Investarms Gemmer Hawken build

[Snake Pleskin]

Started my build on my Gemmer GPR Flinter from Muzzleloaders.com SO far I have taken off most of the big "chunks" of wood. Now I need to settle down and refine the lines a bit. Luckily I have my GPR capper as a "model" to refer to!!

 

[TDM]

Looking good Snake! You'll have it finished in no time.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Looking good Snake! You'll have it finished in no time.

Thanks, I do not know how your kit was, but there is a lot of extra wood on this one!! LOL, : )

 

[TDM]

Thanks, I do not know how your kit was, but there is a lot of extra wood on this one!! LOL, : )

Mine too, a good half round tapered rasp is your friend!

 

[ILoveMuzzleloading]

Definitely a lot of extra wood, but I’m glad you are enjoying it! I found the wood removal to be almost meditative. Lots of fun

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Moving along, first run at staining the stock. The repair by the lock panel shows a bit ,but hopefully will disappear even more as i do more coats of stain & finish. This is stain by Min Wax called "Gun Stock. "Metal needs a bit more work but I do not want it to look like it came out of Tiffanny's , I want it to look good but still appear hand made, aged etc. Still have to do the under rib, and trigger guard !!

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Definitely a lot of extra wood, but I’m glad you are enjoying it! I found the wood removal to be almost meditative. Lots of fun

I am using your videos', very helpful. My problem is I don't have a real shop or a lot of tools so I have to make do, but, it is coming along.

 

[TDM]

Snake, your making great headway. It looks good!

 

[springfield art]

Always thought the better-quality lock was a great idea. Nice job there!

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Snake, your making great headway. It looks good!

Thanks, I am trying to decide whether to use some BLO formula or just go with Tru Oil Or Laurel Mountain Permalyn etc? Either way, the stock should darken a bit more and be about perfect n color, I think?

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I decided to remove the garbage stamped on my barrel I left the main name on top kind of like old times, the caliber on the off side flat. I got rid of all the warning labels and other miscellaneous junk. I think it is looking pretty good. Lots of slow file work!! Comments are welcome

 

[TDM]

I like the "uncluttered" barrel look too. Your moving right along!

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I like the "uncluttered" barrel look too. Your moving right along!

Thanks, I tried a mix of 1 oz BLO, 1/2 oz turpentine, 1/2 oz mineral spirits, 1 oz beeswax. I melted the bees wax and mixed everything together, but it did not stay in 'suspension, as it cooled the beeswax solidified again. So, I do not know whether i just need to keep it "heated" to use it, or try something different. I put on one coat with it and it is a bit thick & slippery! I rub it in good and then apply some more. I'll see how it looks after it sits overnight. It could take many coats to fill the pores etc. I may just use some BLO and Turpentine to finish it up? I really don't know.

 

[TDM]

Thanks, I tried a mix of 1 oz BLO, 1/2 oz turpentine, 1/2 oz mineral spirits, 1 oz beeswax. I melted the bees wax and mixed everything together, but it did not stay in 'suspension, as it cooled the beeswax solidified again. So, I do not know whether i just need to keep it "heated" to use it, or try something different. I put on one coat with it and it is a bit thick & slippery! I rub it in good and then apply some more. I'll see how it looks after it sits overnight. It could take many coats to fill the pores etc. I may just use some BLO and Turpentine to finish it up? I really don't know.

Maybe try going over the applications with a hair dryer and rub it in while keeping it fluid with the heat.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Maybe try going over the applications with a hair dryer and rub it in while keeping it fluid with the heat.

Yes, that's something I can try.

 

[wganz]

Was wondering about the L&R RPL locks.
Thanks for the write up & inspiration for another kit.
Nice build.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I have tuned up most of the metal now. I removed all casting marks etc but did not polish them so much that they look like a piece of jewelry. I want them to look like they were part of an 1800 build etc. I am working the stock with BLO, Turpentine and Beeswax mix. You can see the color of it in the jar in the photo. You can also see the stock repair. It seems to be holding fine. When I am ready for the last coat or two of finish, I can "color" it to match. May add a bit more BLO. Slow going all around ,but I am hanging in there.

 

[TDM]

It's still looking good! Take your time now and enjoy it. I always tend to get impatient towards the end and that leads to mistakes. It's going to turn out great.

 

[wganz]

Lots of inspiration in this thread.
I’ll get started on my projects once I get back from the N-SSA National match.
Looking forward to see if I can match these.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Ok, I have several coats of finish on thee stock. I think I am done? Open for suggestions. I think I just need to 'wax" it and I am good to go?