Post by hawkeyes on Jan 26, 2023 13:38:25 GMT -7
Lenapej recently posted a phenomenal shooting bag he recently completed and something caught my eye. His pan whisk and pricker chain which also was extremely well done. Something so simple and often overlooked, not to mention very easy to recreate with some simple supplies and tools. I figured this would be a great opportunity to post a "how to" of sorts on my method for making these period chains. Just so happens I'm making a bag and horn set to go along with a rifle for a customer I'll be starting for them soon. This is my method and there may be other ways of doing this little project but this is how ole Hawk completes the task.
Supplies are simple: Annealed iron tie wire which I use to secure traps. Easy to come by as I believe they call it fence tie wire as well. Pair of wire cutters and a set of scroll tongs. The scroll tongs I use are relatively small and absolutely perfect for making these small curls on the links. A pair of small needle noose pliers will also work. Take caution as the knurled teeth will damage the wire.
Task starts by measuring and cutting each link. I typically cut my individual links to 2" in length. After cutting its time to make the curls or loops. I place the wire in the middle of the tongs, then simply form the curl around the scroll tongs. Annealed wire is relatively easy to form by moderate finger pressure. Along with turning the tongs or pliers in the direction of the curl the task is easily accomplished.
Next we place a back bend in the loop to align the link. Again, easily accomplished with finger pressure or the assistance of another set of small pliers.
Now we repeat the process for the other end and each subsequent link. Joining each piece is obviously self explanatory. Making the end loops for attaching one's whisk and pricker are accomplished in the same fashion, but with larger loops to accommodate whatever size you need.
Overall a rather simple task but very rewarding and an excellent period touch to one's shooting outfit! Hope this little "how to" helps or inspires creativity.
Supplies are simple: Annealed iron tie wire which I use to secure traps. Easy to come by as I believe they call it fence tie wire as well. Pair of wire cutters and a set of scroll tongs. The scroll tongs I use are relatively small and absolutely perfect for making these small curls on the links. A pair of small needle noose pliers will also work. Take caution as the knurled teeth will damage the wire.
Task starts by measuring and cutting each link. I typically cut my individual links to 2" in length. After cutting its time to make the curls or loops. I place the wire in the middle of the tongs, then simply form the curl around the scroll tongs. Annealed wire is relatively easy to form by moderate finger pressure. Along with turning the tongs or pliers in the direction of the curl the task is easily accomplished.
Next we place a back bend in the loop to align the link. Again, easily accomplished with finger pressure or the assistance of another set of small pliers.
Now we repeat the process for the other end and each subsequent link. Joining each piece is obviously self explanatory. Making the end loops for attaching one's whisk and pricker are accomplished in the same fashion, but with larger loops to accommodate whatever size you need.
Overall a rather simple task but very rewarding and an excellent period touch to one's shooting outfit! Hope this little "how to" helps or inspires creativity.
