R Guide for the Amale,ur and Professlonol

Gunamith in, th e'" Design, cmd Construction ol 'FIrearms" with Prcrcticnl Sugrgesii.ons for A]l Who I,Jke, Guns
,
'

Fermerlv in 'Ch:ctrg'9' 0,£ the :S:mall=,J\rm!s Experimented Division lat' the United Stertes Fronkford ,Arsenal; also Formerly lof f" N' if.. . ,tty G r,"_:n ',' ,.' 'Q'we, 'I , 'nc., 0:', '",e'w 'yorL C' " if'E'I s 'H

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IN' TW' 0"" V'O'LUM' EI'S

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Volume I

FUNK

s WAGN'ALlS

COIMPANY'-

NEW YORK and LONDON

t:... f1' ,.,. l:" VI, - T.," !l'!' ,~h,

'WitA~N~ ,i1.i_:~ I!;;:: CO'iIl4"DAt.:'f"t.t',I' \.:]1 "'_'L"I'" , '" P'~~,:.,~

.

1.8
YOL,urUE: I

--~E TH '_ l\lQDE[([\

COPYRIGHT

GU'NSMITH
AND

1941,

1954

Co~,r-j,ht Und,et the A'rltk'~es of the Cc.pyrirbe ICafiV>ent'tofo of Hte ,1:l,au A'lo,erica'n Re,pubIW,cs ,and: 'the 'Uutt-ed S'tatee, ...

,PEDICATED TO

iCIO'LO'NEL TO\V~SEND
t'IBELESS
ABOVE, A'~L, A MAN

\~"HELEN t
AND HUNT,ER.;

WOR'leER, HAS TEl{ RIFl.;EM'A.N,

ANlJ A FRIEND

PREFACE
TIS NOT 'without some misglvlng that I v enture on this, my first effo,rt. to 'write a book ~ In, the first, , . volume' have endeavored to keep in 'mind the enthusiastic but oftentimes struggUng amateur gunsmith, and the book is offered as an attempt to 'make him. independen t of outside help, 1'0,Its arrangement I have followed the method 'which. at 'this time appeal'S 'best suited to convey a clear Idea 'of constructive forms of gun work, The second volume aims to be a wider and deeper development of the material introduced in the firs t. I t is, Illy hope tha tit will lead th e a rna teu r into the theore tical and practical science of gun .. making,' and be "a light to his path and a lamp to his feet" all the fascinating' way'. The work as a whole is written in the hope" not that masters wHI arise from these teachings, but. that laten t. skin will be' aroused and sel f - tel ia,nee en couraged. It] s allmost certadn that as time' advances some of' the drawings and. formulas win be revised; but until then, I feel confiden t tbat the)' 'will be of the utmost service to the: student, Undoubtedly, much w:ill be found in these pages that. is obvious to the more experienced mechanic, but if I have succeeded in 'lucidly' conveying the first principles of' gunmaking to the beginner, I shall feel satlsfied. The gun in all its forms is only an implement, but in its making it bas become a, highly specialized 'work. of art, and few trades requite such an extensive know ledge of mechanics. The gunmaker must also be not only a tool maker but an artisan who can adapt. himself to almost any type of work. It is the ingeni ClUB 'man 'who will go f arthe st in this wor k1 for it has unlimited possi b ilities: and as he advances to the: problems of the second volume it will become more interesting, It is 'with a. feeling' greatly resembling regret that I write the word "finis' to these volumes, Theircreation has been an, intriguing task" and 'has, caused me to wa'lk anew the beguiling path 'up'ward from my amateu It days, And much remai (lSI, unsaid." f or i1. is impossi ble to corral an the: vita] . Information that 'bas been gained in a li£eti,m,e of' gunrnaking, or to stop writi ng' of a science 'which never has stood still and never will, It "T-Qu1dbe impo ssi bl e to explo re a. field sa wide and di versi fied, even as insufficiently as, I have done It, without the aid 0 f knowledge and. expe rlence other than my own, I there fore take pleasure in acknowledging the valuable assistance rendered 'me by such wen-known and authoritative sportsmen and technicians as Colonel TOW1l15en.d Whelen, Mr, T., G. Sa.mworth, Captain G ~A,. Woody, Mr. R~ J. Kernbrath, and Mr ~ Austin G. Hale ~ And 'for theh contrib ution 0 f Illustra dons I am inde bted to D:r Dayton C, I\IUler" l\leG:r-aw Hn1 Book COmp~.l1,Y", Westley Richards & Company, Ltd." the Lyman Gunsight Cor .. , . poration, Parker Brothers, Waterbury 'Fa.rre'] Foundry Company, Remington. Arms Comp any , [be Cleveland Twist Drill Company, Hendey Machine Company, Pratt &; 'Whitn.ey' Company, All these 'friends have been generous with their. hard-acquired information, and. "if shall always be their debtors. In other da YS such ;;secrets -0 f the craft J ~ would have been j ealousl Y' guarded by their discoverers, TOM y the ' greatest have not withheld their kindly hands. Old Ornar Khayyam has these lines in the Rubaiyat:
1I

:1 often wonder w ha t the vintners buy, One ..half so precious as the stuff they sell,

\Vlflal business is, so Iascinating as that. which 'makes the: things one loves, what cli:e:nl.e'le' so appreciative and loya.l as sports,me:n. at: their happiest and best?' ' 'M' '.sk th read s iardc e.: .. , -- .. ,.., ,a}! I as .~~e r : _er ,i'," par 'On 10 r mcomp'-1eteness, or overslg "h"'- fo POSSI" e ,,': '," an" ,",",,-, rs, ior " sible errors nd may, I ask 'Of' him tenacity perseverance and patient hard work, tha t this text ... book may not have bee-n 'written " vainr .. ? In

] feel the same 'way about g:unmak.ing..

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CHA'PTER

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1- The Works,hop, Tools end General

Equip'ment ...

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The work bench-s-Necessary tool layout=-Alchohol lamp-e-Angle plate-A.nvilArbors-Arb or press---- Bench stops-> Bench grinders-s- B en.ch or surface plate-Bits --' Bevel protractor -, Calipers - Ca talogs - Checkering tools - Chisels '_ Clamps -Countersinks=-Dies-c-Sp ring dividers=-Drill sets- Drill and vrire gauges-e- Drill press =-Sanding drum-s- Draw-knife= Electric soldering iron-Files-File card=-File handles-c-Furnace-c-Gauges-iHammers-c.Indlcators=Ladle-> Lathe-s- La the dogMallet ~lvIic rometers-e- J\.1 uzzle reamers-c-Magnif ying glasfl- ~iiter box=-Oilstones-eOil cans=-Pans-c-ParallelsPlate s-s-Plau ee=-Polishing wheels-> Tap wrenches=- Pliers ~ Reamers-Sa ws-Scribers-Straigh t -edge-e- Scr a ten hr U sh-e-Screw -dri vers--..'5 pring winding tool ~Steel letters, and figures-----..~cal~,s_.____.\V eighing-e-S tools-Squares --'Templets=-Electric motor-V -blocks-s- Vise jaws--'\V eld ing outf t~\\~ renches,
h_

D-

Special Home:-made Tools and E'quipmenl .. ~" The gunsmith=-The trade of a gunsmith=-Shotgun or rifle maker-e-Checkering stand and cradles in use-s-Checkering tools-a-Border tools-e-English type of tools-Motor g rlnder=-Emery wheels-Fine circular wi re whee ls:=----,Felt w beels=-Woods for disc
4 " 4 • <I 4 .. • '. " " • • '. • • '. • • '. • • • .. • • ~, ~ ~ • • • • • 4 " ~

29

grinding-s-Chuck for motor grinder-s-Wooden laps--'~\lood chisels-Suggestions for making hot tomjn g c hisel s------,Frgin g and hea t -t rea tmen t f 0r chisels-Handles for wood 0 chisels and ierru les-s-Importance Q i good screw ~dri vers-- Auger screw -drivers used wi th brace'-- Suggestions fa r constructing screw-dtivers-c-Hardening-c- - Gun brace-e-M ethod of clamping brace-s-Rifle holder: Methods of making--- Vise blocks-s-Hard wooden blocks-Cupper vise jaws--- Leather facing for vise jaws, lead jaws, etc .-Clamps~, butt clamps ---Importance of necessary too] s..

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Maten,ala,

Metals" cm.d Supplies.. . . ~. . . ". . . . . . '~ .." ,~

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Materials used by gunmaker-i-Catalogs-c-Precision in gun work=-Tool steel, colddra Wll steel, d rill rods, spring' steel, steel tubing, steel spring wi re=-Machi ne screws and sizes-Brass; copper lead" solder, soldering salts, emery cloth, sandpaper, fiber, glue, felt" buffalo horn, pumice powder" rottenstone powder, wood screws; acids; varnishes, rubbing oils, linseed oil, varnish. removers, beeswax, ivory ~ charcoal, lacquers " f or metal, rouge 0 r ferri C oxid, P russian blue, b one- black ~ wa tel', woods, shellac ~ lacquer, gun oil; lard oil, spe-rm oil, etc.
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Wood-working tools=-Cbisels: their use: and kinds in gun work: grinding 'Of such tools; stoning for keen edges=-B uffing wheel-s-Method of placing sharp run edges, for cu t ting-- The draw -knife an d its uses=-Pl an es: sharpeni ng on the stone: adjus ling the blade- Rasps: woods they are used on-Sa \\TS,~ sh arpening 0 f sa\VS ~ in struction in their' use, blades for saws, frames-The spoke-shave-s-Wood bits, cutter bits, the Forstner bit-Selection of brace-Drills. and drilling: the twist drill, grinding of drills, drill gauges. u sed. in grin ding drills, drills for gl ass ~ drill troll bles ~ keep ing drills sh arp f lubricants u sed-Drilling beat -trea ted steel-Gr indi ng dri115 for wood-s-The dri press, set-ups on drill press, method of cutting nut inlays on drill press-s-Files: their importance in the trade of a gunsmith-s- Terms used fa r .file-=-First steps in the use of a flle-'Gri.nding: speed of grinders, their uses, fIX ture at tached to grinder for grinding tools=Grades and grains of grinding whee1s-Selectiun of wheels for grinding, mount11",,,

x
CHAP'TER
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-DEB'T,BE MOl. ,N' GUN,SMITH

'd'pmg, ch HTglllo, caps,Ty .) - ,.~-. P"" lapping, laps Ior flat. surfaces, diamond laps, I,a,ppi:n.g chambers=Reamers and their' uses=-Screw-d rivers and. bl ts=-Soldering fl t1xes- Taps and tapping-s-Lathe turning . ~ tools and tool grinding ........... of the alcohol lamp and Bunsen burner=Forge Use and
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\Vhat a mechanical drawing i~ Views of d'ra:liv'i ngs-s-Importance of' having: larger size -Pfifit~T,cchnicaJ lines=-Ftn lshed lines-]: nstruments used in drs. ?ri.ng-Paper~ Thumb ta,ck.s.--D't!wing board-Pencils, erasers", triangles, ink, protractor, scales-« Irregular curves-« Title headings=-Lettering.

17
Advice ('0 r hig-h-velocUy' arms-"E'xp.,· ierimentlne 0 r cha 'l]ui ng ac_tions~ Fourteen sa ('et.v rule&==ObsuJet.e' a:r,ms-==Ma,lu~shi.ft faring phl:&--l~~itt,i,ng blocks to single-shot actions-« l'U}t-··, -. tc pO'w o,er co-mpa,tnes_or-''-' ··d····,-'f ·,···-,- ____ect power, charees · ····'d:-_-_- _ .a.rges-·"Review ·:'f exnloded .-,n"r,Llngo correct e·Vle1\, -0, exp,I' .. ,e arms:-uzsle :. ' -oaC"- 'f·-,t· ' In '. th ,e-, :Uj!O<Q, 0.. ,._.~. _ .' . '. -'d' i " rl, .. cr=r: .-.·1 "'1r1 '.. ,gun··r· e~~ :":'-'1 thne-: b.......·_·1 ,an_-de. ,"!/ ". ~ - 'f: '~ml'· -loa ' _D,g -·ft'- ':e~------'O':--"~] ;1] _ .ti g_ ,,,,co,g In .,aIre· --h-"'-samt ~r--_; os .rucnons In 'h.... -, e~'~-!S,"h' ·t,~-,.. '- OU (1 istruc .tio ,~- -H'-:-,iI':i; -- d '- space=--r'T' ". ·h.-reao,0" st . -.....•'. .'-. .' -'. de ' .'; be narn 1,~·· .. 00 lng . t .:b·· ,t·, ., .. l~n~~······~a··· -'" ~ narre 1 to ac t Ions ~ .· ing b s
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prices of' select wood=-Seasoning .. the blanks=Selectlng the stock blank=-Selection 0" · native wocds-e- Weights of woods=-Almond wood, Amboyan wood, apple, blackbea n, blackwood, beech, birch, cherry, wild cherry, cocobola, curly- ash, ebony; holly, ma,-·f .,

hogany, maple, myrtl e, Queensland honeysuckle and African stinkwood, Osage orange' ~ -pad'iusa, persimmon, pium, rosewoo _','saune--=·,,",l' amu t: E"" ,-.-" . A-' mean ~ A:-' merican '. ~\_,;.- ..~'~- .... -- .. ~ --. ,'., '.' sod l:lJ.". 'I·· _,~ suropean..» 'f' "'. . .. ., '. - bl k wa 1n1!Jt-' C-· L~ r 'II .'ac.. f:lrcaS~Han wa Inut, E ;'ast I di wS!. 1nut, ~ng 1· 1.. wa 1.nnian i:s(~ nut" I bL18n. walnut, Spanish walnut, Tur kish \vaJnut.; yew' wood=-Securmg wood in. the log and freshly felled tr~N'.atur,a[ vs, artUichd seasoni ng=-Seasonlng board and quarter-sawed planks--> Planting wal nut trees=-Checkeri ng 0 f opened and closed grain woods-Use of' templets in cutting blanks-« Prices, 0 f blan ks,
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101

............ stock-s-Stock nomenclature-s-Stock design for women=- ,Pitc.h-Cast ..off, cast .. Target u design ---==-'l.,.rv~K, piece Comb ,d"~C"~g'I1'-'1:"o' 1 d~C~I- :l'i;-- ··I~~·;'.g: of1 =Cheek a W I, ,,~. ~ ~U'u u ,£. rearm .....:u, , n O'n··~B: tt-stock sides-s-Grip, hand and plstol-e-Slug le-shot action stocks-Shotgun stock design-«
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Evol ution o:f firearms-> Prob lem 'Of' fit=Drl"Op a nd ,r:ecuil~] nstrnct ive arm 'pi tc:h in. stock, desi,j!;n-B,alanoc or cente r of gravity' of an ar'm.-- Difference between me tal and wood worklng-e-Forearm design-e-Close grf ps=-Methods of estlmatlng length of stocks
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Select.ing,the blank-s-The popular r.iJ1,e~I:nlet:ting: an action-s-Placing the, magaziee-« Dimensions of a guard=-Allowance for clearance-s-Laying out for the receiver=-Use • ~ dL~ 1' fo f 'I --b'.'~,alek". p-., os"I.1on 0 u' pro Jl!C t- Ion --- P(un t- ·e, sc.rews----.. aYlng. QU_t h0.1 ,amp . - iti . . eSI'""""""'J ' ' se (L c,e:'nt-el'i.ng device-Gua.rd bush ing~~l""se' of maUet. ",or imptes.s.iou-Chise']~ used :in litting-'U se o.f teml1pl,et'S=-Inl'etting of a K,r,a.g 'Ilooeiver and trigg'er guard~Inletl.ing a shotgun ,acti()n~·Retnoval of' the m,echa.nism,- Usc ,o,f the butt .clanlp=Cut ... uuts for the: trigger gnard.....,....1 n]etting: a F'o,x' action--In]et-tfng: a 5ide... loc,k s]~otgU.fi- l tti ng the: F f(J--rearm~,Seloclion of wood-The fl rst cuts to 'ma.k-e-In'}etti"ng Lebel ,and RussIan ~ct-';,o';i"">~T,'h"- "". ,auiLiLlilC':'h·,c:.·, __ ~S·····'L." ':', 9''-'1.,' ' 'LI.-. -R':"ii::,,-'ld'... N·'... -""+""" I ,e M"I:' 'ifJIoiF[li~'" er.,CureD,au 'e r,. 'th' ,'. e, =M' "'d-l _Of, .ee A~I~e , .'.', ewIL;(]n., OSS '--d'" an. Sa;va_g~B olt ..act ion rUles:, SP'f'lng:fiel d and :!\r[ause:r~Stoc ks he:] d to act ion by bo'l ts,: 'methods of' fi.ttin.g- ... ~:utomati.c -ri,fles and :slhotgun in'Jetting'-·Fi't:ti.ng' :stoc'k 'bolts-'Re-,
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lief at recoil shouiders=-Use of glue in fitting-Forearm tips of buffalo horn, ivory, . etc ..; fitting of same-e-Defects in woods, what to avoid.

PAGE

149
~Iodeli:ng and. final shapiag=-Sight gauges for dro'p-First lay-out 'lines Fitting the
butt plate-s-Attaching the sigbts, sig':hHng in the rifle for zer(}=;=Rllbber recoil pad~ Buffalo-horn butt plate~Tt"ap butt plates, Plain shotgun stock=-Repairs when a bit 't.. id 'P' osr ion o f S.l.lC:·,I th VIse~· Use iti t k m tne · comes out at tne S1 ~ The i I' . e In ay- R oug hung OUt~.of the gun br'ao~U:se of the plane, draw-knife and spoke-shave-s-The stock taking form-e-Undercuts for comb=Forming of cheek piece=-Fttting of' pistol ... grip, cap-'
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-- Working curly maple with sanding drum~IvIaking and Remington type of forearms ..
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Remedy for small imperfections-c-Buffaki-horn tip-s-Shotgun stocks=-Mente Carlo effect-Side: panels=-Side-plate 'nt ting-Finishing- of stocks lvith sandpaper-s- Placing the stock in the Checkering frame for sandiag=-Ralslng the grain-Sandpaper holder
round forearm'S for Winchester

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as the' decD.d:i ng fa ct or' of aceu racy- --·M:@thods used at th·e Sprin~field Armory=-Wood surrounding tang of receiver and trigger guard-; . Fla t under-s urfaces of roceivel"'~ Bearing in the wood-· Full stocked forearm.

Ligh t riflES and accuracy-« Bedding

Colonel Whelen's

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in 'the 'metal portions of the rifle-=-

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stages of the Ilnish=-Cbemicals used. in staining woods-s-Oil :fiinishes'['.'" ..tance Ocf', uslng wood a·'II·" 'U". se 0 r· .ru··tt' .slOUe----. ' Ubb..·' " , d .. ~se .0 f' .' '.' " l'~ . . mpor '..". 1.1, ,ere,[ .R-" . l.ng pa .._ 1"-" m.USUl Experimental
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used for polish ins' buffalo horn-c-Luster un a stock-e- Formula N o, 1 for finishing. Formula No .. 2, Formula No .. ~The mixing of Iormulas=-Formula No.5" Formula No, 6, Formula No, 7·~Ft'ench polish~ The rubbing pad~The spiriting-off 't:p • fi · 'to. co· i'\ proces~'\",loJiln11'" varOiS h". :'.nlSb,~talns .and th __ c_~elr uses--- .."1eL'S--= FIN' " id 'o,rmuas lOS •. 8 an-d ,' 9: stain for maple-Formula Nno 10: stal ns for cherry-s-Lacquer finish.--· Removal. of varnish-c-Buffing-wheel poUsh-·Tlm.e required to complete an oil :hn.isb-Fin.isbing a wheel=-Paate
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Shaping the Springfield sporting stoc'k~FiIst steps In I'emodeliing-The· two reinforcing bolls-Fitting new butt plates=-Raialng the comb on service stocks-Attaching combs and pistol grips-Gluing inlays and insertions-c-The use 0.1 dowels-Marking
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off the drop and other lay-out liD.~s=\\rorkin,.g over the forearm=-Mistakes of the 11... n If:. .. d ama t eur- Th g)U:. -on Ch eex piece-« The mser ted cr 00 k p:lec~1'.,eu.nl· shi ng 1-:: eas on .ne 1- ed ue i ...•. h '" ol -, patches and lnserts-e-Removel of pistol grip on a sho,tgun-Re;sbapin,g forearmsplastic wood ..

Repairing broken stocks-s-Removal

of dents-'Usc

of gunmaker's

she~Jac~Use

of

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CHA'PT'ER

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Firing the rifle to all ne :sigh ts,-.'The tang' apert ure s.,ight-Sigbt, arrangements on mil Itary arms-Selection of front sights-e-The aperture' 'sight applied-c-Aperture sight extensiO'Ds~~Fitting sight bases=- Table of tap slzes=Set-up for drilling bases=-Drfll .. ina and tapplng=-Drilllng hardened actions=-Alinernent of sights-s-Mountlng cocking piece..- Barre! sig,ht bases-- Front sight FanrIJps.-1'e,les'tope ba~e~Fltting telescope, side and top mounte-> The' hunting telescope-c-Ream ing aperture discs-,Fitting 'L.y'""

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'Credit given, manufacturer's, of hand guns=-Pistol grips=-Materials used to make grips ~Sigh~Sigh t ad] ustmen ts-e-Changing and fitting barrels-e- Replacement of parts)Iis,nres-Checkering metal parts+Changin g hammers=Locse screws=-Alteriag rel' R· f' -'h R·]·" 1 1, S' e-snot vo~verg_...,'ea,m'i,n_g b earre 1" S,:O)"' t e use {1'f 8.h -,ot-,:,e' In:Ln.g_revoiver b narrejs-s-omg 1 ,.-.,,'i... t 'pistols, - -General ,bintsl'

:xxJ:-,Problem.s of the T:riqqer :P11B .. ~ .. ;, .. ~,••• '.

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'Tbe hard tl';igg,er pull~ Tbe plain. 'trigger,~ Tbe iiequir!ed trigger pull~ Tbe s t,onin;g
... ,~ fd" '1" S'p ,,,,-..It Ilfiggers-: U.Ise' O,i:snap eaps-~e'air~" 'T'·'rou_'b11 ~l, ''I!... ... ·~es, r" silotg:un a,n': s']ng_e tr1gg:e:'r&==-~-.. ew:lng' up lock 'Ume--,Pr,o blem o'r l,ock 'f ime: and t rig'g'er' 'PUlUS~
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ope'ration_...,.The target revolver--=Study of m,echanhrm by removing -side plates,A,utoma,tic p~,stoils~:B,o]t·,aetion trigg,er puU~ Ta,ke-up~ etc.,~et 'trig'g,ers Shotgun

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Copyin,g objects on tr.acing pap'e'r,~'T'ools ,for etchlng~Scrapers-Burnishers-=Acids or m'ordant~Labeling bot'nes-- Tr,ays-,A'mmo'nia-Sto:p.pin,g",ou,t v,arnishe~Matt[ng

toolslBorder'

to:ols-Dama,skee'n:in,g--" ,Engraved receivers,.

