First and Last Barrel Channel Finished.....Pic Heavy

leadhoarder said:

I admire the craftsmanship that a lot of folks that post on here posses. I certainly know I am incapable of putting a rifle together. I can turn wrenches and work on modern arms but I do not have what it takes to build a muzzleloader.

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you might be surprised, taken in steps with lots of contemplation before getting aggressive and it isn't brain surgery. heart surgery maybe.

leadhoarder said:

I admire the craftsmanship that a lot of folks that post on here posses. I certainly know I am incapable of putting a rifle together. I can turn wrenches and work on modern arms but I do not have what it takes to build a muzzleloader.

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This craft does require an assortment of skills, that of a cabinet maker, steel worker, clock maker, lock smith, jeweler, machinist, welder, tool and die maker....

All can be learned. Just takes time and interest. It's nothing a motivated person can't learn.

deerstalkert said:

you might be surprised, taken in steps with lots of contemplation before getting aggressive and it isn't brain surgery. heart surgery maybe.

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Exactly. After you know what wood needs to come out, barrel and lock mortises can be hogged out in short time. When I started building rifles 40+ years ago, I was ridiculous in the timidity I had in every chip and cut.

waksupi said:

Exactly. After you know what wood needs to come out, barrel and lock mortises can be hogged out in short time. When I started building rifles 40+ years ago, I was ridiculous in the timidity I had in every chip and cut.

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Timidity is the perfect word to describe how I went at that channel.

Can a firearm be named Timidity?

Looks like you did a fine job!

I've only widened existing channels... but 80 grit sand paper wrapped around an appropriate sized dowel, piece of pvc, socket, etc. makes quick work of it on walnut, beech, or laminate.

You can also take your blank to the table saw and make several cuts to get the bulk of the wood removed. A cicular saw with a fence will do as well. The router method wooks too, but if one does not have a good jig to do the job, things can go bad in a hurry. Don't ask how I know. Another method is to make a series of holes with a forstner drill bit.

new2bp said:

I've only widened existing channels... but 80 grit sand paper wrapped around an appropriate sized dowel, piece of pvc, socket, etc. makes quick work of it on walnut, beech, or laminate.

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That's a good tip!

I have used Dato blades and a table saw to remove most of the wood.

Just think not many walking around that can say they have hand cut a barrel channel.