Post by hawkeyes on Jun 21, 2019 9:24:26 GMT -7
It's my belief that the "little Details" are extremely important in building fine flinters. Many people have the notion they have a rifle kit that requires just assembly. While this is somewhat true, in reality the difference between a 1k rifle kit and a finished 2k + rifle are those fine deatils.
I wanted to just share a few images of the late style ketland Chambers lock I'm currently working. Chmabers locks are indeed one of the best in the business. However, they are FAR from complete, let alone finished. Being cast locks each one will vary slightly concerning imperfections. Those very imperfections are what we want worked out. When one begins to assess the lock all may look well, however that will change once the deatil work begins.
I typically use only two swiss files for lock work along with rotten stone and fine paper for finishing before charcoal bluing. Once file work begins the imperfections quickly reveal themselves. Squaring up corners, smoothing out flat areas, removing mold marks and so on... More involved than the above tasks, but you get the idea. The process only requires and good eye, steady hand, patience and good light! Make it look the worst under good lighting, then make it perfect!
This particular lock plate being on the small side took me approximately three hours to achieve a raw state for finishing. Many likely could go faster, yet I savor the fine swoosh of filling against the working surface and the entire process in general. When working a lock plate I pay close attention to the direction of filing and under the pan areas along with any decorative detailing. These areas are hot spots for rushing and one area I always look at to judge the quality of work. IMO slow and steady wins the race and those little details are what will turn that box of parts into a finely crafted work of art.
Much more progress to go, mind you this was just the lock plate itself!
I wanted to just share a few images of the late style ketland Chambers lock I'm currently working. Chmabers locks are indeed one of the best in the business. However, they are FAR from complete, let alone finished. Being cast locks each one will vary slightly concerning imperfections. Those very imperfections are what we want worked out. When one begins to assess the lock all may look well, however that will change once the deatil work begins.
I typically use only two swiss files for lock work along with rotten stone and fine paper for finishing before charcoal bluing. Once file work begins the imperfections quickly reveal themselves. Squaring up corners, smoothing out flat areas, removing mold marks and so on... More involved than the above tasks, but you get the idea. The process only requires and good eye, steady hand, patience and good light! Make it look the worst under good lighting, then make it perfect!
This particular lock plate being on the small side took me approximately three hours to achieve a raw state for finishing. Many likely could go faster, yet I savor the fine swoosh of filling against the working surface and the entire process in general. When working a lock plate I pay close attention to the direction of filing and under the pan areas along with any decorative detailing. These areas are hot spots for rushing and one area I always look at to judge the quality of work. IMO slow and steady wins the race and those little details are what will turn that box of parts into a finely crafted work of art.
Much more progress to go, mind you this was just the lock plate itself!