THE MODERN GUNSMITH

Gluing, pieces of woods togethcr-c-Expedmemal of w'Ood~The warp of all woods-Structure
End cheekering-c-Coating
the ends 0,( blanks,

samples-c-Strength in laminated pieces

01 wood=-Selection

or stock blanks-«

ger pulls- ~The number 0 f m ilitary arms to work on-e-Leaf -sight arrangement-> The aperture sight. fit ted-'\\' ork on the Russian=-Remcdel ing the Model 19 'J '7 or En.6eld. rUle-C'o.n vert] ng the Mauser mlli 13ry model, the Ross, the Japanese .Arisake )"[0 de t, 1905,.,the Lee Enfield caliber .303, the Model 18~l3Srringfield caliber ~4$~:70-)J,lak'i:n.g a muzzle -loadin g arm from the !v.I0d-e1 i 873 Sp d IlS n eld,

Pre terence f or bolt-actlon arm s=-Becorning a, mem bel" of the :National Ri fte Assodat'jon~How to remodel ,8 :m'ilitary arm-s-Sight arrangemente=Offhand shoot'in,s-Tri,g"

XVD, --- Fittinq 01: Sigh.ting Equipment~,.., ..~. ... . . . ,.. ~~~.'.'" ,.~..~.. '
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The telescope s.ight,-10pen sight5=--!\pertur e ,si~hts-:FrQnt,sig'hts~ Factory s~ghtsFFiring the ri fle to a Iine sights-l~.hetang apertu re s'jgh.t,~Si,gh.t arrangemen ts 011 m iii". tary arms=Selecrlon of' ,fr{Hl't sights-The. aperture sight. appUedL .. Aperture ~;ig'h,t I!x'tiensions-Fitti,ng sight bases-'T,abl,e of tap si,ze.s-Se't~'up for drilling bases-s-Drilling and. tapping-c-Dnlling hardened actions-e-Alinement of s'i~hts-",,'Iounting cocking: ~, B h' 'ase;s-....._ rom t s · I!..,' r,am'p~_' 'T erescope b F' " ~gu( 11 . plece---·arrea I Slg~,t b" ,:ases-=: F""t~ h.ll'n.ge t 11 reseope, s.ide and top mounts-The hunting telescope-c-Reaming aperture d:i~'Fittin.g Lyman 48 sight ..
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xvm ~

Replacem.e:nt of S:mau 'Working: Parts" '. '.' ~,~ ~•• ,~ ..~• The cause of 'fric,tion..,...._Determining tclerance-s-Pinish on working parts=-Patlence and care In fitting- Lubricated surrace=-Tbe lal)pin~ operatlon 'in fitting~Fitt'ing the hinge bolt,
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u--d~d .. XIX-;nU;U .,!&v.,~.&Uq 'CID.·'·

Fuels fOf' the forg~""e'ld'iDg' heat=-Fhixes tor weldlng=-Hardening and tiempering~ Tempering kni'fe bladesTe:mper·n,g firing' pins and e'x,lractors-=Q'uenc'hl'ng' baths~n heating ba'thr--,The potassium D'j tra te bath-The lead hath -- To restore burnt :steel-=- To anneal steel-To blue steel,._.To remove the blue color-e-Test 'for good steels=Case-hardenlng-s31ethods used in earlier' t imes .. Blacksmfth's equipment-e-The 'forge-Air

pressure

Credi t. gi "en manu facturers of band ,g:uns-----Pistol grip,s

-Sigbts~<;"ight
volvers=-Reamlng barrels fo'l~the usc of sbot-R:eUning

adjus.t'menl:s-C,ha,uging and fitting barrels=Replacement of parts1\1is.Jire5--=Checkeri:ng: meta I part s=-Changing bammers-s-Loose screw5=-Alter.lILg' re ...
pistols=-Genera 1 hi n ts,

~. a teria Is. u sen tn make grips

revolver barrels-Singl,e ... shot

XXI _

'~,bI·:-··8""""'a '0' a:[t..'I

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T~-n'·:gI"lQP '......,.1'1"''''.:,3'.'' .,..!~ p- -llI: ... t. The hard trigger pun~ The' plain trlgger=-The required trigger puU~ The stoning operation-c-The target revolver-s-Study of mechanism by removing side p]ates~ Automatic pistols-"Dol t.. ction trigger puUs- Take-up, etc.,~Set· tngger s=-Shot gun, a triggers+Use of snap C8'pS.,-- Sear-Troubles of shotgun and si ngle t.ri,ggers-Speeding
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Copying objects, on t,ra,cing paper-> Tools for etc,'hi'ng~Scrape~Bumisbers-Ac:ids or mordants=La bel i,rllI bottles- Tr'aYS-i\mmon~a-Stapping'-out vam,islles-=--- )'1'at,ti:ng tools=- Border tool~ Damaskeen lrn.g-:E ngra ved recei vers,

CONTENTS,
XXIII' CHAPTER

;adU

PAG-E

Sbippin.;r ,ACti,ODS;f Oiling and Minor Repairs ~. Bolt-action riflee= Polishing parte-s-Stoning parts-e-Tc
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semble the bolt=-The shotgun-c-Oiling arms-Handling assem bling single triggers-s- U se of the sp ring vise
4

dismount the bolt-e-Tc

parts=-Assembling

as-

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XXIV _, M"mor Repairs and Adj ustmen

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The use of a gun.-SkilfuBy removing a worn muzzle=Lapping a muzzle-Poor igni tion-- Al tera tion on single-shot acti ons,- Al tera tion on Martini action ~Spri ngfield bolt stop, screw positions-Attaching temporary sights for sighting in ..

xxv ........... Miscellaneous

Fonnulas and Methods Gunmaker's shellac-e-Gun oiI-- Means 'Of wa ter-proofing outdoor garments-e-Miscellaneous lubricants-Fixed oils and fats=-Brown or thickened oil-s-Rosin oil-Soap
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and grease lub rican ts=-Ad ul fer ants->- Testi ng oil~ Powder salven t- M etal- f ou 1ing solution-s- M ercury-s-Sul f UT easts- Patterns-c-Glue for patterns=-Shrinkage draft for patterus-e-Allowance for .G nish=-Gl ue~Gunnlaker'~ gl ue=-Shellac varnish-Steaming woods for bending-Louse wood screws=-Testlng iron and steel-s-Home-made drill press=Where colors come from=-Useful information,

XXVI- Soldering.. Brazinq ,and Weldinq '.. . . . . ..; . . . . . . . ~. . ~. .,~~. ..~"~.

Soldering-e-The

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fluxes-s-Scldering liq uids--==Soft solders->- Hard soldering and b razing sweating-Fluxes for soldering-Alloys for brazing solders-s-Silver solde,r-Autogenous weldlng=-Directlons in the use of a welding outfit-Oxy-acetylene tcrch-> Adjusting the torch: size tips to use--Preheating welding steel-s-Welding brass-a-Cutting metals with oxldizing fiame=-Operatlng the cutting torch- High and low pressure

torches ..

XXW .......... Repair Kits aad Devices. " . . ... . . . ... Field

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Planning the repair kit-Repairs to brok en stocks-a-Action or top-lever breaks-> Dents in shotgun barrels-Repairs to bolt-action rifles=-Sigbts-c-Obstructions in barrels.

xxvm -

Experimental
The

Factors Governing

,Small"amlS, Ammuni.tion,. " . '...

arms=-The

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37'5

cartridge

case-Primer pcckets-e-Automatic

Factors in rifle shooting-Standard telescope mental factors-Designs of the future. XXIX _'... h -" .J.Y""ec~1Ca'

sight--

rifle and accuracy-> Factory layout-s-Bullet expert-

past and present.

I D·_l!_!u- ons an d Phr asee. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~. . .,~~. :au.&u· .- . .Glossary complied to assist in the understanding of shop terms. used. by gunmakers,
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Directory:btdex --- See end of Volume II,

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,ILL,USTRATIONS - Volu'me I
".JGURE, Th e a, ",t workshi' p, whr" ,e o"e spen d s many le,isT e- 'b-ours, , .. ,' . n -', '-'-" -, ~ "tt'i,' ,. ~ e ~'_U. , , 1,. Tool, maker's angle pta te. . . , . . ,', , . , . . ... . . . . . '". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,. Wood bit for brace-in tended -f o-r wood only. . . ....",," .,.,. . __ . :3;; Checkering tool designs. '". . . . ,.,.. , " . , , " " ....... ... . . . . , . '. " . 4.. l\filling cutters f Qr rna king checkering tools . , . . . , .' _. . . . . ' " , '. S.. Wood ,goug'e~a.s.ily made from flrtU rud .. , . , , , ' _. , , . , .... __, . ' , . " ....
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how leaf-sight bases are applied to sporting arms ... " , " , , . , , .. Spe.cial extensions for aperture sights. .. , , , , , , ,; .. , , " , . , .. ; ; . ~.' .. , Lyman 103 sight mounted on the end of a Springfield .30 ..03 bolt sleeve. , Drining [ig foe placlng telescope blocks on rifle barrels -.,""'.. '.. - , . , .. , .. RUle bore. 81ghling instrum.ent '. ~. ... . . . ~~~. .., - - - ~~, ~. . ~. ~~~, Spr,ing,(le1d Model 1.903 riBc designed for M'r.. Charles 'G" King .. , Remodeled Sp,ringfiel.d rifl]c!, Model 1'QO'.3 ,,~ith complete s·igbt equipme:n:t ' '. , " " ,, , Hand. ftt ling operartion un .s,maUparts :as performed m the .~a:g,e a,rms 'pJl.aDts. . . , . . . " ,. '".. " . . ., , " - . . . " '" r
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INTRODUCTION

Purely I'or the, Am,ateur

The Modern Gunsmith

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in 'writi,cg this 'book is to bring , ,'. ---- the enthralling business of gunsmithing - into the' life and down to the abilities- of the every-day gun lover who has a mechanical mind and an aptitude in the use 0 f tools. I hope to lead him step by step to attai nments worthy of a professional mechan ic, and eventually to a. place where he "Tin be able 'to do all the things necessary in the production of a complete- arm. With this, in view, I shan devote this introduction purely to the amateur wh.o knows little about gun making, but who has the desire and the ambition to learn. and to achieve. I believe that the best place to make a start is ill Id ~ renova tlUll. T" -, earmg d ,own an 01 gun, removing th e rust and dirt of yea r5,. and replacing each part, gi.ves. one a direct knowledge nf its components, their uses and fu nctions, that a st udy of' dra 'W ings can never impart. Spending lei sure time 0 n an old m uazle .. oa ding l h '.. ,,',gives .. nifleo, f tl e ea I'1Y peno d ulves a startt ! crea trve _ star 1n we rk, and when carrie d out scien tificall y i5, profitabl · ~ both h ~d d no Ita", e In many ways, 1 keepmg b -- mmn ann b d- y acti ve The ins tinet to create is resis tless; as children; with unskilled. fingers, we patiently try to build with toys the. conccp ts 0 f our fertile imaginations: still with determination we conti nue, even tho failure is, repeated many times. ,As 'men, most of us still have that instinct to b uil d, tho many lose it in .la.ter years thro ugh lack 0 f the. right en vironment, 'Ve ha vt: learned that direct teaching in childhood furnishes the best foundation for our 'hobbies in later life; exclusive of bridge and golf~ t\VU national pastimes frowned upon by those with ere a tive a bil ity....-.-s ncb instr u.c tion is too u f ten Iack-

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How strange to be born 'without the desire to

direct one's hands by the mind to create an object or bring a worn article back to its original condition ~ Reno vati on, as a start: beginning with an old piece of furniture, i( no better object can be found. Do not harbor the: impression that a hob by ~' must be creati ve, or inventi ve ~ or must be a benefit .. to home, office, or mankind, Most 0 f us are just poor weak crea t ures, imp roving on the ideas of va ~

thing materializes=-tho -by giving peace of mind and body. Living in large cities, in apartment houses, and having rapid, easy tr ansporta tio n, as well as stores that sen or procure lor the customer everything from toothpicks to ready-made cottages, the modern youth has entered a sta te of decadence that his fo refathers would have, looked upon with outspoken condemnation, The object of one's de-sires is h anded to. him without the, slightes t effort on his pa r t-----.c.oil:lpl ete, and even del ivered ~ Wants tha t sixty years ago would have meant labor and selfdenial, are 11ow' snppl ied wi th au t t urning one 's hand: and. the re sul t is a regret ta ble decl ine in knowledge of the. simplest tool s. Th is m,ay mean, more to the human race than one would care to. ~ckno"vledge, for the best definition of man is that he is .c', the tool-using animal," In the large cities today it is very rare to encounter a person who can use the, simple hand tools, Where this loss of skill finc S 1t8 sa.·.:,.est expression IS In tr e management " 0 f d~ dd ...... h . '. our- h 0 bbires, Th '0 ne th ng In lif e 'VIt h. an a ppea 1 Lhe tm _1 __ strong enough to lend encouragement in. the battle of existence is missing; unoccupied time becomes poisonous and injurious to home and happiness. Hobbies have saved many men by keeping them sane, If you do not aJready have one, find 0 ne to r your-self and ride it-whether it be firearms or something quite different. Many may not be capable of even thinking up an adventure and pursui ng it in th eir presen t environment; but the re is a \vide range to choose from-s-collecti 11g minerals, j eweIry , pip e.s books 1 old money , antiques, stamps, china, glass, etchi ngs, art, etc. This, list could he lengthened and still one could find some other thing that would serve to keep him sane, If nothing else
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From a humble start 'SOIneit may benefit only yourself

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3
-

THE MODERN GUNSMITH

jaws to prevent marring the barrel by' the hardened ja ws of the vise J and \lor lth a lar ge wrench, UnSCie\V rr k. the . breech _ plu .f':i." You m a'y h a--'- t-0 dV',a· th. e- b atre 1 .•. . ~_ .'. --' 'v..e .' - -. end in kerosene before you can 'move the plug, and in some cases heat will have to be applied by means' to the lover of tools it offers the possibility of · spen dimg many b__ ours 0f" enjoya hi e labor in its 0-£ a gasoline blow-torch. With the plug removed, _ ~you will have comple te access. to the bore, and will renovation. In the eastern part of the U ni ted States 'One can be able to see its condition and to go intelligently ,bo 0 ,t' a.·' '.U t- it --_;jC·__:ri n g . '''ii 1' h the barrel:..<work ~_ 'VLL.l_ple t ed I!S _" :1;'" _ ~\.. .. r.__ c .. .. often find these old arms in unexpected. places, They' lUI k in old attics. and can be purchased on 'you will remove the lock and "furniture" by unvery reasonable terms" considering thei r value from. screwing the side plate, and this "'111have: your next the viewpoin t of the collet: tu r. M an y can. be a tten tion, J f you decide to d ism nun t th e Iock, you will have to devise a little gadget to compress and secured in antique shops while others can be purhold the mainspring in tension in removing and chased from indi viduals in whose families they have been for many years; handed down from. replacing it. 0 lily the f urni tare will not be at ... tached to the stock. . generation to generation. Often interesting history 'I': h Secunng one IS 'In .. .. Per ha ps you have a 2.5-20 single-shot '\N"" inchester WI_.Ii accompany' the weapon. _.'. ~ "f) h · -avmg e·, itself enough to inspire you to lay p lan.s for its com- nne h .. a worn muzz '1' poor sights, ,3. trigger plete renovation, The older the arm the- more the pull that needs stoning, an action. that needs polishing, and a stock and forearm that a. re not j ust barrel is rusted and worn. Parts have been made right" 1f you have not discovered these defects by the former owners or by local gunsmiths, The be forehand, you. wi.ll in actual shoo ting on the stock may be broken or rotten in, places; broken stocks often require the making of new ones, but. range, where they will be revealed in the target you produce. in any case the repairs to the old ones are likely Let us suppose that the groups are all in a to tax one's ingenui ty . ~ ew pieces of woo d tan twelve-inch circle atone hundred yards, You know often be set i.m, matching the old wood so 'well that it is hard to de teet where the. repai rs were 111ade ~ tha t you can hold a Iit tle better than this, so the :r - -.- . - bl -..ill · first trouble you - WI I00·k f'or 1S aa' b dl'y worn AU the metal parts and brass furniture will need polishing.. (The term "f urni t lire'; is used lor the muzzle ~ Ii this should be the case~ cutoff from trigger guard, pa tch box, butt pla te, e tc. ) The one- hal f to one in ch wi th a hack -saw and fil e th e wood screws will need to be- renewed; likewise the muzzle ,square, using a. small try -square having ,. · a thin knife-edze blade. File so that ~ vou cannot k eeper pms, an.d 1ron screws. b~ · As all guns are merely mechanisms for exploding see any' light under the blade, or as close as pos ... sible to square, by checking 'from all four points a charge and directing a bullet, you will be surprised how constant these functions are and how little on the end of barrel. With a 60..degree countersink, just break the edges 0 f the rifling. When change has taken place in centuries, The names, thiIS- IS· fi -- h· dv .p ocee.o t l- -- th ea.rre!.-- - '11- as d e·- ,.n~.s._:e ~ oroc .". d "_ap . . b . even of the Important parts of gun mechanisms; ~ ' 'I!-. t X'V'III v .~ ha ve persisted from the days of the flint-lock to our scrl'b _e'{I' In C"'O.naper ~ '.' .' , 1T 0.]·ume II If the rifle is not equipped with a marine-type own times. Soi f YOU:r M r, Beginne r, ha ve care fully fron t sight, make one the same height. as the old noted the function and. uses of all. the parts you have diissectecd m G'ran d-ad- ~5 0ld squirrei-gun, you h ave sight, but about .09 inch 'Wide, Now' take it out. to i '.' ... __.'. .. 1 " .-. . the range agai n and fire for groups, You will be gone a long way into the science of gunmaking and win recognize the similari ty ~even in the differences, surprised to see how the groups have been reduced, "1 for nine times ou 1. of ten this, opera tion will bri ng h w.en you exarrune th.e Vita. s at.f. th lTIO.d ern b ~1... re ureecnnew life back into even some of the old muzzleloader .. If Grandad's old gun is available) let us start on loaders that look from the muzzle as tho they had a hexagon bore. that ,. Almost. surely' it win not be' quite COInplete; some parts will be missing Of wurn, Let us see what After you have b tea thed this new life into the you can do, First, strip it down by removing the rifte, so to speak ~ you will 'find tha t you have rebarrel f rom the stock. You. 'will find tha tit is leased a hidden spring in yourself" You win realize ..:Pu: J r-ed a"t two' places a cro ss 00'It transve rselv that if it onl.y took a hack-saw, a file, and a. lapping through the fore-end and either a book engaging in rod to Improve an old, neglected barrel, then raisthe false breech, or as is more common, a screw ing. the comb or making a new forearm will do infini tel y more, Place the sling swivels in a. better running downw-ard through the tailor tang' of the . -iti - - id - - - egln u nu ;- t ._ . _'5 breech-pl ug into the stock, Place the barrel in po~n IOU an you beei -- t. 0 find- thsa· r esu Its are'
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dlIrec te d serious 1y a1ong met hani 1 I~ W1 _. reveai1 amca met; ·11 tha t you are not nearl ~l so helpless as- you supposed, Many a man-s-and woman, too-has an uns uspected a pti tude f or tools, An old muzzleloading rifle may look hopeless to the layman, but
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obtained

of wJJi.ch you never dreamed

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capable, It will be well to overcome the desire to create the work of an artist and be content to face the problems of appren ticeship, Start by praeti sing on the- mortlsi ng of a piece of metal into a piece of wood, It does not. matte-r what you pick, up in the form of a metal piece, but try to fit i.t In so that there' 'will be no openings around the metal, If you are successful, try anything that has an odd shape:

tools the.t I discovered were needed and unobtainab le. From then on things 'were better organized, but as I recall those days, I cannot help wishing that I had been able to turn to the pages of a book. such. as this, We all make- a good many mistakes in the, be.. ginning. Even 'today' I make some that cost 'me a
'lot of time and, money to repair. Do not try to k tor '. gunmas 109 t: IS cannot - 'be aki hl IU sh your worx, f .. in ':. done" Gunsmithing, w hile it is a trade in itsel i~ is

takes will creep in now and then .. Before taking a firearm apart, study its construcskill, especially in the build ing o f a stock." Study tion, and through. simple reasoni ng, figure out why the methods not only of men familiar with the par- the manufacturer made it in that particular 'way,. ticular problems of gun work, but also those of There is a: reason for every screw placed in 8· mecabinet 'makers, pattern, 'makers" and musical-instruchanical device, Many automatic pistols come to . sh .. ment mak ers, for you can learn some things f rom a'lI my snop.. a,f· t'!, ... - ... ey' 'bave be en. t a ker a,par., an.,· l oc~,er th _ .. .. .. . ten ,. .. t· .. d . of these trades, Naturally, wflod work is easier fer casiona 11y when I receive. such arms they are bemost oJ us than metal work; for wood work requires yond all hope of repair. When the beginner is inartistic. ability, instinct; and forethought, while doubt, he should consult someone 'who knows, for metal work requires a sound knowledge of its own it does not pay to blunder ahead without thinking particular science .. what the various parts are for, But once you have A t first, file out your checkering tools from urn .. gained a good understanding of the principles of brella staves, Bend the staves and file fine teeth, the firearms 0 f dlff erent makes, you. soon develop In them" just a's in a checkering tool. (one of these, an almost Instinctive knowledge of all the meis only a double saw), and this will give you an chanical, arrangements of the actions and 'Will not idea of keeping lines stralght. Make up a matting hesi tate to d.i sman tie any firearm for the firs t time, tool also, to see the type of design it. will produce on. Remember eacb and every part you remove" . a:nd lt uOWl1 In a, consecutive POSh10:n on th e wor.~ ~ 4' 4,,,'" k wood, Just take a piece of % 6 " ~ J' or 1)~2 square Pill t n ...l~ .. steel, and cut it, off three' or four inches in length .. bench, 00 that the, mechanism 'may be pu.t together File fine teeth or points on the end wi th a. small as it came apart. ~ rt .. thi e1d .. needle-slitting file. It 'Will not be necessary to ., O ne o~ th e mas t Impo.·.an. t thiIngs In .'_:~']6'11.--.' ' IS f ... harden this temporary- tool. Try it on a piece of a clear understand! ng 0 f firearms, and the reloading wood by tapping it lightly with a small hammer of ammunitions, not only of the firearms you own, too see the effects brough t out on. the wood, but of others as well. Read the books dealing with As 'I look back upon my own start, I remember these pro blems from the pens of such authors as well the experiences I had ~ I bought no tools ex- 'Whelen, Crossman, Mattern, Greener, etc.; and cept a small vise 'for which I 'paid, two dollars. a Iso re ference gumes sue a') th e mae hnnery , and '. id ch .. h The bench was constructed of light boards" and had books and texts 'by' Fred H~, Corbin and Frank ,A. a rockmg-chair motion wh,m I tried to do any work, Stan1ey'.. Such books as these deal with shop peaton, it.~ My wood chisels 'were made from ,%ff :x 6" tise and tile' general. principles of' mechanics .. It , drill rod" These 'were as bad as the bench and the will be well to S tar t a library not 0»1y of books, but vise; yet I fitted a Springfield action. into a walnut catalogs as wen, for these contain, a wonderful blank wi. th them, 'Vifh a rasp and a. bastard file, amount of' valuable information, Write for those I shaped IIp the outside, sanded the stock; oiled it" on the list w bich the Directory contains, and you and checkered it with a checkering tool made from will find that th.ey offer a course of study which in the same drill rod, .:_... b eeomes 1n.dlispensa bl e. Th e t0(1I eats og 1:9 .. tal · Ie· . . ··1_ After my first experience I realized, my' requireespecially valuable, for there you will find 'tools znents and began to spend some money for equipthat answer for other purposes than gun work, ment-e-a substantia] bench, a good, swlvel vise, Nearly an the :Ia,rge hardware houses, circulate catachisels, 'brace and bits, planes, good screw-drivers, logs, but it is, doubtful if they wou1d lanyard one fi les and rasps spoke-shaves-rand made 'up special of these to an individual without any business COD,.

a plane and use the checkering tools on sample pieces of walnut. \~l work" I think, requires an almost innate ood

or form and work that until you become so accustomed to, using the tools, that you ha ve complete confidence in yourself, Square' pieces of wood with

. I··. ~ 1· • lli an d mstrument t mainng. ·Y ou mustt specranze In an ... of these, but in changing from, one to another, mls-

really made Up' of a number of specialized branches" such as tool maklng, die maki ng, cabinet maki ng,

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in separate books, but as long as the reader is able to grasp the principles with a clear understanding v .. _'of th e re ason behind v ar ious instru ctions,;::I, he" will .' h d eve Iop ,his lID.tia'ti yeot a pom t- wr ere he can acIS i .. .. complish great progr,ess in the construction and re ... pai r of fi rea rms, Finall y; be sure your ideas are practical and not theoretical, 'for you will spend long hours proving these ideas. Thls is sa tis factory provi ding it does not .run in to too much expense J for by doing it ~ ulti mately you will have gained
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nection, So, for the average person, it is best to secure both Sears, Roebuck and. Montgomery Ward ca talogs, as. these 'Contain ahnos t all the tools and supplies the beginner will, need .. I have spent a. number of years ill gun and ammunition 'work and have gained experience, not only from the standpoint of a small gunsmith's.

