove and burnt it with a propane torch while rotating it. Like above, it wasn't perfect but worked.View attachment 253982

There seems be some question the method and historical accuracy of Candy Stripped ramrods. Many years ago in an old Foxfire book I read about these from an old time Appalachian gunsmith. He said it was a result of fire drying and hardening various types of fresh wood ramrod. At first they kind of moved the rod end to end over a candle and could see moisture bubble out. Then the habit of rolling it over the flame began and flame Candy striping was the result.

 

[ZUG]

You will get several ways to do this simple project. In the early 70s I asked myself what you just posted. Thought about it, and this is what I do:
Take a sample dowel and try the procedure first. With dowel in one hand and burning soldering torch in the other (you want a pin flame) just start blackening at one end, rotate, while moving to the opposite end. Is it perfect? No! Is it irregular like grain in lumber, yes!
Larry

This is exactly what I do when I want a spiral striped look on a ram rod. I want it to look hand done - uneven - light and dark patches. I then go over it with steel wool and put a paste wax on it.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

This is exactly what I do when I want a spiral striped look on a ram rod. I want it to look hand done - uneven - light and dark patches. I then go over it with steel wool and put a paste wax on it.

Wood grain is not symetrical nor perfect in pattern. Why would someone want a RR with the sprial stamped out like a machine made it? Guys if you like perfect, go for it, I am not telling anyone how or why they should do their RR. I am just expressing my opinion about a RR spiral.
Larry

 

[Sam squanch]

The only guns that should have a striped ramrod would be owned by barbers……