Making historic round ball mold

[rt6425]

I want to make a round ball mold for my musket. I know I need a cherry for the cavity which isn’t a problem as I can machine one. The issue is with the mold itself. I don’t really do much blacksmithing anymore and I don’t know how to start. Any advice?

 

[IanH]

You can machine a sharp cherry, and presumably can cut the cavities with it...but are stumped on the tongs?

If I didn't have the means to beat one out I would start with a hacksaw and a chunk of 1" square mild steel bar. Finish with your milling machine and files. Fixture on the hinge pin in a jig so the bottom of the mould ends are supported on the bottom as you close them on the cherry by hand.

Good luck!

 

[rt6425]

You can machine a sharp cherry, and presumably can cut the cavities with it...but are stumped on the tongs?

If I didn't have the means to beat one out I would start with a hacksaw and a chunk of 1" square mild steel bar. Finish with your milling machine and files. Fixture on the hinge pin in a jig so the bottom of the mould ends are supported on the bottom as you close them on the cherry by hand.

Good luck!

For some reason, I find it easier to visualize a part by removing material. I can see it with a forging, but getting the material to move in the right direction is the issue.