If .a

shop, but from a number of' years spent in one of the U S'O Government's largest arsenals and other .. tit to. fine Ins: 1,unons where it was POSSIlbl e to acqin·re a .' re l e world of knowledge in mechanics. I am, passingthis, information to the reader wi tho u t 'concealing any trade secrets, Some subjects could be treated
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E'q,uipmeo't

The W'orkshop,

CH'APTER I
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The W,o:rksltop" Tools" and General Equipm,enl

] f you wish to go 'i nto the construction more elabo~;e~Mf~~H rately you can make your top of I-inch Y'cUow pine, "'_ "I-~"" -, 11· l=I 'g" ~.. . ..~ ,:_~.:' ".. d ., prod uce one's best work'1 the wor kshop should be ,an, cover-, ,It. ?i'1..~.l nlapJ.t~ .l. oor,;"ln~ IQ~d crosswise . '·"11all .,' Jocateed In s - h' ,p"a(;e ,as WI, , '" ,ow concentrenon .. This makes a 'very good hardwood top and will In sue.',~a, ..- ] ~p";a'ce" should ,e ..... aside ~f' ossiblee:l' tue. Ii. ,~ A ~." ., s, 0 u, .', be set aSl.. e, 1, pOSSl ..... ~Lll,;I:.-'il'll Wh.ll last forever. Yellow pine) altho cheaper" soaks up , oil and is never as satisfactory as harder woods .. be in every res pee t best fitted fo r thi s particular type 0 f work. Th e difficulty 0 f US1 ng the aver ag e The suitable slze for a bench is between 34 and :3 6 inches in bei,~ht from the' floor to the top of the basement as a workshop is the lack of proper, natuxirdi'ing nd abou t 24 0ne's .c-'" at " ~'!i.+d'. h ral I.i.~~btan. essential. . element in close " '~n'~k Th ,e b cnc~" accor __ n ~'---' " "". , . .,',., .~, .'. W .. l ,... , '-" ..' -'-d' R", 1:...b '. .~~','._,~,.. each llag-,h..i, shop would 'be Iar better were It 1)'1ced. 'in a well- lDC h',CS. .Ill WI".' tb" ", "',,Uue.r p'l<'!li ...;J 'U' nd ,a win. greatly soften noise. Drawers should be: built ligh ted spare room, pe'Fba:ps in. the a it ic; or, better s till ~ 'there may be a space in. the yard '1.0 erec 1. a and partitioned and attached to. the under side of the top, I'hese V\' iU hold the tools and files 'that" simple _ shed or make an addi don. to the' gar.a.ge~ If one i-slucky enough 'to have: a. suitable ou t... iIdi::ng;;; are not. generally in use" A, sui table rack at the bu this is easily converted into a conveni enr shop ~ back should a lso be built to hold other necessary The important qualities are that it be heated and t ools, such as chisel s~ bi ts, etc .. ven tila ted , that' - the.'. no'~,tur ~~ . ~,,h" b e g. .00d,, an d ); .. .... li,·4g t '.' :', . · .. ..... _ The length of the bench can be governed by the available space, but by all means make it long that it be roomy enough to contain all the' necessary tool s, fix t ures, and supplies, enough" {or you wi ll find that much more space is necessary for all your work than you realized. In. As your Ideas and mistakes are best developed, on fact, if (he reader has In tentions 0:( larger developpaper, it will be 'well to secure a dr,afUllg' board, and to place it in a corner of your 'wo'r'~,shopto- ment" it 'would be best to buad two benches, one' for his wood wQ,rk, and one for his metal work, as, these gether with a Tssquare, 4$ and 60 degree triangles, .' ',. ,. -, .. ff rent . - nnenrs, _,. .. ,.-.. ,(I" fi,nely graduated rule, and an Inexpcnstve set of two types 0:f" wor k require diureren att,t,B'C.h'. , t ~ . ,. ... .. "r'- ~ .', ,'" sueh .as- '\\tses, etc, ora W1tlg instruments. .I"'here you can make a record of: all your Ideas, and, in time you win be: able ,A ~ood bench is absolntel y necessary, and you '. ··~1'11 ·1 i···· 1'~ ltche W,] _,l; ·ft:·, nCl th···, t th·· "a. "ere lS no .. ' b.. SlJ.l llt.te ' :1:""1l..e 1\~.... . ~ SlU stit .• II. to. do any work you want to do with this equipment

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and the men tal picture, before you The Wo,rkbench,-

the necessary 4 x ,4 Yiello\v'-pIne studding, such a.'S en rpen ters use fo.r' 'house framing, for the' legs, maki:n,g each end frame 'wi t11 t \V() u,pr:igh ts a-n.d one crosspiece on top, :and a Ughter' one fasten.ed abou t 10 inches 'from the fl oor" A boar-d can be fastened lengthwi:s,e betw,e,en. the frames:, and. this mak,es ,a

This can he made in various ways. You tau obtain f.actory ... ade, pressed-steel m bench legs, and build 'up a top, 0 r a ny' size, addi ng elabora te detalls jJ yo u are so iuc.lined ~ However, I should advise the beginner to {lest his skill by maklng his own bench in its entirety. 'You can ,get

table Is useless, for it is, important that everything be solid and fastened securely. I do not recommend the purchase of 'wood working ..benches such as are ~ ted ,i 11 hardware ea talogs, fer I wou ld imis
press upon the beginner's
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mind the importance 0,( ..'. .h ., - .' by rep, ncr ~I ' ' ganung tne experience step bv s t·· w.h~ .' b--' 15··done by 'malt in,g' everythl ng possi ble one/ s sel f ..
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handy rack to store scrap 'wood or 111cta)1parts~ The cr'o.sspi,oces can be 'n tted inflo t'h',o 'U·· p'"',r'~,1..-.-'h' -t.·· ,: so .· . g: . s .' that. they malt,e' a neat joint" and c'an be he,ld tOI" g,ether' lVith ,;l11,-mch ca rri,~ge. bolts,,,
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For. the, tIOP'~ eitber g,et a tw·o ..i:nch. plan:k of ,yel10\'1

pi,n,e o:r ,som.e ,bar'dwood

:s,uch, ,as

beech or maple., 9

Too'·, ',I'. L.,f'l'Vout ~ Here ls a necessary ~ too') layou 'l~ given in alphabetical order ~ ~~ib, a. det scriptiO'n 0.( each 'loo1.. This is to give o'ne a, general idea of his tool reqlti rem,ents.. Separate· chapters will deal wi th their use: Alc,Q,hoi J~a1Jt,p-A lamp 0 t1:1is kj n rI can be made A': .-,_.l ea.sLy.. "gum --" -, nlUCI,~l-.--'''b tt] 1I..""'vn a.ge 10. ,e J.utS 'e,e L.__ u~. ueeR '0···· ,I '.', :.- _ :"' ", '..... ' . A _J .~. ;r' ··I''''b.er car ,tfl,d'"ge case can 'bu c'"n it' ··~'ff a'l'!I.d~· a, .....a .~ .. 0,_ . section o,f' this :i nse-r.ted for the' IU be. ,An o'n can m,ay' a1so be used by cutting orf a parl of the taper,ed :spou t and inse'r'ling ,3. wi,cl\,,, The bo,ttom.
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10

THE MODERN GUNSWTH

V-grooves vertically and. horisontally and to drill and tap for clamps, Then make suitable c]a.mps :for ,f:aste:nin.g''the work by means of these 'V... grooves, One 'will find that a plate o:f this nature plays a large part in the layout of new' work and in '(be necessary set,..upe to check measurements, 1 is t

make the' most serviceable of lamps, 0:( course the: appearance 'will not be the' best or to the taste of' chani lde In ms to' a goo d mecnamc, Wh'.0 h as pnc e I "boo; too I 5,;, 1-.. t :" out ,",- "'1'1 rt W_[" answer th ne purpose .. 'The uses 0 f the alcohol [amp are varied: with it you will be, able- to heat all small parts for harden ...
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Tool make:i:s r(lD9'1e plate

ing and bluing, and it will also serve f:or drawing the tern per 0,[ small tools, etc ~ . A ngle P'l,a,te~This is a most useful fixtu re for clam ping parts in laying au t work. The most convenien t si ze is one S inches in height by 2,34 inches in width, Angle plates can be purchased .from, hardware or machinery dealers, The best of' plates can be 'made' by an advanced. student Figure 1. illustrates an, angle plate, It is best to mill the
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also useful for clamping

fee tl y square,

work that 'must, be perAn angle plate, of cast iron is the

most satisfactory, Anvu-~An anvil weighing between, 40 and 80 pounds is one of the most useful appliances in the heat-treating or blacksmithing department, It lViIl be. used, to forge springs, to make special hammers etc, }\ universal bench, anvil wiH also prove very b use, f'IIl~'III 'th e s_:~p.

II,
layout: auger,. Forstner, and center, 'The auger' bits are not expensive, and it will pay to invest i11 a high-grade set, gradua ted between Arbor Prcss=. .. No, 1,YS or No, 2 Greener arbor ~ b ..... f o oroacr mg, puncmng, piercing, ,... hi 'L: '. ~ }~ and 1 inch by sixteen t hs. Forstner bi ts are very press canne usee :~r b straightening, pressing in. pins and bushings, re- useful in gu n work, Unl ike auger bits th~y have no spur :[ 'the center" but are guidJ.ed by a sharp n sizing cartridge cases and bullets, etc, outer d m or cutting edge which makes a hole 'WI th Benc}t: Sto'p's~These are for the 'woodworking a smooth level bottom, These are the most con ... bench and come in handy :f or holding work in place veni en t hits to use for cu t ting out recesses for lock~ while: planing. Several 0.£ these may be placed in line along the top of the' bench, and you. will find in sho tzun s and w herever a flatbo t tomed hole Is rernany uses for them, . quired, These hits are often incorrectly referred Bench. Grinders-The best bench. grinder is the to as "Foster bits.' 'The center bit Is short and is used in gun work only lor starting the hole so that electrically dri ven Apex 34 -horse-power grinder, F orstncr b~ can. b e exactjy I .~ Iocated, ..,jll tuc' _" .''It which has, Y.2 -inch sha fls and takes t'\VO grinding 'wheels. By removing one of the. gri nding wheels 1 If much work is to be done, it 1S best to get all vario us disks fo r cleaning ~ su rfaci ng, poll shing ~ three sets of bi ts. The principal use for boring bits and countless other operations may be substituted, is roughing out 'wood ill the magazine mortises" Hardwood disks, prefer ably oi maple or beech, boring out recesses under ,a trap butt plate, and a a about 9 Inches in. diameter and I inch th ick ~ are number of 51,m.1] r uses in different kinds of wood adaptable to a variety of uses, These must mn wor'k .. One -0:1" two expansion bits, WH:i Ie not a1to, absol u tely true: to preven t vibra tion, By gl u tug gether necessary in gun work t are good add:i tions . sandpaper on the faces -0 f these wheels they can be Fi gu re ,2 shows a. wood bit to be used in a brace .. " used for tIU! ng the, faces of materials, such as bu ffalo horn" ivory, bakelite, and fiber work I t is well to have six or eight of these wheels with sandpaper of' different degrees of fineness gJ ued 'to As th _ '·'1 Id t'hem. ,~, t ey wea.r out" th e,Y are easuy repracen, .. \~lith #2 sandpaper attached you (an rough down ru bber recoil pads" and for fi ni shing yo u can use a Bra:ces~Pj.ck out the, most dependable for use in. 'wheel covered with 10 or =00 sandpaper. With the connection with auger 'bits. It should always be a latter you will ge t a very' fine finish free from ratchet brace, A, Yankee hand drill. wi th a set of scratches, On ivory, bakelite, fiber, and similar small bi ts is also incl uded u nd er this. head, a's; j t is materials, it is, best. to experiment with different one of the 'mast serviceable hand 0011s for d rilling f L ~'lll _ h gracIes 0'.' pa,:per to determi 'Whi ... w,~.Il, produce t., ,C small holes. It is also an aid for drilling in aw'k-~, .:eternnne 'lU,I, .. best resu lts~ This grinder' ,yin talc' the' circe Iar \v a rd places" wi re w heels ~ f elt wheels, 'muslin, can ton flannel; Be v el Prot r acto.r-This Is used for laying out woolen, chamois, buckskin " leather, and sheenskin angles 011 both wood and. metal and also for checkcovered wheels which will be used :in the polishing ing unknown. angles. of steel pa-rts. Bunsen. Durru:.r-This, as well as the alcohol Benck or ,Surlact Plate-i-s; plate 14 x J 4 x J 0 lamp is very useful for' heating or tempering small Inches is essential 'for laying out different things; parts, as a. very' high temperature can 'be obtained. or for forming lip ordinary parts of sheet metal J I ~ is inexpensi ve, and jj ,f gas, con nect ion s are' a vai 1and when necessary, it is something you can pound able ,i s a great con venience, on Instead 0 f using the bench top. Another plate, C ali pers~.L~ set of both inside and outside caliof heavy glass; 12 to 16 inches wide and 40 inches pers, 2, 4, a-nd 6 inches, will be needed, These are long, Is a great convenience, This. should be placed handy for mak in,g quick l11easu remen ts and to cal ~ on a stand. that is perfectly level and can, be used cula te the diameters of work til roughout the opera,.. 'fo.r'a laying-out plate:. ln ," mountinz te]estop€t blocks :!! t ions, One 4-=:l:nm, hermaph rodite caliper Is that , . . .. '. ". ... _' _." -, ." " ':t'J; . -". •... '" for !qua'I"'i:ng'between any' filed Of' machine sections is necessary. This is, for drawing JInes from the of barrels or action work, for laying out stocks to sides of a surface to a given measurement" and is a secure the proper lines of drop and cast-off, and for very useful caliper ~ laying' out sight bases and other parts, Such a Ca,talogs~See Directory ~ large surface -plate 0 f metal is expensi vc, bu t a true Check.oring Tools-« -These too Is are very usc f ul ~ glass plate ,will answer the purposes very well and not only' to place designs on forearms and. pistol 1l ess. cost. :m(IC '1 grips" but Ior other' designs, as welt I magine a. ,B;d's,;_ Three types, of boring bits are necessary ]n sa w, or' ra ther t lVO sma ll sa \V5, abou t ] inch long, ,at
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THE: MODERN GUNSMl'TH

,'ODD FI LEi HANDLE

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PLAN

'CHECKER~ING'

TOOL

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B,ORDER.
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STAR.TING,

E.NGLIS,'H

P,ATTE,RN

TOOL
Fig. 3
Ch.c1l:erlllqi

ENGLISH
tool deaiqll.

'PA TTE'RN

TOOL

the end of a straight piece of steel shank looking like a small tooth-brush, Figure 3 illustrates checkering tools, The double saw can be made by filing it as one thick saw; then cutting a groove, lengthwise to make two 1'0'W'5 of teeth, In using it, one side of the teeth first forms the groove j and afterwards forms the guide, while the other side makes thenext cut. As each first eu t is finished another mark is being made, This insures equal width 0 f cu t, .L.\_ set 0'( checkering tools consists 0 f the bordering tool, laying-out tool, and two checkering tools for each size of checkers, From point to point of the

row tool is the hardest one to make, for it is neces-

sary to get accurate

measurements.

The tools

shown in Figure 4 are for milling the cutting teeth

teeth there should be a distance of .04 and ~045<1 These tools are; made 'from 78·X % drill rod, cutting the rod in 6-inch lengths, heating the end to cherry red and forging the end about 1 inch long at an. angle of about "5, degrees .. I t will be good, prac tise for the stu dent to under .. , take filing out his checkering tools, using a threesquare needle file and measuring from poi nt to point. For fine checkering ( 2 S lines to an inch) they should measure, point to point, .04 inch wide. The' best tools are made wi th three rows of teeth, \VhUe one is cutting J the other Is guiding into the hich __ · groove W,' . has b een ma d e preVIOU sl,Y~ "'T"'1.. '. ee11 He thr

2
Fiq .. 4. Mining cuUers for .makin'q ched:edng

tools

placing them, .,040, .045" .,050, .055, and .. 60 apart The .. 45 tool gives the best results 0 0 and makes the best checkering possl ble on a. stock '. After the grooves are cut in the checkering tools lengthwise, it is easy to file out the cutting teeth. To do it more accurately, have them, milled out and spaced as finely as possible; then file the sides or

accurately;

cutting edges on an angle, sloping well back: the sharp cutting edge on the outside does all the work.

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The teeth may be made almost vertical, er they may

The ordinary carpenters' chisels acre too long and clumsy 'for gun-stocking" but those made for wood carvers are very sui table, especially the short ones made for work in, technical schools, (b) s'" k - cmse ~I Th t....: sh t u ~::oc set ..... 5,':: .nese arc' a very : :.ort patThe" '. ',' ,1i.;tli; of: th e LI.I~,. aog 1,--, ,", checkering too ,.,.,:L.o·uld be.' 3,0·', tern of carpenters' chisels and are useful in the ·1~ .__ :.._l:J ,1,.:-, .' . .'...l 0. .h ''II degrees on t he side or 6.··.· degrees 0'0 tel ·ncnaded roug ·b,er- 0'~F-atiO'I1'5,You can buy: an ,assortment of angle. 'These angles are the same: as, the threethem, from any hardware company. You, 'wnl need square needle files. The' border tool, may vary ac- a set from yg, up to 1}4 inc-h. You also require a w,rding to the width that is pleasing to 'Ute eye. set of offset pattern-maker's gouges from, to 3A The 'finest checkering does not require a 'border, inch ~varying in. wi dths by 7S inch, for a border is only carried. around the, checkering (c) Gouges: You may have to undertake the 1,.,: ,.. .. ld to cover mistakes, such as the sl ipping of the checkmazing 0, f. your own gouges, as swta_,'_e1 1.115]. eering too] and the, three-Square needle file,.. It is ground. gouges are not available, _ These are made '," .. . iriu ro It: lA" weU:, however to have the beginner use, the border 'f'-rom: di "II ,.""d",S 7-t5, ::\/ .. 74 J ,51 J ,1.£ 11 . l£ ,. ch'.'.,:~ l16, 716 ,7ti:~ 110,,~,72 ,I.DC ..eli. tool 'Until he becomes so adept that never' a mark. The most convenient Iength 'is 4 inches from the will be made outside the outlines o:f the checkering, file handle, File down the drill rod to. a taper -.. .:ij'tO'm" (,. 0'· The end 'w:hicb, is driven into the file, handle' can be, one-'bal f its U:~d'""ieter :on the" '..' end used f·or euttin b ~, :u, .
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them can be made much, finer than on. open-grained. American walnut or softer WOOdSf Eighteen to twenty spaces to the inch is customary i.n using the ,.050 or tO$.5 tool. 'I'he laying-out tool is seldom used", as you 'can lay ou t your work much better with the three-square bent needle 6]e~,
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.",,' it O',A,~~ ,. 1,$ .'-, .asy J -, Say that Y'tl, w~s' t ,'.'space I . ~, ~J, thls IS e'-'-'-'~ as -. a, - O'-'i "~-'h ,0 these scales are gradua ted in sixty ..fou rths, so it is _. only necessary to set over on the second line to % 4: " only .001 over the .04,5, 'which is near eno ugh. I t is very essential that you be' careful in filing these spaces, to, get them the proper width, far if you try' to doctor them 'up by filing the sides 0 f the cutter; you cbange the height-s-one wi:U be high and the other low, and you will have difficulty' in, checkering .. If you do not get just w:hat you \visb at first, 'start over again and get the, width that you desire'.. Circassian, French, and Italian walnu 15 are the easiest woods to checker, and the checkering on
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slope: back g'Ughtly' as outlined .. You can stone these , for the diffe'r'ent woods you are using', for degree' of ·~ he . .... shar,pness IS Important. Af ter cutting the teet h on .. both sidea, heat the, cutter to a bright cherry red and quench in water, polish off wi th emery cloth, and draw the temper to a light straw color. This lieaves it hard, and impossible to touch with a file, If you wish to cut yOlK'" own checkering tools with a three-square needle file, 'lay them out, using the die-maker's square to get 'the first line and esti .. , mating over the di stance that you 'wish to space it.,
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dra.,~; to a, taper so that it. may be more tigh.tly n secured, The length of the tool from 'ferrule, to point should be- between 3 and 4 inches, and ·froni the bend to- the checkering teeth, three ..quarters 0 f

The bent file is made from a die ... maker's escape'r- ,/2 lnc .r: need 1£1;,.c.1~ men'. t. fi; 19 ,0' '_'a 5- IL ~~ h....th're¥ .squaf~ u .~_.~ llL:~ . '._'W,._ ,10 or :J$OO cut, To bend, the files ,at the end, coa t with a mixture of bone-black made into a paste by ""[ H h dbd addi ,'·ng OJ,'. Heat to a cherry red_and ben on a h -.r ··d·' . 1 d',." -""-.'-~ . -:', .' arcd ,woO"_ b,.!Joel .... usmg a _....1~' - hI" S _ca;_) sug t st -,'.' pressure, Coat again with bone-black, reheat to a cherry red, .lI d _,.y ann' d"~ lD_O a b .. sO' U ti ip .. t nrme I aon mane b ,8,d'd"lng' comI: man table, salt to, water. 'This requites very quick. h wort\" ftor t.hie point is so sma II. t ha It _ at "'1 oses_ea._ t rapidly, so everything should, he handy-the fire, the wooden block. and the brine. solution=-for as soon as you. dip the file into the solution, the boneblack comes off and the .rue serrations are at once
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C,msels- These come, under the heading: of fitmer chi sels, socket chisels, bottoming tools, gouges, cold chisels, and carving tools,
(a) Fir,mer chisels:

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14,

THE MO,DERN GUN'SlYDTH grinder, and a considerable variety oi other uses. (a) Cclamps: There are a. varie ty 0 f Ceclamps made" but the most useful is the malleable iron '1-. d b "'l-d s _ _ . uO', y -, UI"" er'... C -cl ._, uamp 'Which comes ,., openings 1-", In f rom 3 to 10. iriches It is essential for the he .. ginner to secure a set of these clamps with. openings of 4, 6, and 10 inches. They are very reasonable in price, and while buying it is wen to get the set. You can also buy the small cast -iron clamps in the five and ten cent store. These COIn'e in handy for a number of things. Even tho they are made of cast iron they serve their purpose very well on small' work. There are a number oi odd forms of clamps you must construct yourself as you find uses, for them. (b) Stearn's 1111 proved bar clam P ~ This is one of the handies t cla m ps 0 f its kind, and comes in various lengths. A five-Ioot clamp is very' convenient for a number of jobs, and can be bought .so reasonably that it does not pay to make it, You can get the shorter clamps of the Stearn's variety for all the work in. the gunshop, ~ ') ·' tt "'I' (, C"' B'·'UL, camp. . A", ,," ' gunsmnr kn ..,. thi severy "'" , ith xnows t ,IS Is a very handy clamp and 'worth making up, It is used largely in stocking shotguns and single-shot I, IL 6· ch I'd n nes, ' ]"h e en d ui pieces are /2 x: I x o-mc co::·. drawn s tee 1- 'i~?';h ~i holes dr illed 4- or S inches apar t, r e On these are' placed two long rB bolts, threaded on each. end, and long enough to reach from the action to the 'butt of the stock blank. Care must be taken in tightening the nut on the opposi te end so that eq ual pressure will be applied, I tis, importan t to eq ualize and tighten. the two nuts at the same time .. Figure 22 ill ustratcs one of these clamps .. (0) Wooden hand-screws: These are very handy for holding sections that fire glued to stocks, also for holdi ng forearms in place; in fact they have: a number of uses on woodwork wh.ere metal clamps
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then file out the radius 01 the cutti.ng edge to the proper size and harden and temper in the usual way. Of course it will be necessary to turn the other end down to a lesser diam eter in, order to drive into convenient-sized file handles. When these tools are made and held to a sharp cutting edge r you will find them very handy on inletting work w here small as well as large radii need to be cut very sharp, Figure 5 illustrates these. (d) Carving tools: The very best carving chisels and gouges are those made by F. V., Addls and Sons of London. They are made from fine Sheffield steel, forged entirely by hand and Bold in this co un ~ try by Hemmacker & Schlemmer and Company in New York 'City", You. 'Will find a number of uses for carvi ng tools, and it is well to invest in a set of these; not only for the eliff erent carving work you may' want to do, bu t also for odd form s that may arise ill th e con stru cti on. 0 f speci al wood wor k. (e) Bottoming tools: These must be hand -made,

as the

0rd i nary

chisel s and carving tooIs wi II nu t

reach the deep cuts required, in the inletting 'Of shotgun actions. Bottoming tools can be made from A x 7'1 G inch drill 'rods and forged and filed to the shape requi red. in any par tic utar job. I tis, necessary to head and forge out the ends, so be very parti cular to keep your heat even and do not at... tempt to forge the steel when it starts to lose its color; hold it at a cherry red as long' as you are working' it. After forging; file it to the desired shape, harden, and drew the temper to a purple. The edges may then be sharpened with an oilstone. Fi le down the shanks and fi t sui ta ble file handles. You win find as you progress that. you win never h ; a .- '. h nave enougo b tt.oming t ..Is.. ,00 (f) Cold chisels: Buy' only' a few of the small sizes; these are very seldom used in gun work, but you. will find a use for very small ones. Save all your needle files, and by using the ends that are held in. the hand, you can mak.e fine chisels, They will hold their edges very well if the temper is dra wn to a ligh t blue ~ The wood chisel is one of the H10.st importan t tools a gunsmith owns" so without the finest of chisels he is absolutely helpless. The ordinary carpenters' chisels can be used by the beginner to get an idea uf what is required, but for the fine inletting of actions into stocks such chisels are really useless, and. good work can never be done 'with these tools, Always bear in mind that tb,ey mus t be beld at a keen razor edge so tha t they will cut the grain any way it may run~ Cla.mps-These are used. for the purpose of attaching horn" glued wooden insets, ebon y, ivory forearm tips: for holding down work on the drill press, for clamping discs, to circular wheels on the
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cannot be 11sed.

(e) Too l-rnaker's par allel clamps:

I t is 'lyeU to

secure sets of these clamps, for they win be much used in metal work, such as holding in place telescope and, sight bases of all kinds and descriptions" and al so for clamping work to face plates, angle
plates J an d la thee face pia tes,

Fiq~ G, Flukld
C:OllDlel'Ilnk

Half col,ll1ten.lnk

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Countersinks-« These are made in. various. angles

-4,5, 6O~and 82 degrees, and are used: for countersinking metal and wood ~ Figures 6 and 7 illustrate f.wo standards used.

mE WORKSHOP TOOL,S. AND GENERAL EQU,IPf4ENT

1

15,

Dies-»- The begi 1111er should secure ro und button dies of the following sizes, together with a suitable die stock, It is wi se to get sets 'made up in these

small convenient sizes:

2=56 J~,56 3-4.8 4-48

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pan'--r ranges f -,' 1;. to 1/ Inc, · -, SIXt' ·,y,·-f'·-our- th s. '. '-", -,~ " " rrom 1160 l:t ' ...h lin ," --) -" This set includes the corresponding taps. A f ull set, 'win be found expedient, Spring D:ividers-/\ set of three tool-maker's · '. ~ rourx dl eg divi (1ers 111- 2 , 4 I, rn Vl -,an." d.t:. u incell SIzes I 'or laying out wor k is necessary ~ Drill Sets' (T'LeJist}=D'IjllSt come in different sizes and are classified as, n urn ber drills J let ter drills, and fractional drills, It is well to buy a full set of them to begin with. Number drills come in sets 'from I to 80; letter drills come in sets from A to Z; and the f ractional ... size drills come from 1/;0 ~ to 1<-. ,-nC'·h 1~ sixty -'10- urth co - If V'- ou intend to ' .n 11 72 d mucn wor 1 r ae sets. or hi h h - ~ mgn-spee: d'...l ~ JLS are __0 tJ' th en l~ best After finding what drills you use most, secure one: or two extra ones, of this number, letter, or fractional size, so that if one is broken your work 'win not 'be delayed. Figu r-es 8. and 9 ill ustra te
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fractional and number sets.

ing is discussed in Chapter XXII.. i\ drill press can be converted. into a mortising machine by putting suitable stops in the proper :locations and can even. be used for facing wood by using endmills where it 'would otherwise he Impossi ble to get \ t\VD faces absolutely par allel to each other ~ A, drill press can also be used as a mi lling machine when you 'wish to file out small cutters or make slots i.11 si gh t bases, shotgun hammers, tumblers, etc. It is also use f ul in places where, it would be di fficul t to fin work in any other manner, such as milling out s toe k for odd inserts 0 f bone, ivory, ebony, and buffalo ho rn One uf the best drill presses for gunmakers on
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the market

today Is the Canedy-Otto, a, motordriven sensi tive drill press, wi th two separ a te tabl es. 'The up'p- er one can be swung out of the, ~
· h ""1 ."' Size were a SImi. ar center IS require d~ Th e centers '. r

way' and the bottom ta ble used. for work of larger

" hi ., ... are .t turntst he d with this macmne, - ,. h hi 'The spindle h _:_85 a f:2 Morrls taper' and is, also adapted to the use of

:Drill sel in nu'mber sizes

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Dtil1 let in lracUOIlal

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Drill and lV'ire Gaugc-starre t t' B #185 gauge is a necessary tool, as you will refer to this more than any other outside 0 f your micrometer, Also ge t a 'fractional -size chart and the let ter-size chart ~ All .__ _ thesc come In. h any f ore -'Ihi'recsmg the dilame t ers 0 f '. d k-' .h __ round stock, and also for measurement when turning wor k in the Ia the, Figure 10 shows f taction al and num bet drill gauges, Drill Pres s-- This is on e of the machines that an ama teu r rea] 1,Y'requires" no toni y Ior dr iHing holes t but for rota ling' work' when filing screw beads ~ '· . ,ng ~ 'I ~ po'11Shi~ rounrd pieces 0.'f' steel, or d .amas k ceentng
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machine if he intends to carry his work to a high degree of perfection. Figure 1 I illustrates. the A v€ ry Drill Press ..

Drill Chuck. .It will be best for the gunsmith to save up his funds and invest in such a a :11:3acobs' J

Delt-a. Sanding Drums-« These are made hy the Delta Supply Company and can be, used on the
of the electric Apex grinders mentioned be' f ore. Th ey can b-e use-d f'or po,HOinng convex .Sh and concave surfaces and for the removal of old spindles
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can, be changed very quickly as it is attached mecha ni.cally. Drtnu K1tiJ.e~The draw' knife is not an essential ~ th .. d,ep it t 00 1 In t e gunsml.·t'h-;S .tIS", b t 1f one IS ,a__ t- In. r S _ ' _ 1I,~ t ",U i use it can be employed to good advan tage in the
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dirt, or rust,

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A',Y'e'r:i tQ~l",'~<)mdl'l't']' PI'e:BS=' Jb~. ess;enii,cd machine :im. gun, S'DO'P"" m,Qchm'8' :lIlho,p,i' or' m.<:Ib<*'1a 11Ory'

frg';" III

Electrical Corn pany of Indianapolis puts nut one of 'the best glue-pots manutactured today, one which is operated on the same principle as the fireless, cooker ~ The pin t size is the most convenient LIST OF FILES FOR THE BEGIN:S-ER, -.. for the small shop, If you do not have an elec1-16 inch round file 1~.12 .,' ," H trical co nnec don" the regular cast ... iron glue-pot 'Will l-- ~ answer the purpose, ve ry well ~ . 6'~ ~~ 1- ,,' , Elec tria Sotdering If01t-'Thi.5 is a grea t conve... 1- -1.2 ,~ fiat Cabiaet rasp ],nience, bu t the' ord {nary sol dering iron. 'win answer 1-12 of' half-round Cabinet rasp the purpose just as well~ An iron of this type is ]-,8. H i!l~ . not used 'Very 0 f ten ill the shop 1 a's 1110S t parts are 2,-12 ,'~ fia t bastard W0S ( 1 [,or metal) 1-12 " "mUI fi]IO (m, :for metal) swea ted, but if one intends to do much work, it is i'- S ,~t: ,',..: ~" ,',~, (l for wood) well to 113-ve on e on hand ~ 1- ,3; ,~~ bastard files (1 for ";!l(a,od) P'il'es-- -A real mechan ic takes grea t pride In his :iU;e!'butard, cut ""-~,V' ,~" ha:~r":~(H.nld t-- 6 ,U ,u U ,i' ,fi.'les,gives them the 'best of care, and when they .l.~' S' ,~I: (Ir'!lJ!i~in, fil~ ,:12 C[I.t are W''Or.n. out, conver ts the m .i nto scrap-ers, chisels, rA: ..;t.'ji, u 1~, ,~, .;;fo.t:: or a.ny' number of: other useful ~ut,i,'c'lJetL I 'wou'ld b assorted n2 rrow 'pruni:r fUes, In di:fiel',en.t (tlj~:$ ,2',-, 6 ,inch ,tbutC-~quare' :W.cs not advise you, 'to make your own files, It is a 1- 2: h '~!'z'ndini :fl~e ;12' eut difficul t. proposltion ca lling f~)r considerable experido.z:., asserted ~;~: Inch need1~ 'n1~$ 1-· 6 ,]neb Ba rrclt file' renee, ,a:nd I do n.ot believe the, results wonld com3, three-sq uare die-sinker's escapement nl\cs pensate fOir' the el'of t, inasmuch as, ready-,made files can fu~ bought :50 reasonably, However, if you It is not necessary' to purchase all the fl'les, on do. need one othe:f than the standard Iine, all that this list at one time, but add. gradually to your Is necessary is to. grind a blank to the desired collectton as you need. tbem Some you will be shape, The experienced file, maker holds a chisel able to find in the five and ten cen t is tore ~
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angle and strlkes a. billow with the proper hammer t raising a burr ~ The chi sel is 'then -"A~:I-'~d·' the burr and the r"o,~',]]o~,,,,!Vii'nOi"CU~, is ),ViJ~~. '! asainst II.~, ,. . _~~~~(~ ! made. :File makers work 'v'ery fast and a,c-cura:te'b~':, and Yl1)'U 'w'H,nild he slllr:I):riz-ed 'to see: just JIOW' qllrkJd.y .3" flat file can be: finished per f'ec,Uy If yo~] i(lOK closely at a 8M SS' file, you. win find the spacing' remarkably even. The best small files are made in Swi tzerl and ~ and they' are entirely cut by hand. 0 co urse the' ]a r ge 'file makers 0 f th~ s country h ave special machines to do this work, but no machine: has ever eq ualed thel r hand work, Files are divided in to d ifferen t ClaSSES: cross-cu t, mill, double-cut, bastard files, and rasps. They are num bered accor ding to their degree of 'fineness, or coarseness=-from ioo to ~6, or from smooth second-cut to coarse and bastard ... t Sin,gle-cu t cu files have :si.t1,gle unbroken, coarse chisel ... cuts across the surface parallel to each other bu t 0blique to the sides, They are' used on lathe work and by the machi nist ~ They are also u sed, by wood WOl' kers and stock makers, Double-cut files are made, coarse', second-cut, smooth, and, bastard, and are cut 'mth two chisel cuts crosslng each other" the second course l~1ithrare ,e:x:ceptions 'being :finer than the first, 'These are especially adapted for 'use :i.n the workshop. Rasps are cu t: course, second-cut, and smooth. They' have' teeth wh:ich are disconnected from one another ~ each tooth being made septalra1te]y by a punch" These are' used by black _, smi ths, plum bers, wood work ers, etc, They are the file s wh ich ro ugh -cut th e s tocks and other irre gular farms w here an edge tool cannot be' used sue,.. cess fully,
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pensi ve addition to your lis t 0f tools, With this convenient brush you can. clean the file of chips. Pile H alldles-l~hese are used in. connection 'With the files, Do not attempt to use files wi thout th ern,
as they cannot. be properly held and are dangerous

.File B'ruslz----.-This is a very necessary yet inex-

as the tang may run into the palm of your hand, thereby inflicting a severe wound. with the possibility of blood poisoning', .Fu:rnace:___",_T.his. may be a. gasoline torch, alcohol torch, blacksmith's .forge, electric or gas furnace, d A gaso I, tore h wu satisfactorily answer t h e neeos me .' "II .. factoril of the novice but as you progress, a gas furnace J or if without gas, a 'blacksmith 's forge' must be added when heat is required to forge steel, and to harden and temper different classes of work,
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Gauges:

(a) Surface gauge: This is the tool maker's type of gauge and is used for laying out work in connection with the surface plate .. (b) Auger ..bit gauge: A device to cl amp on 'wood auger bits to regulate measuring depths of
holes,

(c) Marking gauge; This gauge is a device: to scribe a straight line at a given distance parallel from a side, It is, very' useful in stock work. (d) Depth gauge: A 6... inch Starrett or Brown &. Sharpe depth gauge 'is very handy for measuring distances from surfaces .. (e) Screw-pitch gauge. You must have this essential tool on your list. Procure one that reads up to sixty threads per inch. \\ri til this gauge you do .not have to guess at the threads by counting them 'with a scale as, did the old-timers, That was all right, perhaps, for coarse threads, but practically impossible for fine threads .. (f) Thickness or' feeler gauge: Thi 5 gauge reads from .0015 to ~o.2 It is very useful in checking 5.. the opening between cylinder and barrel on revol vers, and a n urn ber of other places in ~~u work. n H ammers~As you will need so many differen t hammers, you w.HI find that it pays to m ake these as the needs arise, A light hammer is the most useful, so of cou rse .you m us t have one; then. you must have the 'heavier machinist's hammer' for forging; and a hammer with a copper head. The last can be made- easily; and is necessary for re ... moving dents from shotgun barrels and other work that might otherwise be marred, Make a fiber hammer for use on polished surfaces. by securing a inch thin brass tub e 1'¥2 inches long and inserting a piece of round. fiber, letting the fiber project from each end of the tube 114 inch, and fit to a handle. Indicator ........... is only necessary when you This reach the advanced stages of metal work ~ It is

used to get work in balance and to run perfectly true in the- lathe or to check the true sur face on. the laying ..ou t plate. Ladle-s-A small-size ladle is necessary for melting lead for many purposes, such as making bullets or vise jaws, and hardening springs, Lat·he~This is. one tool that is absolutely necessary fur a great deal of important work, It is rather expensive for beginners, but a number of 'small motor-driven Iathes are now available at reasona ble cost. Lat he Do gs~ These ar-e most satls f actory when made by oneself, They are used only on lathe work and for driving work between cen ters .. .11fatting Tools~These are used for matting ramps, sigh t bases, ribs, and for borders in fancy checkering on pistol grips and forearms, They can be bought from a jeweler's supply house (name giyen in 1) irecto ry ), b IIt for ordi na-ry matting' you can easily make your own, The operation may seem puzzling at first, but after you. have become accustomed to their use, it is very simple. Taper ... one end of a %2 square drill rod, file out the end ,..h a sma:II fi n.e· suttmg n·1· JUS.'t as. you wou ld.. '1"" ....e WIt . checker a stock, only ha ve the teeth COBle up sharply. Harden and draw the temper to a ver.y dark straw color. Mallet-The novice must have at least two mallets made-c-one of ra \vhid·e, the other of wood, The rawhide mallet .is the most serviceable, as you can k k use ... in metal1 worr as we 11" In woo d work, 1t as .... M icrometer Sr=: This is, one of the most essential measuring instruments and a tool which can not be
overlooked

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ten -thousandth s of an inch in 1 and 2 inch sizes. The 1 inch micrometer has a measuring range from o to I inch. by thousandths on the sleeve and thim ... hIe scales. With the vernier scale which is on the sleeve, readings in one-ten-thousandths can be secured, The thumb-piece on the end is, provided with a click for securing the correct measurements wi th uniform tension. }IIany' mechanics have ·8 touch so sensitive that the end thimble is seldom used, but for the beginner it is wen to secure the necessa ry pr acti se.. There are other measuring instruments made, such. as the ve rnier caliper ,. and height gauge with the vernier scales for se t ting to the correct measurements, but these are not necessary untik you have advanced to special experimental work. Sud), I· instruments are arso expensive,

cheap one, for in. gun work measurements are req uired as small as one- ten -thousand ths of' an inch" It would be best to buy either a Brown .& Sharpe, or Starrett micrometer, graduated to read

Nor is there any economy in the purchase of a

in the craftsman's

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'must be taken in. 'the ope ration , for accuracy depends 'Very ,largely on bow pcr.fcc:Uy the bullet leaves
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,A satisfactory mi ter box: ,15 casi ly ,.-...1 ,.,I ,.. maae, b rr you ha to d 0 'Vc,ry' rnuch In,,ethng~ but if nave :. __ th muszie, 'Th proper mern ,0d 15 to use' a b 1 th '.' ne rne narre 1- it. would be weU, to procu re the, Perfection Iron. , f'h '1 ]0 d' p I,ug'ano true t ,e ou .,;eo id,6 per f" ect.~y ~ re1'" ~l ation to the J\~H Box " since, wi th this you. can get any angle ter required, bore, and. 'then crown the end 'with. a specially "1 1'1: 'iL O1.~stne's- I~' IS we'11to h'3, ve all Sw iapes an'd sizes 0 t. _ ground Ia the tool to the correct radi us" K ot all amateurs are so fortunate as, to have a Ia the" so of' oilstones, buying them as you need them, One one mus t make a special tool; as, sho wn in Figure 12, tha. t is necessary is the 3 x .2 x 1 inch combina tion w hie h may 'be used in the drl U press" In using thi S of India and Wachita for honing 'wood-working device have some one revolve the press by hand so tools. The coarse India will he found exactly ri,gllt ..c' . r cuuins hardest steel 'i:itr~'t'~... ease, an., ,.ne " -, d t' Ji.U, L lL 6'';'tJ}A na _ ;;d 'lA -- - that yo u can use bu th hands in order to apply the

rk ··.d rec I,ng th ~" W:_en c uttir ng squares. -'" wor , .an",,:di'~'','" th ne saw rh U,' '

M'itc,r Box=-h: trough-shaped form "or holding

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It, can also be' done by using it in a, hand brace, but one must make sure that the ell tter does not chatter while 'revolving ~ A good plan is to have a local machine shop turn up a
proper pressure, "d" " ' e 1." ," ' , a ,'" ~~ " an. th,en fi~"l-'it so that there l a a ti '6 - inch cutting edge, and have the, cutting edges :sIiIRhtly' beveled in opposite sides. Harden and draw 'the tem per to light straw color. Ha ve the cutting edges very sharp, The pllo ts of these tools must 'be stoned or, better still, ground to the exact bore of the rifte~ :rr they are not ground they must he lapped so 'that there are, no tool marks whatever, for a rough pilot: will ream, out the riffing. Great care, therefore, should be sh'OWD, in making
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,\V' ta insures a. keen las ling edge. This stone achi finds its greatest use in sharpening wood-cutting tools. You win also req uire a In y-whlte Wachita 6]1( 2 x 1 inches for the final sharpening. A, carborundum slip-stone with a round. edge for sharpening gouges, radius tools, and carving tools will

these cu tters perfectly smooth and. true, ,M a:gniJyi'ng' GlilSI-:A very handy and inexpensive instrumen t :for the inspection of surf aces" ~: muzz 1 e-tc,..;, as a means 0f' detecting any scars on tes, surfaces and for Insp ectl ng ' the' cutting edge of a .. "F'~' ' ·'1 1 t-- e - ,-e th at .':, a b' d reamer, "one, '. 19ure '1,oJ,']: 1'11..i.isr.at '.' 5 on ,~..:,"~, ca·n he 'made; but. first pure hase a standard jeweler's glass, and set it into the holder shown.
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Carborundum and aloxlte stick rna:)' 'be had in square, triangular, halt-round, round, and pointed. These come in three different grades=f ne, m.edi urn, a nd coar Be gri ts, The Pike India oilstones can be had in a great many odd forms and shapes, There is also the Ar kansas stone in two grits, hard and soft, For the finest wo:r.kthe hard Arkansas stones are best to put the final finish on a hardened surf ace " such as; sear and trigger' WOI.'" k ~reamers, and cutting tools ~ The vari _ OUtS fOTll1i1 are shown in Flgure 14.. Oil C ans------One or two -0 ~ these- are necessa ry .. Patts~Sma.ll ti.n pans, are handy for the reeep'000 of parts when ri fles or shotguns are taken apart, Suitable boxes nUILY be used. Pa.,aUe!S;__ Inespensi ve :para Ilels Cal 11 'hB mad e from cold-drawn steel 6 tu 7' Inches in length in the followl n g sizes:
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also be needed

Jels must be considered,

wor k on the s ur face plate, such as sight bases, ramps, telescope blocks) and a number of other articles. When it comes to fine .precision work, only hardened and ground paralQt.1 t

very necessary to lay

'Y4 inch; .~::x '%. inch; %. x '1/2 inch; ~ x sh. inch; % x '~4inch.; %.x J ~ inches, T'he;se are:
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.Pl'ales-Tbese come under the headmg of bench and angle pla tes, s;urla,ce plates, dowel"p1h'1. plates,
la pping plates, and

stones,

cas t..iron plates for truing oil-

(a) Dowel-pin plates: Figure' 15 shows, ho-w these are made, Thi s is one ,0 f' the most u sefu I tools '10;'the wood-worki D.g 'bench, and. is usually perma nently fastened to one end of the bench, ·\Vb.en you. have holes driUed. and reamed from ~ 6; to % by 7(.~. and }i 6 Inches you can make it dowelpin by sharpening the rough. dowel nearly to size

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better outlines than with a 'wood rasp, There is a (b) Lapping' plates: These are used to Iap a, spoke shave of' orange wood cal led the C~Little made- by_. _ .. -- . -"'J .. true parallel surface .. While' not necessary for the '\l'onder'" -.. ., ,.' W.• Johnson ", of .Newark N"~,Q'w" , beginner, as he ad varices in to fine preclslon war k Jersey,; the stock is of wood. and is perfectly shaped h e 'WL,.;, require two 0 f these p1ates, on-e 0 f Iron an d to get around odd forms; the eu tter is of good "1-11 · one of' lead! The one' of cast iron should be 1 x 10 steel, and you can maintain a good 'elltting edge at x 10 inches with the surfaces, perfectly true, one all times, If the blade should become loose in the side checked about ~, inch apart, and charged hand Ie, all ilia t is necessary to tighten it is to place 'with fine abrasive, 'The lead lapping plat-e is made two wood screws against the tangs of the cutter which g" 'o-"ellil! thro ugh the' h 4U,yI- ,~ U "," ... _ sa 1-'..miaJ'Les ... dle Stanley n t, t. '. _: U ", ,E, so ,.,. - . on a east-iron base .1 x 10 x 10 inches with a number--- ·f··, hok ' d ,rl;oO"ed'110" e ,sur ,ace, ,3b· . ,-'t,:51"71'6 deer -..- '. -OU, .-..... ,_lea ,_. - ," . the '. arf eep, different forms of iron. spoke shaves, and these can 'D' rises T- e cha "pter 0:' n :h J1. ".. then boxed in on aU sides and a, 50~,50 mixture of be, add ed 'W' -n' en the''1i~t:U lead and tin poured until a :tAl..i:nch thickness is st:orJt wor'k eX[)lain s the: use of these in d etail ~ Puncnes-'T1tese come under tile headings of bunt up from the surface of' the cast ..iron plate; this is then planed off smooth ~ You then have pri ck punches, cen ter p unches, d.rift p unches, nail

and 'then f,olrcing it through the requi red-size hole,

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a lapping plate that you can use for nne abrasives nnlv, '1..T sing the emery or dry rou ge on the lead pla te to secure a. very high fi nish on a sur face ~ On the cast ... iron plate, use the finest emery and olive

(c) 01 Istone plate: ,A cast-iron plate 1 x Ifl x '10 inches is planed off 'to a smooth surface and used to true oilstones as they become worn to an uneven ~ surface, It. is impussi hie to du your best 'work with uneven oilstones or stones which have become clogged from use~ so you must true up your stones.
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punches such as the Starretts' automatic adjustable-stroke center punch, but the ones you make yoursel f arc the best. 'Vou will also need a onequarter-inch center punch, and this can be made of drill rod, hardened and, the temper drawn, to a blue, (b) Dri ft punches: These can also be made of miliar with the Jack, plane, block and smoothing planes £rom their general use in all 'wood work. " and % 6 inch drill rod" from '1A. 6 to ~4 inch rick ends, You can have your local machine shop make !i,.JiJL:' ,~. ."<U can P1C Ge--t these three to, beg 'Ii W' '. I·' th a'n d "'1' f y> up some of the old -time wooden planes our fore... a set 0 f these ~ It is also a \i\1",j se policy to have two fathers used, add these to your collection. Some of each size, as you break them 0 ften, For the smaller sizes, dental burrs are the best as they hold work Is still best accomplished with these, Their up very well. 'You 'w-ill find that dental butt's play use in stock work will be discussed, in, Chapter IV. (a) Rabbet planes: As a general rule there is a large part, in gun work, so the next time you go to your dentist, ask ,h.i.mif he has a box of burrs very little call for such a plane in stock work, but that have become too dull lor him, to use any Ior special jobs. outside of stock. wor'k there is often
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Use from 90 to 120 carborundum, and wa ter ~ This cuts the surface of an oilstone 'very fast, and in a short, tlme you have- a perfec t stone agal n Planes, W ood... wor.king~ These, come under the beadings of block" jack, smoothing; and rabbet ,1 anes... A")-l-,i th ese ,. -' .....d .In S '.'-' k an.-, 'cu..' Inet" . p, :'. 0 I, .__ . are use "'. "QC' - " d '. bfn .' k wo:r_'" an d 0-,f· course every one rs more or '1 raiess f
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are those you make yourself from worn Swiss needle files, Yo u can use 'both ends, maki ng them, in. about three-l ncb. lengths, ground round, and the -t emper d rawn to a purp '1e. The next b . iest center punch ,is of ,8, smaller size and made from dental burrs. Altho these burrs are small, they are eonvenient fo["'laying out where fine center' marks are "d-'A~I' h requued. '..S It IS not necessary to dI:raw t:: 'e temper .• on these, you can grind up at least six and place them in ,e, block. Of course you can buy c-enter
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punches or nail sets, and wood punches, (a) Center or prick punches: The best punches

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a place for it, A router pJan,e is a plane-like tool ll~'

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under that name, 'This is used for su rfaeing a. flat bottom 'when you wish to put in an inset as on the forearm, or to rout out a. channel where you wish to. place a special insert. This plane saves a lot
of time,

(b) The spoke shave: You will find this tool one' of the most useful in stock work" There are a

number of' different forms of spoke shaves, and yon e WI~']1 ,. 'rea"dll y b '1 _ 'ec:ome 'l,amI·'1·' '~1.I· " t; el,r' use~ Th_,ey nar lth 'h · , .., _ are Inexpensive and a variety 'will add to your ease in working. If they are kept. at a keen cutting edge they wiH enable you to form up s, stock to, far

Ionger, (,c ) N'aH sets" or mall. punches: j\, set of these can be 'bought very reasonably Have' them annealed. an d the ends, turned down for a length of about 1 inch" Reharden and draw t'he temper to a blue, and polish out the cupped end. These pu nches arc required. to drive the round=headed pins out of fine shotguns, as a cupped punch of this nature does not mar- the ends, (d) \Vood pun-ell es: These punches have cupped
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• b I;;.·k to make the point, The sizes are 'f rom 'li 6 to 114 SIze smaiiii] e r about 111·inch so. tl~e necessary set IS .. r2 from ,#000 to ,#8~ Figure 16 illustrates the '1\VO 'most inch in Y32~ Such punches are used to make a

beaded border on, fancy checkering and runa number

of places to improve the design of wood carving, P<CJ\fislling lii"'lteets~.l r 3'OU have a buffing head or intend to. use one side of your Apex electric grinder, you 'win f nd It necessary to procure the :[ol~owin,g size reqni red, t hen sri nd h. a nd s to'ne 'the cutting: huffilng' ,,,,:hee'ls,, 8 x :1 x 1/2 :i nch hole: musl in; cotton; edge so the hn'te comes to tbe desired size, Shown '.. 'F'"llgure li ,. flannel, woolen, felt, chamois, buckskin, leather, and U~ . 'I",· ' .'_" s"beepsk in, l\J so get an U t ii'~tY ]~~:l1 i oc'tric ~I 01t 0'[" and a small set of polishing wheels, ,as tile' list shows, to polish small 'parts .. T'ap ll~'r,e1~c Jie's-,Add these' to your list along w lth Fiiil~ 1'7 the wrenches to take' the differen t sized taps. Macnln.,e reamer
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Pllers-s-Go to any bardware

store and pick. out You will find them

( d) Engliiii]h broaching

reamers: This is the type

,Reamers~U'nder this heading come hand reamers, ~aper-pin reamers, rose, ehucklng or machine reamers, English broaching reamers, chambering

reamers,

expanding

reamers,

en un ter bores,

and

burnishi ng reamers,

factory, as the rellef is ground, on these reamers ,foF' the every-day needs, while to obtain tbe most satis-far-tory resul [5 you must. stone: a reamer to the cull l,ng' edge t.o g~:t a perfectl y reamed hole, I make rnl€)~t of my reamers and h ave a. good many, ye:~ not a day passes tha 1. .I do not need a, 'new one. Here. I shan on 1y s klm over the reamers and thei r purposes ; In a later cha pter 1 5hall go in to detail ~ (a) Hand reamers: These can he' had in sizes as needed. They come in Sf! ts J rom ~4 to 1 inch e and you will find very little use for the large sizes in gun WfH':" k.,. They can only be used by ha n d~
using a tap wrench to p-ass them through. th~, holes, Never use this form. of reamer in a machine such
i

You will find. that a numb er of years are required to collect all the reamers needed, 10f course it is possi b 1.leto purch ase a great number or reamers, such as the 5 tandard sizes, 'Still these a re not satis-

by watch makers and jewe Iers ~ They com 'e in ~1l1aller sizes than the taper -pin retune rs, so get a f u 11 set of the se, They ' .. ran 1 it .' £. i no t on.'} com.€: ~11. h d y wn ere '1. ~ is n ecessary to n ~" y a small tapered pin, but to ream out sight apertures to. any desi red size. n] Iiam D [xon of N ewark, New" Jersey, ca rri es a full 1ine of sue h tools, (e) Cherries: These are used for' making bullet moulds and must be made specially '~ih.en you have
of tapered reamer used

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(f) Barrel reamers-i-chambering reamers and burnishing reamers: A chapte F on barrel making in the second volume dea s 'w'i th these.

In this type of" reamer the' flutes are slotted and have either a taper' pin or '!Ii'!I,l'l't 0"n the ,e· nd *0' exnand U, tne ·Qu' tee . It is Vie: Iy';' .Jl..il ~.~l!~" JJIJ~ JJt .... seldom used in gun work" and besides is very ex[5::
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for 'hand u:~e ,and th,e Q ther f 0 ['"use in a d,lri n, 'pn:ss or lathe.. Th,\€ ba.nd. 'tieanl,ers ,a,r,ethose '[[lequi:red, by the guns]l1.itb a.nd ,corne in sizes· 'Fronl lOon to :il:l3,. lhr.-.ad, SCf\e'\i\75 and a nurnbtr' 0,[ lot.'ber purposes in, They a r;e so proport i,oned tbat eiach O'v,erjaps t~he ,gu'~~'work ~ Ttl is too~, rn tmst .a~S10 be ,madlc" as, you, ,cannot buy' 'the sizes r.eq'Uir'ed~ A Oat-'bott.o:m,ed d,r-i 1"1' g'lfou~d ~JP~, J 'w'iU a n,S;\\fC'r in a· 'number of' QSCS ... \dl:H~'ret 'he 'lvnr Ii is not bno pa'rtic'ula,r. Coun te:rbores are UJ.s:edin a ,rnmllhe-r of place's on. stock '\¥or.k "\vhe riC:
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(b ) Taper-pin reamers: "Chis class 0 f reamer has a tap er 0 f ~ ~nch per foot or ,0.208 inch per inch ~ There are t\VO classes 0'[ these reamers, oue

as a drill 'PreSB· or lathe

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d riiled hole, so that Ole counterbored section of tbe holle ,,'i.1.~ con~e pc'rfecdy 'true with th!e d:dUed hob~,. 'Thl~y a.re· used bl co n ~lle(:tjon.'Frliith ,HUj.ster·~,
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F!q. Ie, Ta,per--pin rewnellJlf $trgiqht am! !lpuul f1.uted.. The latter
p,:rcdU;C8:B

,!!'~Jleri-~I'~B\llls

a cnu n h~'F bored ho-~e' i:~ r€q u.ired. ,to n.t i:nsets of lbuf'... falo h,orn~ ivory; ,~'~JOI~1y 1 \vll,~re a, driU ~o used ,\votdd break out s]]'vers~an .accidc',E]t 'which rnust not happen on a finished Bto(;k~ You will :fin,rl that counter ..

22

'T.:HE-',' -: '··0-''-'.--_. 'rDM' '<G'" -U'IlI1"S'- ' 'Jl''tiTliH'' : ' .,,111 '1:1:11.,1,,', ,.. ,1"'•. 'D ,~,
1

bores are like reamers ~ .It requi res a, long time (.0 collect a set, 'Figure' ,19' shows ,3 standard coun-

. d n13,'- e -- ,'l'~ . -d' iUan e', -'. . an." ma k-'~." a sma,~, rou.I1:.· :L. ' d' '']-.. , 'f:' romn eith f'r er ony". e] ,: -, .'b' "--,,

terbore,

CouDkI~,e

:niJ~1.9,

fiJ ber, or' hufJalo horn .. The ones you buy are much , too heavy and yo-tIIr lines 'wnl V'3,'r.y \v hen taken f rom a. s traigh t edge: or scale, A 'Vfl"y' good knif e..· ed,ge sc rlber can be made from a worn hack -saw blade ·by' gr:ind.i,n"g 0,& 'the 'teeth and gr:i ndlng the end. to an angle simllar to a fur-cutter's Ifni,fe~; and d .hls is hom~ It to a 'keen e·:ge, T- us l useed l '1 ~ ng ~ , , ]:11. aymg

Rsdes 0' Scoies-« These: come under the' beadings of 'steel 'sea]es, flexible scales, boxwood rules, etc,
;ii:' •

hundred ths, Also, one heavy yardstick and a five= foot folding rule to measure any desired length 1~ ,12- inch flexible rule' 'can 'be used for laying out be checkering and other laying-out 'work" also to se,,cure l~'C·'DO";'~"Ii~· d'~'!..G ',~'" to '~if'Ul,.t'i',~, I" ,·1 teIeseope blocks: 'V.. . llstances .;J1t-- .... ~ in fact" 'these, two scales are used more than an.y other measuring instrument,
'!l.r, ,_,

~ "1!"' ~ h~ f" Everyone IS .'f',am.l~~)arwit -h. tllsorm 0:.1. measuring instrumen tt Pu rchase one 6... inch and one 12' -Inch flexible-seale rule, graduated in sixty-fourths and

out. lmnes on wood wor k J' snch as you I.8:Y' out for the beginning of a. stock, Serai'g ht Edge-« Figure .2 0 ill ustrates a st raigh ted U" ---- -'. '·f: ird .'. d . . nee "Qe, 'T'h - ''- cane b ma_d e· o_~ lR h..ar woo-". 0····..~.Lese -.: . of their uses is to determine the amoun t of drop and. pi tch of a rlfle 'I'his is easily measured 'by f asten in g a thin piece 10 inches long tran sversely
tho

I.

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'.

Scratc n' ,Brush-This, i,s used to prepare surfaces for the bluing operation and is, obtainable at gunparts stJppi,y· houses, See Directory,
tial too] s, so by an means ha ve a good supply, ranging from the small jeweler's screw ..d F'i ver to a \ large ~ ang' one f'OI removing bu t: t screws, '5 nth as bold the' action 'to the stock in Remington Ballard, and Winchester rlfles, The best screw-d rivers are those 'made from octagon chisel 5:tee~., short in length and wit'b a large file, ,:band'] eat tached, Very good ones are also made f rom d:r~~]rod, bu.t when :it comes to 1 str 'enzth the octaeon chisel s~e·e·~old ~ I·p-·' b est '0._.IL " .·'[lrjl~,,_I, .,...:...:.~' .... I~- ·ei."·li· :. f~: '!l h i,' . .~ all Spend a dav makina uo a.. good ., .._:_ :II- such as set "J ','_', I,Oi . I[t,'"_ ;.... ..
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at one end,

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Scree-drieers-« These are ,an~ongthe most essen-

metal work you 'w:ill need a, hack ... saw measuring about 1- 2-':': inches :T- here TIiI'iIj'=i!'iI'';I;·Y" d "·l,t~.:li;Ij~'Iji,t·'kin d :~ . ,U ,".. . of hack-saw frames and it is, best to suit your own taste: in this respect, However, be sure 'to obtain the best, as a hack-saw plays a" great part in the
.1 I,IJ,-,~~'!I ,- ... ..

depar unent you w Hl need. two 3j'i,-'-' d-s ;.,".' ','. -" .. ~ ...... ' ,-:, '~-. ·d·' '-." '- ",.',"t-r "ff:' ... : ~'-~' ..n h·anu saws, one ' r,~,psaw, ann · one. C,D.· 0.· ~ saw, '1 the
',\Y00 d-werking
III . ot".il\"'oO, ~~. 1~IIL~A::I;~~IIlII·· . I IIJj ~\IL ~,JLI

saws, jewel ers' hack -sa lIYS, ()):ping

.sm'1s~·Under ,this ,beading: are hand-saws, hack:$8 \YS"

etc.

For

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gu nsmlth's trade, Buy ,only the best blades, such Figu re 21 inust rates, You win fi nd that it pays, as the Atkins silver-steel blades with teeth from 2'10 in the end; for screws that are put in at the factory to 32 per incb, the fine teeth for thin metal and the are very" t[gh.t and their removal requires a, driver coarse teeth for' wood and :8.teel, Also get a properly fi tted to, the, width of the slot If: it does lewelers' hack-saw frame with a large selection of not fit and the driver should slip, the result will be blades, These blades only cost 10¢ per dozen, so a. badly marred head, Y au will fi,n:d that on. all have a dozen. of each gr ad e on. hand, A, coping shotguns the screw 5'10 ts are very narrow and the saw is. also very' useful in wood wor k, and these are screws very tight 'These screws have" been set up ith Y· must. very reasonably p. riced, wit . ,8; ,S\t,fle'w dri -u n,ver"i'b'i, useu,...7 •.fil. a b t ,tlliCC';;. \,'ou
iI?'e"'~ r~ ' ..,' S,.rr;L.Il"iI:"~",_",:T-lb,··,e' Di'liISt-· 0" iU!,;I 'a·'I.'" im··c··a·,d.-e. £'---'0'-m 60-, ",U!Lr1l' .,) " ., ,r jC "",.. •

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burrs by gri,nding' a very' 'sha:r.p 'point on. ,one o:f th.e small burrs:; t.h.en :s:lone' I,be' poi nt to a .sharp edge:
J
" ..11

-then 'make a set of tbese f"rom octagon ,chiseI 'steel 'with the end :fllcd to :fit the scre'\v and with()~,tt:u,t,)' :h-"-,, b"·'·iI!o- '·,t ta.y6r" e, ,w"en . you t· - ,- ,8, c:--- -'.' ...:_fIver-, '~'_It, }. jQI'" -ape'l" ,;)crcw d"---" ,,·.JJ,-'

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Strai9bt ... &dp, for checking p~Jtcb '(l~ tilles

'COld.

'THE WO,KESBOP,., TOOLS. ,AND GENERAL E'QUlPMENT ~,"'"

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1C!,.'w-dr.ivem 'used in CJUD 'wode

2,4

T,HE MODERN

GUNS:MITH
small knife-edge square to check work with. the: 'These tools are especially necessary

the screw, ~ the best is a short untapered end, larger sq uare. \\i""hen pressure is applied with the brace." the screw in metal work, (e,) Carpen ter's square: One with a six-inch 'starts at .once.. Screw-drivers o.r all kinds can be obtained from, blade 'lor sq uaring' actions and layi ng out stocks. Tongs and Tweezers-,These are essential and. it hardware stores, but ir you buy these you 'will find, . that they are not suitable Ior gun work, so hy all is well to eq ui p the forgi ng section of the shop with: y' mes ns make your own, When ,'ou become' aca ~ . ,._ ... ,_ _ __. 1 pair 8 indl f o,Jding 'longs cus tomed to the use of screw-driver bits you win 1 ~~ 1,2 or 14 Inch beat c,rueible to.ngs use, them at a'll Urnes for the' s'larting: of .a11 guard 1 14 Qf 16 hull Lent cru('ible tongs J!. 14 or 16 inch bent steel crucible tongs ",ith screws, large-size shotgun screws, and other screws, ring Experience win teach you to respect screws that

causes considerable spri ng when pressure is put on

H H

considerable amount of repetitlon work in. the pro- ~ duction line a,nd, W'"l":""L to" ,O'"'3l·,-·,e: tir ...... _. _.. ...::.w. ,~v .lme In '1.....,,' Idylng ou :t certain parts, especially when. more than one person works on. tha t operation, .. templet is necessary in 4. all classes _ of d'I......work . bef 0, re vou ca< .' ge·t· th e ul.t i_' e _ ..... , 'J n .__ . mate form, that the, die: is to produce. For instance, if :you. w'ere to make dies for a butt plate" the 'first arm 'IS~, die you, would make 'would be the forming die' to St:oo,ls.~e or two wooden. stools made tOI the' produce the proper length, width, and form, you proper height are' necessary at times when you have wish the pla te to assume" You would then make bench 'work which is done more conveniently vlhHe the' necessary try-on ts on your forming die until you had the correct form, From each piece you file sitting down-such. as laying-out work~ out you would scribe off the outlines on another Squares~'These COttle under the headings of combination squares, die-makers; squares, tri ... piece o f metal until you have the perfect fo rm, This would be filed out and used as a templet to squares ~ and sol Id steel sq ua res, (a) Com bination square: Get this with t\VO make the blanking die," In cer tain operati nus on blades, one a 12..inch blade and the other a 24- gun work, small templets are made to serve as dep th ga uges, radi us ga uges, and odd f orms \\r here inch blade, The center head and. bevel protractor are also very useful in all classes of work.. When measurements cannot b e made, Temple is; are made certain distances are, required, these heads can be f rom thin steel or sp ring brass stock on, w hlch it Is easy to follow the lines, 'These wIll be shown and clamped at any portion o,f the scale: the center head can then be used to fi nd the exact center of their use described In other chapters, , m,'y E'·,· t + );'f1S.,oto'Y- ·T'h··IS a h dy an d v:ft·~J:t . secinc ill ,,I" . .. is •an .'. a round bar, and the bevel protractor used to lay inexpenslve motor for small polishing work. It will out or check. angles, (b) Die maker's sq uare: T·his ... small b ut .. e also be useful In driving small 1\1UIers Falls polishh UJ most useful of squares, It. has four blades 21h :ing heads, inC_CS I" 'h . 'ta" . .' _.,..d sated 10 tr eng: a, su ndarr d bl a'd"c, grac uatea ,.. thirt yV'-,Bloeks-A set of these ,is very' necessary in seconds and sixty-fourths: a bevel blade wi.th an. gun work. and plays an important part in a hun .. angle: of thirty and. forty .. ive degrees; one, narrow' dred and one' different wa.~, Both Starrett. and f blade, and one offset blade, B,:ro'WJ), & Sharpe list, 'these in their catalogs. (c) Try-squares :: The' gunsmith 'requires one or Vi.~e~~A workshop is not. complete without a two of' these, one' small ... slze for checking' work in good v Ise, and you should have the' best, It must small places, and the' other 4 x 6 inches" he of the swivel type and have .3'% or 4 inch jaws,", ttl ,'.. ..' ... ab . U' en. (d ') Solid steel square: This Is also a square for The R' eed vise cos ts ....0'.• t... .... ,and I exce:11 t $1' '7 . IS . which two blades are required, one 3 x 5, and a The Penn, :;524~ 4..inch vise, swivel base, is also
,C ~ , r "' " , '
,_

handy and should be Incl u.ded in the list of tools for stamping names and numbers on parts, Seales (Hl,c.i,ghi,ng )-A trigger-testing scale is re'Qui ed to caleulate the put L of el ther ,a revolver" r ": Pistol ,,- shotgu 'n or rifie .1\ G.... Parker 0 f Birmingham, England, makes the best. ,.I\Jso include an XLCR scale wbich 'weighs from 1 to 2'5 pounds" This w.il I tell you just what the weight of a fire_
. ..
,

look dou b tful and that require more than the ordi-nary handled driver to remove. Spring FVi'nding Tool-This is made from an old worn ten-inch flat mill file. Chapter X'XI, Volume II, is devoted to th e maki ng 0 f springs and explains and ill us tra tes the use 0 f' this tool. Steel Letters and Figures-Sets of letters and figures in lh H, % :2, and 'rH inch. sizes are very

I 1 1

~~: 14 or 16 inch (~disc t weezers "

TO und-pointcd

iO:tgLng tongs

,~ ha wk .. ill tweezers h " three-leg t weesers

,( flat-pointed
~I

!~

tweezers Ioeking tw~ezer!;-to hold small screws. while placing them into position small blu,n,t po lnted tweez'frs=ro pick. up small ;j,]""'-"". screws etc . ....
= ~I' ""', •

tweezers

T.em,plets~ Templets are made: when you have a

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THE WORKSHOP" TOO'LS" AND GENERAL EQUEPME:NT

goo d and a I lt tle less expen slve. ... Also secure a Yankee Drill Press vise #990~ This 'will hold only

2,5

considerable
in a vise,
fA'T

experience in holding' work. properly

small parts, but it has a V,~ tc h in th e back 0 I the no jaw to hold round stock, and the' movable jaw has ,3, swivel plate to tak1e tapered work, You will also ,~, 'd:- ..,.. """"'1'~,\-,, ,-, Il rr et 'II ,. .-:'it, , ,a' . t n,n_, In wors lng on sma _ me, aI, par- ,t"s sued, as, SI'·Dh·' .1 blade So ,~, :ltg' -,- II 't-' r,~ggerS-l!' sma.u, ,s.prl n.g~., e te tha,!I..,11.~ , 'j, .' I ' .', 11'~ : ~, ~ --, _:" sho ~,un. " ,.c.~,. _, '1* is possible to. clamp this vise in yo ur large vi se and
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r ec'elV-• -e' r-;;:> veniently .. Also secure a Jacobs #1 drill chuck, , having the shank turned straight, as this holds. all This list of tools has not been. compiled from small round pins and screws f rom ~~~ up to 1/4: ~.! inch and is handier than the ad verti sed pin vises conjecture or from a hardware catalog, but from an which a roe required in various sizes to hold the. diiactual Ust 0 i: tools used during the course -0 f many ferent sizes of round stock that you will work 01i~ years' wo rk on ft rea rms and general shotgun p'racTh ~Ir-I~ Ji~, ~~" ~~sea a 'I! ~ the u- W,· 1~'~1 need n 'tl' h c begi n_, t ise, including gauge making, tool making, dle mak~
.. " .1 ". ".

then work on small metal parts much more con-

a nipple requi re a. ni.pple \-~Tre[]ch} so j r you are ,3. lover of these it \~'i]~ be, 'w'ell tu have: this type of wrench on hand" ,Alsol have a. lS-:inch Crescelrrnt V,I rench to remove barrel So and t ~ghten them into
';::"i!!!!

:', !'!t' ..~d-i·'',-- ,--d ... eldi~'lg. ·0" t 1l - 'T·h~-- comes ,- 'd-er--, w'eIL·.Jng an •. ~ : u, :~.s , ,,- un .. brazing, which are: discussed in Chapter XX\TI., It' "'le'fch£s~,Old percussion- lock gu ns which have .

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ning, but: you win find that as, your \VOl k iI1Creases "' " a", rth",,".-' , . ,.'D'. "Wl,·'II'( ,I:rIl",,,,,essa.n,I' y ad-d" 0, ' '.,L ers"", Y 'V ise J aW$~ The jaws. of' a, vise are roughly checkered and tempered, and if you were to hold a
eo,,' "'In$'~ ':-':-, '

~ mg, ~ mstrument

ii~," th begmner this 11..'. mamng, etc, T : ne b ~ i.o

"I

finished wo rk in them" the: impression of the j a W5 'would disfigure it; so it is nece ssary to make up f alse j a.ws, such as, vi se blocks, lead j a'V8-,
copp er ja ws an d lea ther-f aced, ja ws Figure 22 shows the d ifferent j aws necessary for both wood
j
<i

piece

0f

list may seem ex traordlnarily long', and a discouraged attitud le on h "co, p. art ma It result._, f'~:r' he' may 0, ,I.:I! a~- -Ji _ __ no t realize what a great part even some of the sim pl e tools will play ~ Th e advanced stude n t r on the other 11and ~ may think there are several important tools lacking, but as he progresses into \T 01ume II the --c.~.: h a.nic a 1 art of tools~ 'win be, ex____ ~. mee ~ . _ __ _ _ _ __
_ '" __ _ __ 'I\. Y
!I;".

_Y'

I do 'not expect the beginner to buy' all the tools on. this [ist at one time; on the contrary, I would to r pieces u.i old suggest that, he secure only' the work bench and leatber belt, upon which .a ,HtUe beeswa x has been .1' d .. ..']' spreau, ~]"'~ . nese, l¥ hen Pl'Iaced between ,: t be JIa:\~S a,D.'lim vi se, Declde upon just w ha t :you, "van t to do- and e] 'forced together, )viU adhere to the 'V,iS(;..,· A very the tools requi red for that particular pro ject ~ Then handy fixture can be made 'from a barrel stave or m a k e an e,ff0 rt to acquain t yourself with the' tools .. thin piece of gum wood by cutting out the cen te r Read over this cha pter until you ate tho roughly Iamil far with itt and obtain a. number of the cata:f or the beam 0'£ the vise to straddle; le t ting it exe tend from five to six Inches. 1.1ake two tape red logs ]is-led [11 t ~h D irec tory; this will give you a pieces for the ends and either nail together or place gener al .I (lea or th e expense to be encountered in. the layout, By all means do not attempt your first a 'V4 inch machi ne screw thro ugh. to bold together work. upon some finished arm, bu t invest in some and tlghten; glue thin. pieces of leather to the face, 'T'~iii:....false jaw th 'e,n ha-_..en,Q' b ' '~fp··.,no, ueh of the old firearms in Francis Bannerman's cata .. - n~,;:,., ""', l~!S'. . ..... na fie'I, ,ea.se ,as .. ~ r-r-i'ii.]n-, ,'"i'iii:: I ..' 5;'01 ~.n, "P.J .'00'.". .iIl'\lr ~v.e~ [-1, u- ',"_'11 ~ I~: t h e v:tSe is opened~ ,'IU'o· at- 'p'ir--'·l-'.f'o;QC' ." v .. ,Also m,ake 1.'\'01 'se:ts, o:f vise-,blocks. .a nd g:'] u,e f:["CNin SOfl1e sinlple 'pIece o.f 'wood+. 14 t.o JY2,-,~,nchwlu te 'felt to f,ace 0 f the- wood, 'fhese The novice :has, a tendency t,o jump into a new are 'for ba:rrel ,and stor]\. work; .as the soft felt .ab- hobby ,,~ithsuch enthusiasm that he is ready to bu.y solutely protects the fin ished parts and p reven ts a anything and everything pertainin.g to it." This is,. fun,ished b,arrcl o-r :;tock f ro-m be in g marred, and. ye t ho",~cvcr, lllost un wise" ina.sm uch as one' is, apt to the vi se ca n be tightened s ufficien tly to hoI d '\vh:i Ie purchase ma:ny toots that 'l\?iII prove of little or no 'working~ Al so have a pair of f a1.se J alva n1ad e from va] u.e la fer on,. 1n considerin.g the use of ,,"oodcas t b r,ass a nd, drill indenta tlons 'to variQus d ep til s work.ing tools "~le must form. idea's ,and. study their' to hold. :sclie\v;s O'f rods \vi.thou t m,arr'i ng the',m Durpose 'with. r,easona.bl.le j udgm,en t, 50 nat utaUy it W'oodlen ja'ws should ,also. be m,ade- to hohi -odd~, ms 'hes.t 'to. :purchase these as- ne.eded ,and .advance shaped pa,rts, :SttCJl ,as .are :(ollnd on shotg:u n 5,., As wItb SOlne de:l1nite: pla,n in ,mind. to grca,ter needs time adv'a,ll,c,es, you ~dn ,find ,a, ~a,~·ge'[oHecti om om' and additiona.l tools as necessar,y~ so 'foal OU1'" fi:na:n~ the wood,en jarws on ,band, a:nd w·'in have gained cia] re~nu rees 'W n1 not s,u:ff'e'r.. and metal ~ ,o,nu~r vise clamps may' be made
=
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pl ained mo're exten sively

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THE MOD'ERN GUNSMITH

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FOR LEAD ,JAWS

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.. 'Viseblo~'kg, commonly' used i'n the ,

'g'LIa.s

shop, Tha butt clamp is ,employ,eo when fiUia; a'li,QI,., or singl..ab.o-t ,gclions. i;nto the stock blank

Fi9~ 2,2

CHAPTER II

Special Home-meds "Tools and Equip:m'e,nt

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gunsmith, to be able to carry out all work , . successfully, must construct various special tools or ,fixtures, and purchase others if he is to make this 'work a pleasurable and pro fiJ't able means 0:£ spending what 'might otherwise be idle hours. Man- -~, __on '_--.n: a- th 'It.00~l-U.,1l1,g a111ma 1- ,_,ub t h ~. - . n ~ is knowi _s·e ~Q\V many of us can use our hands to ,advantage to create articles for our own. needs '? Your schooling has tau,g'h t, you. to do things, 'in certain. ways and 'by certain rules, b It t at times th ese teachings must be thrown aside and you must turn to originaHty and create' the part suited for the occasion. This chap ... .~- . ,'" _.. ~ ,e .' b '. t_er ,~-d ,@'slgn ed to ena 'b'l th e I_~eglnne:r t0 ca,rry ou t· IS h . tne most, essentuial un d,e! tat,. ngs; a'r-' .•. .ter h ... set raving a place aside for a. workshop and g'e'tHng' together some of the most necessary tools, other equipment will be explained as each need arises, The trade of a. gunsmith; shotgun or rifle maker calls for many' tools which cannot be purchased, ,~~':I~ W,., n man.. ... f-'a,~t-:,u: bv ~,~ v _ red J outside coneem the goDu -~::h·-e. . a _ usually cost 'f ar more than if 'made by vourself, D0' nat construct a number of 'makeshift contrivances, il . . ~ nere, an d SO' on, using a nau h ere; ,a piece 0',f wire 'th ,'_'. I'· , .,.
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even tho an enforced makeshift is required in many instances, These are 0 iten oal y StC'.IJS toward new labor-savi ng devices: but discard the makeshift, as soon as possible and construct, one w hich win be a credit to your ingenuity= and do so before anyone can accuse you of being shiftless. .. gunm.aker i's A... constantly making devices for his different needs as they present themselves, and if the information conta ined in these chapters is caref nlly studied many of you.r problems will be reduced to a minimum,

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Chapter I contains a thorough description -of various. tools, 'Th is chapter 'will deal, with our tool problems a little differenU.y~ and 'wUl consider a few Ulat are non-e~se'lfltial but can, not be dispensed with con venien tly,

C,beck'8ring

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Justrates a checkering stand 'Jihich 1 Ior the, present; we shall class among the non -essent ia'is, A. check .. ering cradle can be fastened to the end 0 f a bench ~ used, and then removed and put away until it is needed again, But if a weU organized workshop is

END

Vf'EW

FRONT
:n.",23

E L E'V AT I ON

Be!adl 01' s1atld, 1:01 checlc:O'1'lngi' CKI:dJe:

29

30
(loJ![_!Ii U

THE MODERN G'UNSMlTH

can be made from 2, x 2 inch timber, and the ends constructed from heavier material with common 'machine bolts filed, d nwn on the' ends Ior centers, i"dju~t;ments~ ,can be made by' nuts on each 'end of the bolt, Holes can be bored certain distances apart for the required length of stock to be used, With such adjustments it is possible to '-h · .. .. lcamp ". so ·1.· In t_ e po'S!tton requ[,re;;d 'T-n-,e era dl.e it - -I'dcan be, used in. a vise, altho a bench has been illustrate-d; but unless you ha v« a number 0 f stocks to ' 15 .. ' -.., l'.n an.y case, 1_it C.hec 1.er, t,n" 15, h ar dl-}' necessary.
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being striven for, a, stand sbo-uld 'be made, and

fas te-.'ned--·-to,. the floor in ,a:' ple sant ,11,~'a'__ .. DA'!)1I'" ~ a .. ,. _ _ II. JJ"'..... .tien __ ~ window t 'W here not only good light is available at ,;:J'n ;'''m''es, bu-t·:· whe it is Iposslb -~--I.e. ga ze in fhe u -- -J'. ..!lllCr", ::) ~""'. ..~distance to- res t the eyes when they become ti red
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customed to the use

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a checkering cradle and

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stand, he will place them, in the most essential class, :", I'; f or," th ey are no t on1y use d· f . ror C~h- kaec ering b t· to jiu sandpaper stocks and. to apply the different. rubbing --" ~I - -preparanons ancd-I 01 .' I Wli11 b- e s,urpr'lz,mg t ,0 see t 4' how' many operations such an Inexpensive fi'xture~ ls wise to- make one of' sound constr I!lC tion, Thewi11be called upon to perform in the course 0:( all drawings are sufficiently detailed to follow' without the stock work. ,A stand and, cradle, even tho not dlUICU,~y~ Figure .26·;':5 more complicated and a much better in use; give 'the shop an atmosphere or a. gunmaker's cradle to use for stock work. The frame holder establishment and are' the emblem of his art. ... "'~l h Figures 24 an-d 2 J III ustr a te two C'~eck-en,n,g is mad e Irom common angle iron wi th a steel plate . --""' .... tne •.... 1 ...J f us .. cradles, 'The simplici ty of Figure 2' 4 "Till enable a.ttaclned to ...''L.. .•.._ b ottom, ann thi In. turn is Iastene d
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the' student to construct it 'from almost ,s,ny mateTbe adJusting screws can be plain Y2 -ineh bolts vdthout. handles; the, heads of the bolts ' can be-' d····l1d' - -d-'"pms mser -if! IN,hlch serve - .. m e ,an, ~'. srted . 0: 1(:;. . _. quite as weU, as. the wooden handles, The frame
rial at hand,
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ta d. t.0 'th 'e SL:~.-n.. If an angeI· lIon ~ not - aveu!]a,= e, tne r IS .. hI -l.. frame holder can be made of hardwood in two pieces" with the center cut out to receive the cradle",
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The cradle, width is reduced to two Inches, allowing Inch 00, each side of the frame holder where 'flu!,

'IP"~ . , ' " . ',:'''''U'l'iiLn . 0- .,',' ._ ~,l,ju.'::"' ,.' SPECIAL' 8'0' 'LC"E" ··'·D£:" TO'.'_' 'LS A·1"fI\, EQ'U' p~., &
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HOLE IN tSTOCK,

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,CltANK TO PIT HEAD Of' IOLT._

Impro'ted ch.echriDlJ· cradl. for 'III,. QIDCd.ur

n.q:.. 25

cradle is clamped by the cross bolt, Even when the holder' is made of' angle Iron, a two .. nch width I of cradle may still 'be used instead (li the heavy member shown in the ilJ-ust.rado.n~, TIle' angle brackets .II can be bent Irum %, x %: Inch colddrawn steel J and as there is, a, tapped and a plain
drilled hole on each end of the, bracket, 'these may be reversed when a longer stock is, encountered, thus providing, a greater len,p;th between centers,

bl POSS,1~_ e

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as the ou tsi de, The'y can also be adjusted to any desired widt.h or spac'ing,. Ou.r present checkering tools only cut hh th ou ter tee th .. Tbsese are easy t-o- rna,ke, an, , . d WIt" ne '
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produce a n exceptionally

nne cheekeri ng pattern, but when two separate blades are made and screwed

together we have one of the best checkering tools that can be constructed,

the beginner what may be done" not only in designing .a cradle; but i.n de v isi ng other aids to accuracy and the simpli flcation of d ifficul t wor k'~

In the following chapters many uses for the checkering cradle win be indicated, and you win discover others for yoursci f • These fo rms are offe red here to suggest to

same principle as the first one.

Fi,gu-re 2S sbows a simple form of cradle on the

Cbeckerinq Tools - After studying ,Figure 3

you will see that there are a humber of ways fn which checkering tools can be 'made. One oJ the best tools to construct is the one shown wIth separate cut ters which screw together; wi th tb is j t js,

and radt i, or on an angle, Generally these tools are only for experimental, purposes, for the best check ... eri ng bas no border at all; and after you have hecome expert, you ?rill find that you. can reach the lay ... 1ines without any run-overs, and the border out tools wi I.l be la id aside. 'The English type of checkering tools shown 'in the same lllustratlon are excellent, They are usually made wi t h t.he single, cut, and after one becomes accustomed to them, very good WOT'k can be produced, Examine the checkering on a fine 'British ~un and you wUI see that the diamonds are perfect and sharp. Such checkering was produced by one
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Border tools can be' made in a V form, radli, ,,.'

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Chee!kvr.iut, clladle m,old: g'e'::Qet(d'~,y '.sed in 'Ine 9u.n shQ',

o.f these tools, In 'the e'nd" after summing un the~ meri ts of differen t check e.ri.Dg tools, yo u will fi nd
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these the best,

is performed, for they are called upon more times throughout the day than any other machine. The beginner should. manage, if possih le, to have some kind of a grinder, even if nothing better is avail ... .able than an electric Ian motor, Small cloth, leather, I el~) and wood en rJ i~C:~ wi th sandpaper at ... tached are almost indispensable at times, Ally investment you make in this equipment ,,·iU pay Ior itself m"U1Y'times, There are rna.ny electric motor

essential parts, of arty shop where mechanical work

M'olar' G'rind,ers - These are among the most

1 d h A.' " I pace d on t·, en. o f' thie b If . oencn. _t.an a ddi1L rona 'J '_' ' cost, they are' furnished 'livitho C31st-iron flo on' pedestals; these are' usually preferred, as they leave the end of the bench free and clear for other pur~ poses. On all the small grinde rs, the shafts are 0 ~nch _ _~~ d'~" "_te''_'~ th,e'r.r.l'fOljfjj,-:, al]~ t, ,0les.:Jo 1~ the'_ polish ,~, ' iam e'" 'r :' ,. 1" '__In IV,. .Ill n J.~ " _. "'... ..
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grinders on 'the market cos ti.ng' from :$.30 up,

.ms·impossible 'to- Ust them an, but a good selection

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may be: obtained from machinery-supply or mail ... , order-house ca talogs, Figu re 2'1 illustrates a Black
~"~o emery wheels and are usually the baU- bear ~

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ers are small and corn pact and may be conveniently:

ing type; one emery wheel can be removed and this, side used for pelishing and buffing. These grind-

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require anneal ing and the use of a file. Fine, clrc ular stee 1. wire wheels are the secret 'Of

ing wheelsi or' discs must be of this size and a free' but pe-rfect fit, or too much vibra tion will 'result. The grinde rs are equipped with movable guards and a tool rest, which can be convenien tly adj listed to heights; on some it is possi ble to ge t va rio us shor t. angles. Wlth the emery wheels removed, it is possible to use wire or cloth buffers and sandpaper discs for dressing rubber reL'OH, pads, Various uses. for the grinder' will continually OCCU1\ By 'Using' different-shaped emery 'wheels with thin, rounded, 0'1' bevel edges" it is possible to grind ou t places on hardened pa rts wh ich wo u.ld ordinarily

all fine bluing on fire-arms; they not only card off rust during the bluing process, but a.150 burnish the barrel, A fine wire buffing wheel should be used. only for the blu ing opera tion :; w hen first pur-chased it, should be boiled in strong lye water d' ' to remove all traces or grease, ann t en nn sed l11. ...· .. clean boU.ing water, Should, the fille wire show evidence of rust, it indica tes tha t there ,is,no grease or oil on it to spoil the bluing" Other nne wire
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that it can be screwed or slipped o:n the end 0'" 'the; grinder spindle and then fas tened by' a headless. screw, This arrangement is used to polish small pins and to 'iile a number of pins and screws, A small firing pin or a bead for a sight can be made, in this 'manner ~ A successful lapping ope ration can also be accomplished by holding the' lap in the chuck and holding the work in your hands" square-faced, pointed, round" oval" etc, 'They are also made small in small sizes to polish the inside of metal parts, such as trigger guards, where it is rather dlffic:u:tt to reach with any other Iorm of polishing wheels, These are made in a cone shape and sc rew en the end of th e spi ndl es ; they shou 1d proj ect between two to four inches 'from the end. Wooden laps made from hard or soft wood are used for polishing steel or any other form of metal and general 1apwork ~ The, substances used on these laps are oil and flour emery, Vlenna lime, rouge, rottenstone, tripol l, etc. ...r.; W·00" d C- b" .·.IL- - '0"..'·f'i·-· the . ca.n- be ma.-d ,e fr . ." _~1Se,diJ '" etllL . . ,esc ..... '·e -._. - rom, wo'm, files which have been discarded from, machine shops,; spec tal wood. chisels can be' forged from high-carbon, tool steel, and even made' from worn power hack ..saw blades. At times the 'beginner' will do Inuch bel ter to forge all the special chisels required for the stock-making' operations and in the end wHI find it much cheaper than purchasing them. Of course, :yIOU must buy some chisels, but the ones you make ,viU be more prized. ,A study of your needs- should determ foe 'y: our purchases · 'for m1.. stance, t'he most-use d f ~. -. ''"a.t c 'h~se'l s are the narrow i ones: th erefore 'p- urch ase 7~, 74" 7th 7,2, 74, inch IL I~' ~.L_ l~ _ 'l~ . tool steel in 12-i nch lengths, Tangs a re forged on these, and one piece will make two chisels. tho shorter ones are sometimes ~ required; but when forging a chisel for wood working, always, make t wo. I am. a. great believer in
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Special wheels, of f'elt make the finest wheels f Of polishing purposes, They may be 'Used with fine abrasive glued to the outside, sur-face or used with emery paste, rouge, or Tripoli, V€'ry fine polishing wheels are also made 'f rom rubber l leather etc, 'The leather wheels are used for various shapes and forms after being turned in. a lathe .. Another useful accessory is ,3, chuck made $0
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There are various wood laps which can be 'made:

h-

wheels should be used to remove rus t from gun parts and to burnish nickel-plated revolvers, It is surprising how one of these wheels will clean up a
spotted barrel when small rust spots have formed, particu lar 1,Y all fi n e shotgun barrels, M usl in bu fung 'wheels are also required on the grinder ", The 81'1; diameter ,is used Ior polishing, The sewn wheels are classed 3>5 "hard' and the un'1i::'IP'I1i~na- ,:( so It ", K ee a' number O'f these wheels. ··S-: .. 11 '1114' ''1;;..' on hand, as ",·cII as t h d 1'1 eren t P~),llS\llln.g com ~ lie' '.' "'ff· pounds" such as "Tripoli, rouge, 'lienna lime', emery paste; etc, Others may be surfaced with fine emery for the breaking-down process before the other compou n ds are used 'for a. final polished surface ~ \V·ooden wheels should be, made from hardwoods such as maple, cherry, 0 r beech ~ Scribe: a circle o f the, desired size and with the 54 -lnch wood hi t, bore out the center for the shaft, and saw the: outside of the circle, Clamp, :it on file shalt and true 'the outside with ,8, regular turning chisel A rest ld e d' m ust" b prOV1·~n · SO tb a.t tL c hi - -I can b e 'L - ",,]li d ne .• JJe nsei - _.' nancre __ more convenien tly and will not catch in the wood, thereby causing' a painful injury ~ Coat the sides of these' discs with glue or shellac and apply different grades of. sandpaper or emery cloth, clamping them in place with other board s o r discs and allow to remain until , completely dry '. lO' .__ ,Y _.:_.,.'. ,' '. __ .. _' '. III T· e ·0'"U..II., ~I'de edaes a,rc th en '"tri '" med off~ to the . outh .' Ii,S' , "_ges :" '.' '.' .. m ",,~, ,I . - u' u side diameter of the wood .. These are used when , a. flat sur f.ace is, to be polished; ,vi th the coarser sandpaper elisc, the ru bber recoil pads are dressed to the outside contour of the stock ..
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ciden t OC'CUfS, there is always the second one to fall back on .. i\ Iter the: tangs are forged, dress the ends , by' heating' and Iorging the cutting' port ion so tha t there 'will be less grinding to. be done; t lh,is a1so gives the steel. a, more harmonious structure and a fi ner grain. .'

pairs of' tools, for when one' becomes dull or au. ac-

34
Gouges - The half-round

'THE MO'DERN GUNSMITH

f orgi ng opera t ion is· complete d and the tang is drawn out, the cutting edges are filed to shape. All wood -"iNO rking tools named helle should be given very careful heat-treatment so that they will maintain their keen cutting edges, After the hard' ',' 1 Ii d emnga": opera tion,- th e toots are PO.l.,.: h e._ an d th e .temper drawn to a purple; then the edges are sto ned to a. keen ell t ting ed ge wi th fine oilstone, finished with two fine Arkansas oilstones, and then
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or radius gouges are made from drill rod; the diameters used are 7H~ 716, 14, % 6, r&, ''YiEb and ?1 inch, If there: should be a, shaper or a mining' machine in the locality-> or a friend who is. a· :machini5t~they Can be mined or shaped and the ends turned, as illustrated by Figure 5~ Of co urse ~ the cut ti ng en d is a] S'O forged. to nearly half its, diameter and then filed; but since the tangs must be turned, a machine operation is. the most accurate means of holding the true radius of the: rod used. Ai ter the end is shaped to half .its diamete r on an angl e, the cu ttin g edge is file d to a. true sharp point, only leaving enough metal to sto ne after the hardening operation is performed, A set of such gouges is indispensable in wood working, particularly "Then making a new stock,
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stropped.
Handles, must also be p rovid ed ,. and can be made from straight-grained maple, 'They are either turned or formed in the shape uf a square, similar to the old-fashioned handles made by old-time cab ~ inet makers, These 'handles are very simple tc mak e an.d give t, e bez: h d ieginner prac tise with-: WOOrl= ise wit working tools that have been supplied for the shop+ Ferrules must be purchased 'for the ends; the heavy steel ferrules are best. and arc sold by almost all large supply houses. Avoid. the thin brass ferrules seen. 011 cheaper tools. To remove the plain appearance of the bri ..... t steel ~polish and give a casegh hardening treatment with color. (See Chapter XVI, Volume II.) This treatment not only gives the ferrules a pleasing color but protects them 'from
+

tools can not be purchased, so they must be made by 'the student. The .ordinary carving Or small straight chisels are not adapted to many operations, especially the inletting of shotgun actions into stocks. Bottoming tools are made from % 6 X ~l6-inch tool steel, forged and filed to shape, Figure 28 illustrates the

Bottoming ,Chisels· -- These

forms most used to meet requirements,

These are

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Fiqr '28
Bottominq.· teels

ma de to
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the rust caused hy perspiring

'bands or salt air.

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tools, as you can then better appreciate their value,

This is the best way to make all such Screw-drivers

importance

These tools, are

the greatest

In forging these tools, cons tant heat is required throughout the operation" checks will develop in the hardening, Shapi ng of the end is an up= setting operation, and this is best done in a vise with the flame 0 f a gasolin e torch, holding the steel rod while the upsetting takes place, After the

or

you should make every known size, you win find a screw slot that the ends will not fit, Figure 21 illustrates these, and a set of three handles of the best design for the gunmaker's usc. The steel

to. the gunmaker, for you can never have a set. of drivers too well made; and even if

sun

SPECIAL HOME-MADE T"OOLS AND EQUIP:MENT

used is the finest octagon or hexagon chi sel stee] , forged, ground, hardened, and tempered, In the same illustration are given the sizes o( the brass ferrules used on the end .0" the' handles, ,.;\ft,er the . drivers are' driven into the handles" a, ~ fj ... inch hole is drilled through the ferr ule and driver, and, a piece of Iii 6 ..inch drill rod is driven in, riveted over, and -h ,,:ms, ~ t ' · h l~e , 111 d f u ...'_" Thi I IJ'ustration a 150 S,_OWS t,_h e, auger brace drivers which are used to remove screws that cannot be started. by the hand screw -driver, Since the points are made close t.o the body of the steel, there is no spring to them, and when placed in the brace a, trernendo us amount of turning force can be ,'11 place,d on a screw. Tl us c'1 .' · nver VII, remove the tig hte st screw... "\ Most manufactured screw... drivers on the market have a 'wedge effect on the point. \\then 'Such. a dri ver is, placed in, SCte\'V' slot and, any pressu r~ Is applied, the wedge' part of the- point has (I, tendency to back out of the 5]0 t. and mar the Ilea d 0 f the screw' very badly. You will notice that the ends of the drivers illustrated are perfectly straight for some distance. Fat this t'lCaSOD"'when such a point is. inserted ina screw slot s the, straight sides ha ve perfect bearing surfaces along the two straight sides of the' slut; therefore, the point of the driver ,,,~ill 'break before slil.pp~ ou t nf the slot, B eca use of ng
I "

3S

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..

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the straigh t sides it is, only necessary to regrind the end straight across, These should be oil-hardened and the temper drawn, to a blue very gradually .. 'The; employment of' a. lead bath for the: hardening, and an Of' niter bath for 'the: tempering', produces the hiest results: and when completed, the end •t \Vhi h Is l ucr IS inserted...l In.:O th nan dl e IS .- rawn over a tne h __ ~ d " Bunsen burner so th at a hole may be drilled 'for the keeper pin. The hole bored in the end of the handle is of the same diameter as the 'flat side o'f the '1 h drl '" nnven mte tl 1'1'00\1 It .' ,-.,-._...l. stee , so W,h: en, tne ,. nver IS d-~' 'If cuts, it s form ,into the' hole; theref ore, no radius or rounded surface should be given to the end 0,1 the driver; only grind off square, so it can cut. Its way through the WOOd4

on

.a

Gun B:ra.ces .......... gun, brace: or bench horse is A, a bracke t, made f 1"0111 a heavy piece of wood, w hieh ]S "astened to the bench and extends over a distance to rest a gun stock on while shaping it. Figure 29 illustrates one which can be made from any scrap hardwood, The height should be made the same \, as the bottom of the vise jaws, so that. when a stock is fastened between the jaws it will 'be' Ievel, 'The top of: the brace should be padded. with some sof t. rna veri al such as leather or- fe'll, so that when a ft riely finished gun stock, is res ted on its surf ace

'II'

._

- __ ....J..,_~_...."....a..>I

__ '_IO~ __""'--~~.

._ -. .. _.~_~-----.I

B'RA,CE, 3 THiCK,

!II!!

HE.! G'HT 1',0 -~U· T'T -V-" I e 'E'- '0' -'N' ' u· "',~ ..... BE-·"'N"" C--,-,
! \.:.)1'1
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BENCH

TOP
5 ~'--

E LEV'AT iON
,

OF BE"NCH G,U'N
.--------..t!-.III!i==--~~-

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,
,

'

..4:......,...·_-~-~~_1

BRA, C'E,

,~J,

TOOL

$fEEL

.-

,Bend!

'''It,

Fig.. 21 br,aee~ frequentlY" c:-aUedl,bench, horae. 'ScorinO!Co1: :Gw:Ee:c. o'i weed. 13.01,018 glu!q

Used, lOt ,p;JU9h.1ihI9

as
brace is clamped to the bench with one machine screw and a wing nut so that itt is possible t-o swing the brace in any di:rect,io,n at w,i]l~ It. is often wise

there will be no danger ,of marring its finish ~ The

to construct 'two a,f these braces, one on each. side: 'Of the vise, If ,you should 'make one for tile r,ig'bt side of the vise you 'will soon discover' that one is needed on the lei t side also,

the form above it goes over the leather to make a ,. · ~ per.f ect union as It. rs C·Iampe:d In the vise, 1f the st udent does not. care to go to all this trou ble l: oue can be made from Q, piece of 1. x 2 x 4-11lcb told drawn, steel with. the 'form cut out on a shaper or milling machine, and a piece' O'f leather glued, and screwed into place A, 4: % ~I-inch bole is d rUled. 1/8
4 II .. -

Fis:ure 30 illustrates a rille l~o]dpr for testing purposes on the range. A device
,Rifle

Holder -

inch I'ro'm the end and a % or ~1i-inch set screw ]5 used 'for the clamp' iop" mem ber,_, A 3;1 a - inc'h hole 'e ' "' _ . _71. :is drilled in tbe 'head of the screw' and a piece of ~_ 6,-'i ncb drill rod t\VO inches long Inserted; otherI -_,._ ,_._ .--' ,--. " .. ,. '!I' "

,I.,

_-- _

,1._"

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,.L E A TH 'ER.; GLUED

.AND SCR.'i!,WED

:rN Pl.ACE.

:_.1.. W",'H'

t:2" _ -~'.,~,

EL

:M'K A __ ",
L. "

'ON':c' llEQU,IR'c:D

CA~T ['RON

,v..~' - _ . I,m TIiIC,K

r_
'MAKE,

~=""""I7r-"'-~~~--~

________
AS
Fiq,,~ aD
-

ron.

C:'LA, MP lNG

THE,S5

,B,~'OCKS

SHOWN l N L'E A THE R__,

t. R-,iJie, h, -'o','leI",:- :mr' • .;o;..,.Ii';""i'i' r~[F·~\. HI . I~"q..:.~ '!i'H'~_AI
.Ig'.~

poslt ion. The %,-inc'h rod is made from cold drawn steel about three feet long and, 'Pointed ,at the end .. , The bolder- is made :f rom a plece of hardwood wi th a-clam p.' ..ing wheel on the side, e we oden block I. ~ is Sj)]it so that it. is 'possible to secure a very tight. clamping effect on the rod, The rHl,e Iorm is cut ,~ out an d a. piece 0.f'l iea t'b g.11ue·d t n p,'[ace. The _ ,er 1 form illustrated on the left-hand side of the dr awing is placed on the, underside of the' block, and
_4 . ", .
'_,I .• . _. • .Il~. . ~ .

such as this ]s an essemlal part Ij)f' any ri:A,enulln's equ ipmen t to test and target a" r.ifle in the' prone,
-

'wise a small wrench would have to be carried along.

any ad] ustment 'with.

holder makes, it very' convenien l to reach and make

The position of the locking screw on the end of' the,

II

'Th'·-II_'_'.'

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to grind fiat. chisels, plane hi 1:5, etc, ~ is fllust rated. in ,Fip;JllT'e 31.~, The simple const ruction of 'ibis holder and the explanation given. on the fllustratlon should presen t no diff~c ulties 'for the student. I t is one of the most essential tool s for the ama teur, as he cannot

Too,1 Holder ......... tool holder A

S,PECIAL HOM~MADE TOOLS A'ND EQUIPMENT'

3i!Ii--r

37
It T'N[) 1 a·VVH f!B... N

a" X:3 CARR.IA,G~, BOL T.s'

..

;:;-~. 4'., * ,---.,~.....,.,,~. PIN.s

X l:X

.......-----.T:HUMBNUT.s
YOIt W'UARE d.lJIOe. 0 N TOO
STEEL

. ...., :0 .'. ,1--

ClAM P

.....-.-----.

PLA'NE

"a,

:[R.,ON

r:" 0··

M,: 0".' TO····". n . .... ~

'_ ABRAS,]VE WHEE

DR.tVEN

", ~ Dun HO L".···~

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iii

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L.

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R[AGe BO,Li

BLOCK UP GRl'N'D,ER TO 8'UIT TOOL

J :x:tXfL 3t L.ONG

'HOLDER

FOR LA T'E R.A L MOTION

SLID

',~,

e, H' OL.D:e}t ON GUIDE

\

BE'NCH

TOP

OR AN"'(" HARDWOOD4, BY C,HAN'GlNG THE. HI'NGE BO'LT TO ANY OF THRU HOLE,S~ VARIOU'S ANGL,ES MA'y Be, Q,B,TAIN'ED TO SUIT MOST GRrNDING JOB8,. S'C'REW OR- CLAMP BAS,E TO BENCH
fig.. 31 'Home-made tool bolder for be,DCb. qrblde-r to grind Ral dll5elsl etc.

'MADE OF ROCK MAPLE

control the grinding of a chisel on an emery wheel wi tho u t the .a:i d of some fixture such as this.

Vis,e Blocks -- In~ a n~n r tr the needs~ of these rswe -- _0 _. _ in the- gun shop, a. few are made in the, different
forms shown in Figure 224 Before a stock or finished barrel is clamped in the vise they should be used, The woo den ones shown with felt glued to the face of the 'blocks are the ones mostly used by a gunmaker, They can be made from any hardwood measuring % to 0/8 inch thick with a piece of

felt glued to the top surface,

clamped between them. Lead jaws rna y also be' made, as shown in Figure 2' 2, together with the mold to cast them, There are also false brass and copper jaws for holding small metal. parts wi thou t marring their surface" Heavy brass or copper bent over the vise jaws is sa tis factory for metal war k in the jaws 0] the vise wh_e,'-e- he,'. fac e~ come'" to get. her • The' se sur fa C.,e!.S are_ ~ r. ". ac,.:lo. ___ _ ~ u~, ~........ _ cut like a file" or knurled, and then tempered.
t, ~,.:I

A notch is cut out 011 the bottom which straddles the square box, of the movable jaw. The felt glued to the face of the blocks protects the surface and finish of all parts

False jaws must be employed, for if the plain knurled surfaces. of these jaws are clamped against any work they 'will necessarily mar and bruise it" Common lea ther can be glued to these hardened jaws, and even 'beeswax has, been used to retain the lea ther in place. A satisfactory leather holder is also ShO\Vl1 in Figure 22;; Tw'O pieces of thin gum wood". the width of the jaws .~ are used and made much longer than the standard wooden jaws, and two small blocks are used as separators, at the bottom. The two outer pieces are nailed or bolted to these, ~ 'YV hi ch allows the two ends to spri ng a par t. ... ThiIn pieces 0 f 1 th er- are g- ue to th r a.ee, an d. ea -LId _., ... ". ,e.5Uf1~'·
,

•.

_-c' ,I

the spring in the 'wood keeps them apart, When using these ~ the spring of the wood follows the vise jaws as they are opened ..
Clumps _' The gunmaker has so many parts to

clamp throughout the various operations. he per ... forms that a good supply DC clamps is required, Figure 22 illustrates one which is necessary for the restocki ng of shotguns The special home-made tools a student requires are many, but the ingenuity of a mechanical mind
r

'will devise a great unmbet

arise in a small shop,

,ill. the needs that The suggestions, made in

til)

this chapter are only a 'means of setting your standard of improvements with 'what you have at hand .. The student req uiring a tool which cannot be procu red from, the regular source o.f supply will usually make that particular tool by some method best adapted to his surroundings and by means

and mention onlv ~ 'the tool; or appliances necessary ~ They' can, be used to advantage many times, but their uses are for the st udent to figure out for himself in the partie uIar trade or profession be may be

tools til roushout these chapters o

to suggest in these pages. "There are, nevertheless, a number of tools, used almost 'CDnstantly by a gunsmith that a, student would never'
dlffcult
":

'n't'"'l] he ,_,~_!_,_ _ :. .,the v,, :' 0.",,;.":such-.. t00'15''. an., j'b' '.' 'knew' -,al ue - f - ,', II, , 'd- : 'elr ,',' use U'
'I ",

,1",,·

purposes,

.I wUl try 'to eliminate all unnecessary

hand ~ and you wHl be snrprized to see the tools , ' "..lbv , '" ", ,rna·uey th,e" leif('o' ,F"I'S'" '01"" ,your own labor >,il,,~
,L,~,,' 11'~" " ,10

following, The financial posi tion of the 'reader may have the g rea tee t infl uence upon the sit ua t ion t but the amateur should discard. the idea that he should have all that ha s been suggested. E nil d your tools. as, you need. then1 with, the: means you have at

CHAPTERJII

Materials" M,etals,,., and Supplies

"u'·~m' ~'''~~:_l

.
trade. Some 0:£ these thi 11gS are seldom required, some you perhaps will never use, but this book is written espec ially 'for the fellow' wh 0 wants to complete: the array, and perhaps has to do everything in the whole range of gunsmithing by himself ~ and who, moreover, cannot rush out in the lunch hour and easily buy the things. he requires or the services he needs for the: next evening's wo rk. Then, again" this book aims to inculcate self.... reliance, for the fruit of th~ is the sweetes t sat lsfaction of all. The s prod net 0 f one's own band and br ain becomes, a'S, It were", a part of one's self .. This extended list runs, into a lot of money and
becomes, quite an investment, but you are not, going to buy all these, things at once, and you will, after

TN T'H.lS chapter are' set down a. list, of the sup1plies which compri se a" gunmaker's stock in

everyth ing in its place, y,ou can male simple: racks lor your steel, and. shelves and, cupboards for your smaller items, Empty cigar hoses and empty baking-powder cans are ideal containers for your small articles, Be sure to label them so tha t you win know without fumbling just where to find what you are seeking, Screw... glass, jars are fine for top
many small parts .. ,

Let us start by enumeratlng the metals you will need and the forms in 'which to buy them. Tool SI'eel ~ 'Tool steel comes in many different grades and is :f urther complicated by many trade names. It Is roughly' divided into "Standard Carbon. Steel" and the so-called (,' lloy Steels," A The Ia tter are, steels alloyed with other metals, These
alloys comprise li'ic:kel~ ,CItTQmillmr, V anadi1lm,~

,M ol:'Y',bde 11;wm·,'ji etc, or combinatlons of them, All all, use your 0\'1 D. j udgment as to quantity, . As ha VtC: their specific 'USCS, and in each case nothing your needs develop, you will therefore turn back to else ,is quite 50 good, As we advance into actual this chapter for the extended in rormation you win work, I. shall have something to say about these require' ..- N ofhing is so fool ish as to purcha se tlrings , special steels for particular uses, but when we shall you will never need; so consid,er the work you are hereafter speak of steel in this: hook" unless otherplanning to do" and the scope of it J and let your wise noted, it win be "Standard Carbon Steel." I requirements be your guide. Tbere is one axi~m}.' shal I be rather arbitrary in my choice of steels" not however, that must never' be lost. s,ight of, and that because I have an ax to grind, but because my is that one cannot make something out of nothing. experience has ta ught me that certain makes and An enforced makeshi ft often displays startling in- kinds are be st, and you will wisely take my word genuity and earn! great credit, but only because It for it The, wor'k we are going to put on this small is a tri umpli over odds, an d not because it has real fragmen t of metal is so i11fi nitely more costl y than excellence, Now, I am sure you do not 'want your the rna teria i itsel i that to econ om ize at the price work to 'be classed as ,R. makeshift, so 0.0 not handi ... of quality would he Iolly, rap yourself by inferior materials or the lack of' Steel. Cold Drawn -- Thls comes in. an endless suitable, ones .. varie t y of sizes and shapes, ill, rods, bars, and The materials used by' the gunmaker are, in gensheets. Your needs, as they arise, will determine eral specialties, and most of them are no t carried 'what you will wa nt. 'The fo~lowi ng' ] lst of Si7~S 'wi 11 in stock. by your local storekeeper, 'You win hav-e cover some of' the things you will certainly want. to secure them, from a variety' of sources" and to tu make .. serve all occasions, I ha ve g iven 'in a Directory, a Sise lis" list o:f merchants and manufacturers who. specialize %G inch x '%, incb .. ,~ront s'igh{~ ramp, soldered 'witiloll,t in these goods, Ga ther and file the ca talogs of :n:ng: % inc h 'x 1'%: 'in£.h., 'Front. .sight -ra'mlp~ ,:vitb E"De.irc1in,g' these and of our leading tool and, accessory makers rine . and. dealers, You wUI find much useful informa'%; 'iDcD, x % moCn ..'. ,Bar,rel bn nd 'bases,
. -.. i' 'I ~

-s ~

---.0

best suits you:r requirements and your pocket-book .. In gun work the fi rst essential is prec ision and then mor'if prec lslon, so start out 'by' arranging' your supplies, in an orderly a"tni precise manner. Have a place for everything and, 8$ far' as possible, keep

finn, therein, and wU] be: able to determine just. what

% imdt.. x % in.ch ...~ ~,S]ing,swivel 'bases .. 2, ]~dl x 2 ineh, ~,I~af~!dghlt bases, These are bored 'barrel diam,eb~r; and '\vben, split make'
'I'

4'

inch) ;;..Qu ~ck dletacna ble Siwl'VC ls 12 gauge: sheet ,. Barrel bands 1 S '0 r 16 gauge sheet, . Butt pla tes and grip caps
(OT'

1,,4 Inch

1 ¥2

it

1"

inch

fou.r bases each

41

THE MO,DEIt'N GU,NSMITH'

This 1is t could be continued, but it 'w~'11ibe' better to get the rna terial as needed, 'for if: you sh ould

procure sizes on. a complete list you would have to open a steel warehouse in connection wit h you r
shop
_ V·!II

called spiral springs are used in many places in

1110 d ern

:1;80 to, #3 O. This is the: m a te rial 0 f w hich you will make your <compression springs, 'Helical or so=

This comes under the name: of piano wire and Is made 'in all sizes from,
=

S'leel ,Spring Wilre,

very useful material, It makes pins and screws in lock work, firing pins, and cleaning rods, besides endless tools for special purposes, It is invaluable ,for special rea meers1 counterbores, checkcri ng tools, rna tting punches, and sc row-drive rs ..

S,teell Drill 'Rod. - Drill rods come in 36 inch 1en g ths and in sizes 'from, 11 to 180 in dril l... gauge di mensions They' are also made in letter and frae t ional sizes, in squa res and in. fla ts, This 'i s

rJJ ecessary

firearms,
.
"1"

and

replacements

arc

of ten

hl M 'L.: ...-ac ·'.l'n,e Screws ---- ] n general use,; they a.re '_. made \with two 'kinds nf heads, 'the' 'fiat head and the n,n~sfer head, Y ou shou ~ have a sma ll stock. d .0 f both. kinds, as, these, in add itin u 'to their gene ral use, \\1 ill, 0 ten repl alee 0 t her special 5(';TP.'lVS. which ha ve been lost or broken ~ The f uUOW] ng :11t covers s a multitude of needs. Get them long enough; they can be, shor tened easil y ii too long"
.'

:Sprlnq Steel ,_ The very best spriug steels are stlll made 'in Great Britain, and, fur springs of' the best shotgun locks it is advisable to obtai n this steel, :F or the ordina ry springs yo u w w'11use i1.1
repal ", 'k ~',;h ::"', s. rings f'·;or o. su·1··I,.·,j'...:;:t:, OC",~ c ·'b·'i,,., ere pis 1." _air worx, sue as "p: .r, :i: d muzz, '1 ",03'"d'~ guns, etc.....he d e..J :Ing ;t .tomesnc,~ steetI Ina,., ,e 'by Waid or Ryerson "dU, answer foe purpose quite
,'!' ..

, $,..'1,
.. li"!I·"

s~
"

TIJ:r(!(J'(/,

3
,.1
4-

2 2

I'

4 S 6'6
8-

,40

64 56 ,56 4-8

L('tt1:tk

:~4 ¥t, %
.,

"m
.

36
,

~J,

welt

40 32
$2

40
.

1"-

% 0/: ~
,

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I

required 'wc'ighls; and diameters and is :particnlar ly useful in many ways. From, it you will make barrel bauds, Ioresigh t protectors, cleaning tubes, bushi RgS, etc, There is also Stai nless Steel Tubing', 'which. offers a further advantage Ior certain purposes ''\l""'e han, mention J ater, s ,A spec lal t u bing is made by the Ellwood 'Ivins Tube \\~'orks in ,Philade lpbia, Pennsy 1 vania, Th is company wiJl make any size of tubing from 'that of a needle 'Up to the largest size, not Oldy in colddrawn seamless tu bing; but tool-steel tubing as well, ThI s tubing is used for the 'Oil tubes of barriel d rills, barr-el reamers and rift i,l1,g heads where it ,i So impossible to secure the proper sizes in the standard SheJlly t ubi ng'" The making o:f barrels requires

an

S'leel [I'ubblg - Shelby' steel. tubi ng co,nes in,

8 10 -:
"

36 2'8

l:?

~s2

whU,e Ior small, bushings and esc utcheons 3S well as, templets, etc., ,3. sheet of ,24 -gauge brass. win be most desi rab le. Purchase short pieces of %,- 111JC'h~, ':}4,mincb, I-lnch round brass to drive with as "\vt!U as to hold in th e vi se to rivet on; also secure the SD It sheet brass 11' n inch thick. for use as vise jaws; and
ob tain 1/4.- inch and '%-inch roo nd brass to drive with and 'for making special screws; bushings, and

A, few pieces of rod or di{'lere,nit, diameters wHII,1,t3,ke drift. I)unche., r-:iivpl,in'lJi" ,~~I,['1;\1 :'15'. soec ia"1 "_'... ...• "" etc s l.. ~..... 0 1, .t"'"............ '. ,I screws .. t'L."
A. ,Ii ..

[easily worked metal, both in sheet, rod, and bar

Brass ,_ There are a number of uses for this

4'

more rigid t 'U~-"l"'I:1I'g<

___ ."_"'.. _ ~' .:,_:. .. .IU .:

escutcheons,

rel,_"ng lnh

}\ recen t use

,., e ..••... r r'~] ru .]".0 ba,.', s ,~;;

or seam less al loy-steel

~',f _ . ~

S·· f ar th' '!"i",?\..' '0 - ..

Ii.,,; ,
~.;A

~;"Il ." '

" .. ,Lllle:rs~:':rlO' d ,e,'

tubing is for

and ready fur i:ns.€',rtion ~ are a means ~)f savl rag many fine old rifle barrels, As yet these "liners" are exclusively a, British product, 'There' are two kinds, those made of ordinary carbon steel, and su;itable only for lead buUet.s, and those, made of

ltd h· h~, '. 1 ro d .. excei~ent, an: sb IS reet c.oPP€''T 1.1"ti mer .. t· lC.K., '/11 makes the best protecting medium, for your vise jaws.
If

in removing and replacing ~ights and dovetailed secilons, soft copper

punches

'Cop:per _, For drift

the 'finest alloy steels and 00 made suits ble for metal ..cased, bullets, The, former, which ha ve the advantage in price, are p roeurable f rom ,A;; G,~ \i""~'Sre ~ws, ben ch plates, etc, t require lead. Y QU wit 1 J Parker &: Company, Bitmlngham, and the 'latter a lso use i{ Io I~ 'I tipping' barrels, ring' gauges, chamfrom Vickers-Armstrcng, Ltd., Grayford, Kent, hers, a.nd 'b une't:s~ both in En,gland.. They carry a supply of these in

L d - ,.". sma III q ranu -y 0 read 'Vb. provi e A' sm ·IU'·· tlt '., af ~"'. d ..'.~Il orovid .eo: for num e tot! s needs, and you win have no diffic ulty in gF.tt.ing this in. scrap form or at your plumbers.

various caHbe'rs~

'•• a~ • '1"8" ~,~ :. ~~.l' 'S I... 'Tit;:I!D'l' ~W:ILI.l,n.,...;~ "

,III' ]I

'iI'IlTD zU"',,'

S"UPP" LIE' "S' .- ',"" " ,,',

work,

used by a turner is usually 50?b lead and S05~ {In. ,A slightly higher f' reoorti .... 0"fti 111; "" ~a' 60' 11 't1 ,'. 'y 4 - l~ be't,~ - '.- r '," un .~ "..,..,,'I:r~, Sf """ o P'.!IL",l."""""
,,'I

various

proportions,

That
I

"·:",....,.,,,,""'1' _(11""t"'" .. remo VI ng de n "S on

'\, '. '" :~,_~ ~~ ",II;.,.'

4':' .. , ,.' nne.... ,.",t..'·'i".·'·,.-· ;)110 !!.-,guns or r ,~;qi-, barrels me ..- rre s a it. here adi usta ble s' teel pl u gs 'W'.: '.1:' - ., . OU'I'd da"rna.g"" t'''',: L" -"h :e he Ji.d,g:
I'

,!U,,',

"JLll-"",',

',,,' ....... ~'",'

~

"'0=-""

,go

g'

polish,

Silver

tions; lead and make the soft solders.

Solder Sp.e.-lt er is used for brazi ng operatin and bis ttl1tt,h are ern p 1oyed to harden

Solderfnq

Salls - Nokorode

Soldering

Salts,

are the best, on. the market fOf' solderl ng operations. These come :in, pound tins, and that. is, necessary is to. add a, small amou nt of' water to the salts" put the, mixtu re in a separate jar, and keep it handy on the solderi ng bench,

an

You will need a small quantity of emery powder for your lapping and polishi ng wheels; #90,~#1 ,20,~ and, the nne grade caned "ftour"
emery will cover your requirements, grade is used. to true oilstones, The coarse

E'mery-

Glue - As all glue is soluble in water J its use is qui te limited. in gun work, The strongest 0 btain ~ df ... a ble i mac cram. 1id e stoclk ~ anrd t ae best 1S imte IS 11," I, ported. from ,F ranee or England, As it m list be: prepared in a double boiler, a small glue pot is necessary Remember foot glue is strong onlv y 'wl1en freshly made: and quickly applied while piping hot" and that boiling and Irequen t reheating destroys its strength, For attaching born and rubber we suggest that you dissolve your glue in lin ... seed oil Instead water, as this. renders it 'more nearly water-proof, Du Pont Household, glue will 00 found very use ... f ui ann convement t f ur repairs an,d as 1 . . oes no t 1 d' • .. it d require heating, it ,~s always ready for use,
'h" ~ , ~'" ,," t __ ",' "' ., ,." ,",'" _ ,,' "".. '

or
"

I:

...

'I

"!I ..

'

I,

..

_.

. ..'

,-

';".

'

.'

.!

..

:.~

'.

A small su P' pl In 1'1: d."" lh Inch '",ul·, __, t" hick ... .Ily ~ 7....and '1,2:" 1. ;I"'II!_1", Th""'''' rs emery comtnnco W~ui b" d' "~'."" [Jesses is, req U] red wi th 'wh ich to nne vise-jaw Em" elY ~'Ke',.',,15 b grease i.n a. soft cake+ It is used. to charge the re- blocks and 'I1'UI down stocks when groun d g]d5S~ . volving polishing 'wheel" It is a fast .. utting com- rottenstone, and pumice are used as polishing c pound and brings out a goo d finish on steel par ts, mediums .. such a ~ barrels, etc. Horn, Buffalo - This is one of the essential It is used for butt Emery Cloth and Paper- Thls is your material s 0 f t.he gl1nmaker, .. standard abrasive, and you V'rill use it a great deal .. plates, forearm tips, ,gd'p caps, and Inlays, Asiatic buffalo horn is the best, and it is wise to buy the The numbers most use rul in erne ry cloth are # 'I , entire ,born and. cut il. to shape as .yo u need ,it.. :10, and iOOO~ Jt is possible to get even Iiner cuts than. these in emery paper, and so' your finest use Horn but t plates Icr the best shotg un work. should be fmported complete, as these are hydra uUca.lIy may require a few sheets of Turkish and French com[ '-.pressed into shape Thev 1I"[l;iI'}Y" e hs d 1~'t"I' a'1il; b ., . . ..~~U , .~. ~ ," ~,. JL! ~'r!l ·Jf emery paper, Fel,t
,: .. ,,' __". ,,,:"I', ~':", I,
'

.IJ:.~

'.

_ ... ,'

~ _.

'"

.: 'Ii~

",

thlcknesses wan ted.

Pumice

aJI. You will need it for your finest polishing ..

C,rO-CUB Cloth .......... is the 'finest abrasive of This

want anything coarser than .#]" and for- your finest

work 1/","0: to ' ':/'0-, ,
__ _ ,', ' '," iii

San,d'pape'r ~ This universally used material has been, greatly improved of late by making it the wa t erproo (; 1'1~h nexinui ty 0:,f t e wet paper maikres f. ,I·" e H ibilit it more adaptable and prevents scratching; I t is also sel f -cleaning 311Jd cuts Iaster, Y au w:n~ not

aDd Rotte,nstone Powders - These su bstances are very fine abrasives and are used in obtaining a fine polish on stocks. A small can of ,~'a, ch ,II" P"~'~()·'· e e 'I~,~ h f or un ilir .;'t~ use,. 'd':: . m.Q' . ug, ", ", Jml ed u ,J! VI,
L L.Y"C

'!i:!iii'i'

,k,

:-,~,:i'

'I' ,-"

Wood SClewa _, These are of so great a variety, and so readily obtainable, that one is hardly justined 'in carryl np;: a stock, Your work ..box: will furish d' msn most. otr your neecs, Steel W 001 - This is a necessary article, A p,()t1n of' #000 will serve all purposes, for a J OJ]g d time. Its lJSeS wiU be made manifest throughout

Flbe'r ~ l:~ will need a small amount of round au fiber rod, 1.4 inch to inch in diameter, to make 'into drift punches. for use on finished surfaces where 'even copper would mar and spot If you do damaskeening this 'will al so be the- material you. "~HI~-' '.' ,," ,',,', abi , w,~_ use as ,a to '1' f','Or your ,a,r,a:;,lve~ 1"'h"·, materJ3 I 100" ..IS ' .-",. is used by som.. gun-makers ior butt plates and ,grip e'

'n

these pages.

__

' -I"1J...e.-, ffli""" ~nOi'Vp;Ol;n"s"~ve', w~'olr"'k 'lI"}'n"'TIil'e"';rc:"q' 'u=te" 'w'e't'11 :s."~";':' .. ~.: ., .. JI!~ ~. JJI. large 'found ~'ber can 'be turned to va,t·ious sizes lor
'lUJl. .:1:, '~" ~".',I. '" ,'d,

caps .. It is c:'beap ,a'nd easily worked to .shape; and! ,

'with metals,t

The Iollowing substances and chemlcals are also used. in gu nsmi thing'" and are chiefly' confined to tbe :surf'ace treatm,ent of materials, either to harden. their surfaces, to :ren.der tbem, more beau ti-f'ul" .or to add to. 'the,i'r' preservation,. The ones, first en.u.m,er-' atcd andl described are those for use: in con nectloD

44

THE MODERN GUNSMITH

Acids _, Acids, one must always, remember, re ... hard woods, as only its fumes are necessary. A finished. 5toc.k 1 before oil s are applied, can be placed quire care both in their use and in their storage. They are often. dangerous in combina tion, des true- in an air-tight box with open dishes of strong' amtive to animal and vegetable tissues, and highly poisonous. Some, must be kept in special conta iners a'n',d awa 'Y' fro m direct llcht n._ Bu- in -- ll -y ma-,' quantities, as most of them deteriorate rather quickly.,. ,Sulfuric Acid (cotnmonly called Oil of Vitriol)This is a most POW€I ful acid, and, as its name implies" is derived from sulfur and niter, For the gunsmith it is limited to its use as a cleaning agent, such as removing rust, sand, and other fo reign su bs lances from metal. j_ll itric Acid (commonly called Aqua. Fortis}~ This acid is derived from niter or saltpeter th rough decornp osi tion by s 111. f uric aci d. rt is a most useful a.CE d, both alone and 'i n comb ina ti011 ~ It is a constituent nf all bluing solutions and 15 the acid w-hich is used in etching ornaments on steel. H ydrochloric Acid-In its commercial form this is often caned llrIuriaiic A rid or Spiri t S 0 j Sal t~ It is made f rom common salt by the action thereon of sulfuric acid. It is use d by the gunsmi th as a flux in the operation of soldering and brazing. Hyd rochloric acid. combined with nitric acid--one pa r t nitric acid 'with two 'parts hyd rochlorlc, h y measure-s-makes A qua. Regia. 'This is used as a component of bluing solutions
-L~ , ,_ _ _ , ,_
,4 ,

S',

monia and th e dark color win be attained wi thout moisture Ammonia C hlorid (Sal Ammoniac) is used ch i efty as a :fiux in soldering by ti nsmi ths, For most gun work, Nokorode Soldering' Salts are pre fer a hI e. ben. sh0 tgu n ribs are. to be solde red, rosin is the safest flux to use" as no injurious residues are depo sited.
4

,,7

Alco'hol..........., wO' forms are in common. use: grain T alcohol which, as. its name denotes, is dis HUed from grain, and wood alcohol which is. distilled from
wood, I shall give, I advise the exclusive u.se of grain alcohol. As pure alcohol is Surrou nded by t ro ubi esome gove rumen t restrictions, I advise that in making up 111y formulas ynll take the ingredients to your druggist and have him compound them. He will be able to, provide the P UIe, undena t ured alcohol which is essen ti at If · · t hi15 proves mconvement you can make your own by \ procuring a small glass laboratory still,
,~"""Lor ll the formulas a

Acetone ........... 'is an alcohol de riva tive which is This a co ns tit uen t 0 f most cleaning oils and so]utio ns.. , Remember, always, that acetone is very inflammable, Merc.ury (Quicksllver) - This mineral is used by gunsmi ths to remove lead from the rifle bore .. I t has a great affinity for lead, which uni tcs 'with it, but from which it can subsequently be. easily

~ nnpor t-ance..

Potassium (Potash) --- In its numerous forms this is another chemical of many uses. Potassium Chlorate, which i.s the arch enemy lurking in our fired primers" becomes a useful friend in our bluing formulas. Potassium. Bichr omaie and Potas siun: Cyanid ,8; re the forms in which it 'is used as a case-hardening agent. Potassium Permanganate is a very useful agent in darkening walnut wood, This will be described in stock finishing. Potassiu 11f. I'{ itrat e is used in coloring 5teel. Other chemicals besides the Potassiums used in bluing solu,.ons .'r . t: -.- tit C·.' t:1 .. a.'e' B·'sm·u_. '. hi "d Std' .h ate 0,j' C' opper, " . ·...on - . "-p, . . Sulphate of Iron J' ore oppe:ras, Bic ldorid 0. M erf cur», Ferne CIflorid and some others of 1esse r
j .
,

remo" --ed .. .... v

Sulfur (Brimsl'one) - This was one of the bases of our good old black gunpowder, but its use in gun smi thing is la rg ely in the ]11 a k] ng of casts 0 f shell cham be r5 ; it is pa rti cular ly ada pta ble because of the ID"vtemperature in which it melts, and the sligh t shrinki ng it develops in cooling. It is also used. in the tempering bath. when making .. springs, Campho,r ......... small supply is all that 1.S necesA sary to mix with the sulfur in the making of sulfur
The following substances have largely to do with

Ammonia - Commercial ammonia is,well known to us aU and demands no explanation of its properties or general uses, It is useful to the- gunsmith as an agent for the removal of grease preparatory to bluing. A mmonia Per sul p,hate mixed with ordi~ nary Ammonia in distilled water 'makes a valuable cleaning solution J as it will dissolve wi thin the ba rrel the metal fouling deposited by cupro-nickclca·s" "_, bullets ,... Highly' concentrated _ Am' ,,_.la ~ " is a , "e'd " _ _" m', o',"'n" ' a most useful agent for darken ing walnut and other
-

casts.

wood work, and while not chemicals in the strict sense ~ are best classified with tbem, Let us take
the substances used in stai ni ng first:

Alkanet 'Root --- A vegetable derivative, which when mixed with your stock oil will impart a reddish tint to 'WOOd4 Arnette, or Armato, an orange red ·~lID. is used to give a sirn Bar ti nt in s tal ning.

MA,'TERIALS., METALS. AND SUPPLIES

This is on]y soluble: 'in aleohol and therefore cannot he used directly in the polishing oil, Umber (Raw and Burntl- J.\ mineral formerly much. u sed as an ingre dien t in wood s tal ns, 1t has been superseded by anilins, which are soluble and so penetra te mote thoroughly; and they do not obscure the beauty of "the ,g rain like in sol ub le
substances, Blood, ----An, old, constituent wood. stains" now superseded by a lliili 11s.
DragOD"'S
b,Y _
,,];I\..!l.,;;t .
.Ii, -.

45
'n]',I. __1Jo.J .

use in gun wor It is passing, the lacquer a hove men

Some sunmakers use it In connec tlon with llnseed o_ 1. . .n ..._~ _ oil and then it is known as "~ French Polish." Its

tinned is taking its place. Linseed Oil .......... the only oil adapted. to the This, preservation and finishing of \v00d, is derived from Haxseed, J t is at its very best when, it has been

of red

Loqw'ood -- A very useful dY'E!Sl uff, but rarel y used today in wood stains for the reason above given" It is often used to impart a better black to gun barrels in the bluing process ~ \\r e have described the foregoing dyest uffs largely because they are a part of the historic development. of stain iDg and wi n t herefore be 'found. in all the old formulas and recipes, }\fy opinion, however, is that the amateur gunsmith. wiU find in the commercial arn l']iif\, ,~,t~, naaterials more easily ob rained 'more i'nis·· __
,Il,1 .,;,. "" _, ,., '~ .. .. _. _ __ _ ,. "

extracted Irom the seed by' presst1tt only, and, without heal. This grade, however, 'is not generally procurable In America, 'Linseed oH comes either "ra w,?') as 'It is, called, or U boil ed, nOne m us there ],....remm d',ed 'tc _3. t 1.. ere IS ..(. b01 er oi '. . '\N' hi,'i CI" is 0'] , ~ h h ~ c: r "1 d ·1" "] ne 1 , d •. · aetna 11 b 01 ec In ,a vacuum, anc t.'he ccmmercia '1 y . "'1d ·

•~ oiled oil, t, w hi ch is merely raw linseed oil cornb bined w lth cer tai n ~"' dryers" ~ F or the gunsm ith the l' latter is worthless-she must have the really' boned article, As there is. a use in gunsmlthing 'for both thle- rav.: ,,,,,n__ t-I I4J. b iled " your su., . .y should ;--, '1 d'··, . ,,d- 1\;,0.Ol.e . t. -.. upply ",U . ,it ,~,ncu e a small bottle 0 f each,
''I' Q
C

n~:ll "-IuS

easily applied, and more- easily controlled. The old def ect 0 f anil ins, their lack 0 f endu ranee, is now practically overcome. Per ha ps 0 fall the old
vegetable stains the first one mentioned- Alkane t root=-wlll be the one most generally preferred .. Mixed wi th your stock '0 il, it will heigh ten the color of 'most 'wood and add to its beauty, Varnishes and, Ruihbing Ona - The: uses and properties o f these su bstances will be Iull y de-.- ihed scrme In a l··-It--,---"it,·t . it .er cnap er' on "~~'.'·"·'-'lf--i~ . ,~. 'HI"'I" I:.' imsnmg. riere we shall descr ihe them only as subs tances,
"'1·~

a subject that is provocative of much argument and .~ J ... ' ... lSIng d~fference. 0'f opin lon. Th ere ,arc unCQ,mp rom · ,. opinions regarding all these classes 0 f oil: animal ~

nub:nc'~llImg and '"' 'LI__ '.'.......

'n....,,_.,...

r,[~elV'a_,Ii·· .) Th'"" is \, ve .......... , . ,15

Varnish - All the old varnishes were made of vegetable gums dis-solved in linseed 011 and t u rpenOnly th e very toughest and best of these were suitable for gun work, Those known as "Spar \rarnishes are the best It as these resist 'water most effectually. Valspar is a well-known and worthy' represen tatlve,
:t'~

tine,

Lacquer _, This rather unfortunate

. ,) I' ,

word 'means

a, 11urn ber of th ings, q uite different fro m each other . c In the sense in which we employ it here, as a treatment [or wood; it. is the ni tro-cellulose product b -..,,--t - - ~,-- ~.. rna d ,e;y D·UL:"Oll, ea '11 ... "D,1][,0', "- ~n d Is the....best _ed~'_ kno\Vll,,,- Applied with a spray gun it is the modern substitute for varnish in nearly every case~ If one bas to v.ar:nish a gun stock, \v,ell,..,.~.don."l; la.cquer . . d iIi'-" IS qUlc,cr an,d :m ,eve'ry 'way 'be tter .. ~ 'k · It-. lnst,ea,. ~t __

or the well ... nown, 'highly' advertised 1ubrlcating ,k, 'oils) as they are, excellent "for most purposes, It jus t happen s that I (sat jn " on long: courses o,f 'ex... perimentatlon conducted by the IF. S~ Government chemi st So to del ermine Ole best 0i.1 s· and greases for use in the Springfie ld and 0 (her Un he d S ta tes at... senals. It was f oun d that fur the 1ub ricat ion 0 f guns, an oil co nsis ting 0 flO par ts pu re sperm an d 1 part par affm speciall Y' refined, boiled toget her, was the best ob tainable; and, that a heavy grease, mad ,e,~~11d: a Ipr, op rie tar Y"" form ,11""1 by '_ _.-.H, H' ougher -. ,. . 'E- ' I,a. ton of Philadelphia and havi ng the trade name of '1\.:","'. -. - ..' S. . f ' - .. ,-h· . ~ .1, o. 8""' an d' 8··4 HCI-- ,.,,"' ..~ ... _~,.' ·osmlc.." " to.·8" par ts .0.' w hilie" wa~ added 2' of pu re sperm, was the very best. preserva ... , tive, Sperm on is obtained. irom the head of' the sperm whale, Both. are entirely free from acid; both are non -drying, This means that they not only do the work required of them but that they doi ~ d .. ~ k eep on. •__mg It, ano your gun, m use or In s tor age ~ o
jJ
,0.'. '. _

nl iner al, and vegeta b 1e J and .all their comb ina tions, Perhaps the best line of argument I can take, is to give you my preference, and then. if you disagree .' 1 ~.- ~ " -·e .... ' e h d with me, it Wi II b lik·· a conversation on tne rae 10 "'-----One-s,l ·d'..J' ~ F :_ed '4,ar, be '. f It ,:ronl ,me tocdi I,spa-rage any
'0 -

'UI"

..

,-:'

it

..

',', ·'U- _

..

~,

"

'1I.lII, ,' __
."

S' '1.., '.' h .JI 'I'Fom, a g'wn _·__ .. .......... ,ac ShelUI a,e~ ,:-,ue_,1]'~' IS ,a 'Va'rOlS,' 'matte r secreted by .an. insect and dissolved 'hl alcohol"

is safe and sure,., l"his information :solved all my oil problem:s ,for the momen.t an.d, I believe, foreve,r,~ AInong t.he ot.her nBs need.ed is l,ara ,o,ii, fo:r use .in eulling screw threads!' ,and for cutting, reaming, and la.pp,in_g ope'Fations genera.lly,. Ker{,setle' i'i used. ···t; .. : ....(orIn ".'Ii" ,as .J f,· 1···-.' ,.,. ,;, '·-··1 (:orrO·f. ·d· J 01n ..s, a ,Ilu, S<p:···· .... O··~'f b-:· _or oosenl.ng up -.';, .. - -·,d··· , . 11S€'51- eSpec.la 11 1n' connec t .. Wit . ., .y " ~-h a n urn ber' 0 f 1on
I'
iII'.~'

46
furth rer into actual gunsmithing o.
~ ': - ., .... - ,-,_ ... "'- .... \' ".Ut·
W\llilllill.J!,·,~JJ,_·

THEM ODm G SM ITH' "'- ··N '..UN Rou,ge o,r F errlc Oxid ........... is the finest of This d .. " h hi' h aiII araS1VCS, anc IS useed to give LJe ,_:_lglest posb'-b'I' olish . 0 eel.an Sll . e, po IS, to s teel and 0 ""~;\'I m,e. 8,'-- _ u,~er metals_ '"
II an ~ r . __ ... ~ ,. ,n P.russian -I..B,-Iue:,_ A'·, fr~,., be of Pruss "']- blue "P 0-' cured from, yrlur paint dealer, will provide tile best material ,i 11 your trial and e rror ope ration in all 'your close-fitting metal ..to ..metal work, I'n. fitting steel to wood, lampblack made into a paste 'with oil is rather more satis facto ry",
,c,ID, __ .I't,;." .-

rifles-use's which vdll, appear' as the workman goes

Vamish Rem,over''H,a.ve a small can oJ this

in stock.1 for it hi, a great time saver in removing the old varnish from, a stock, preparatory to refinishing it..

Bee&,wax _, Beeswax is sometimes used as a

polishing agent: but as It is affected by' moisture it is not well adapted lor wood work on guns, It is
no substitute f-or the combination
tp

of one part lin,.. seed oil and ten parts elbow _grease ~ A Iit tie, perhaps, added to the oil, accele ra tee resu 1ts, I t finds a use in the gu nmaker 's supplies for coating surf aces in the etching process.
t t
4

Bone-bloek - A pound, ot this, wlll also be necessary' to have at hand. This is used to coat exposed and dellca te polnts when mixed with sperm oil in to a pas te in the heatl l'lg and hardening process,
Water ----Distilled

Woods ,_, The woods for stocks are, best secured from ~][ik'hen Bosley of Birmingham and J. R" Chareoal,- Charcoal, you will need.in your' fur- Owen of Li verpool, England, Tbey ca Try the fi nest nace as fuel, and also :i n a powdered form, Ior bluing' of the Ci rcassian French, and Italian. 'waJnuts, For small parts, That made from willow 'wood is es ... the supply of American walnuts, Harner of Springfield, Ohio ~h as a very nne selection" It is best to teemed the best, but you win be, satisfied with. that commercially obtained. Charcoal is also used to have 'these lent to standard size for' tbe particular
t

· b 't '. I S" _vory .......... 'cmce Iva ry lsecomlng very rare ~ 1 IS more expensi ve than former ly '" I t is used for pis t Q 1grip caps, f orearm tips" inlays and grips for revolvers, and pistols, and 'for special sights on shotgun s and rifle'S. 0 lid bin iard balls 0 f ivory may be, picked up a.t times and 'win supply' your needs,

water should be invariably

tio n means all, and no more, of any sol uhle substance that can be held In suspension in the
liquid,

used in every chemical formula,

A.sa tura ted solu-

cover lead In hardening operations,

firearms you wish to restock,

La'cque:rs :£or :M,etcd - These lacquers have no

relationship with the automobile lacquers formerly -." ~ d escnib e d T-h 'fir cnmposition rs of- no interest to ;,~ " " the gunsmith, They 11lay be obtained from dealers

,3. nswers th a t pu rpose You will also need pieces of ebony , rosewood, uta IIogany ch e:rry ~ and f:'1 aple woods. These are very attractive, especially the
+

You ,"viIIneed a sn p... ply Ior odds and ends in or de r to do considerable patching, and the local s upply of American walnut

in metallic finishes and are applied. to metal previously marie warn). Their uses will be described
in the cb apter
011

metal finishing.

rare. varieties. A separate chapter: will be devoted to this 5 ub jec L See'" Selectlon Q I Woods j; before any' steps are taken to secure the supply required .. ,

CH-APTEB' ,,' IV""

-. . I: _ _

Th,e Use of Tools

CHAPTER IV

The

USB

of Tools

Th e reversed radius gouges are se-ldom used on stock work an d m a·'· be ad"ded to. o ne's kit when occasion -:-. ,y... ..., _ c ca.~ u rectly, and the student" having located his shop and for their use ar ises, purchased or made some 0 f the tools, often finds, The chisels you buy usually come rough-ground himsel f in a q uandary, not knowing haw to perform the simplest ope rations, such as sharpening a and with a short angle, Regrind this angle as dewood, chisel, drl ving a nail, or using a file in. the scribed, neat to the cutting edge; then, reverse the, righ t. manner, same on the emery wheel so that a short radius 'Th-roughout this chapter I have endeavored to will be grou nd about one s'ixty ~1.0 urth to the cut .., trea t each subject so that the novice "",ill clear ~,Y' t:ing: edge ~ 'WllHe: gr j nding, allways be caref uI 'to' understand Y, m V~ of 4tl..~:.. tools a.- used ~'Y·'-_. a f,J"11'1(:'' '·mlrit h.__ gr:ind straight across 'so that the cutting edge "liU, . _ n;il:!t; "IW"h """'IV . u~. 'f:i,~,D5 __.. • d -.d . Ii.'.~' - - I,i . 'Naturally a, number of topics, are not touched no t b can t ec t 0 one 51· e. L"1- Ins.t'.rue -..ons s h- on'lid[ .,e l.·e ~-- -- ti -t '-' h+" ~ d upon ~ but enough IS Inc Idd ,udeo to give aaeq ua te be followed for chisels made from old worn files, work ing k nowledge, Wha t follows may be 0-£ little As machine shops arc always accumulating old files" use- to th e fi ni shed craf ts Inan , but the beginner a good 5'upply can usually be obtained 'without should read it carefully in the hope o-f acquiring an much elf or t. 'Your choice should be: flat mill, hal f understandi.ng that could otherwise be' had only by round, three square, and pillar files. Those of the '.. ] l apprentices h p, narrow' pillar variety can be made into small narrow '\~l cod-working tools win be considered first be- chisels, and the d ifferent-shaped needte :fileg 'call be , cause .of their Interest '1.0 the beginner. Edge tools ground f 0.1' smal I inlet ting work such as sh ields, etc .. y our needs w'i U be con fined. m05 tI-v to 6 and 8 inch of' all kinds come ground" but not stoned, therefore "', it is necessary to '1l.1n d', ~--, d fi rst- ",10\" 'to S. h arpen h Iengths, the 1() a nd 12 inch being I ather cumberr r erstan _. . a_nd . keep" the. .,rn'. in_. co','n--' tir0___ ~ d 0-' ., th Ii; best wor] k "" some for gen eral use, The 10. inch mill file may be a . esl!I. __ '_ ____ . , dl .. n ~o·.' broken in half and ground for wide butt chisels .. \i\~tO-O'D---W·: O··RK·:IN· G'- T'" 0""'0" LS····· Another type 0,£ thin chisel is made, from power hack ... saw blades, broken, to the proper length, the - '0' - .'. ,-'d', . ---' •- -- :', '.' -. . - ,,- - ,-- .- ' :" ,-', ' '--,- - .'- .-.- .-, . ,.' Chisall, The wood chisel, carving chisel, teeth groun '. off, and a tang ground on. the end to fit a file handle. A full set of these tools is inexgouge, and bottoming tool are the most important pensi ve no t d [fftcult in con struc tion, and the wor It in stock inle t ting ~ You can buy' chisels such as the shortv. _'_ buu chisels will'' ich S':II'ViQ t im and U-O,-i ca n a1-1:'" will be most 'interesting to the beginner .. "' ,~O , _ '!.lI,,':', '"_ ~<;n..I,S ' u.. Jf. u -. -:-1: In ston ing, t1rst use a. coarse carboru ndum stone fashion them from old. files .. Grind off the file cuts, , being caret ul not 'to draw the temper' whHe doing' to hasten "the: work on the cutting edge, and a Wash ita or any fine-gra lned stone to obtain, the so" and sharpen the end by holding it ant. against desi red keenness, Get a piece of J, inch bel t lea ther , the eme-ry wheel as it revol ves to secure the proper angle, On all gunmakers' chisels the angle is twice 12 inches in length, and glue: the smooth side to a . as great as on carpen ter chisels. "ri th a, long sharp convenient place on the bench '; use it to rub the working chisel on now and then a's needed, Charge angle the ell t ting edge performs bet ter on hard "l"", 'h ~ ~ wooos, '1-. e gnn diIng 0f: a ra di[US one th cutting the leather with .320-Iv[ optical emery by mixing it edge of a chisel reduces to a min imum the necessit y into a. paste with olive oil, and rub well into the f or stoni ng ~ It is ad visab le to grind a 1. or 2' de- leather. By' drawing' your chisels tow-ard. you, as tho -rotJ.. wer,e.. str-p-,pina ,3, r,azor 'Y'ou reestablish·, and gree angle !on the flat si:dle so that it wUI not. bite in .. )r --. O. . t.hat dire"',tJon: ,. ~'u--.,., '1b4b. e- 0- U!'~',G, 5·' .t"l(a';'g" h':"[: ,c'~·m-:-': I ,,- ", ,I, t- , 'ma,i:ntain fhe shn:rp cutting edge .. Th:is. devict, :is, __ ~ U '. II' '".".1I~' . 11. _.~,",aJ~ Clh.. , '~...': ' -.i " ..-.' ... b- '1-' ' .. , ~, gouges" Sln'ce t ley are h l'-' .•' , ' •.. I' .' ,IS Inl,pOSSI, . e to d'. ,0 {h':" WIt . . lS, nse d f'or" H" - c,'h~ ~ '. ';,-..', gouges:.' on test ,- ~- '}] .SI . ell at ,~,se, d san. ra.~g ,.t ~d 1t ". 1- ._ d ·,:u.'~t made, wHh a diversity of [',adi] and a ve:ry 'Stee.p '1\"1'ost carving' c''h'"18e:5 'h:ave' 0:dOd' s.uapes a:n-, ,rad~' b _' II..
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the use of tools" 'wblle others must reeeive definite inst ruction befo 'Ij,D tb,e':Y"'"can make progr ess a. ,'IW , ..... ] t is for the la t ter class tha t this chapter j,s written. "J '. 'II!,. Everyo ne attem pting a tas { wisees to' do t t cor-0 1
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'~'RTAIN In ]V1~lUhS" ~em, ,~!ai_ ura-I)" s ,a'd"-,epi ~,1n. angle to the cut t.ing edge, 'wi, th only' a very sligh t ndivid ,.'[. ,-,.'. natur ·,t' ,:" . . ,,"'1!
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Carvlna chisels come 'under,_.,.tile same headins as - -,0 . -_. .., .... .... ..

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rHE MODERN GUNSMITH

course, on straigh t -g rained blanks you can takelonger strokes" thereby reducing the surplus wood
and bear in m i.nd that. the spoke-shave is, 'Used, to. coni"l,nU-" "1\,~'h··,.· "th'·,,, dra ow~_·k·,·_4'~' '1'-""""'" ..e, "e,re t, '.'e . fa ' ,0.11e ' ea.ves off ~ 0. One: of' the' best. instruments of this kind is the: 1 izht ." .. d' nanares 1: 'Wh ee.ll.\Yr.I,g.,t d 'ra,w~ k' ~f WIt:h rouno h ..j'l erose to · mue l1J"~ .th le bla·le,.1l'¥lt· h sue'h a k'Inif :e: th cuts a,re con .. ...d I, _e , 1 .......:1' '. tt.....:-,).",: t .) or '.. -· th .'.', t ro'1'I,eu be; u;.:[ I w,!; Ie,_e r I,ronl. ,.:.' towar.d '." ' you,.
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stances, a true radius, To strop these, the best results are: obtained 'with a 'bu.ffing wheel mounted either on a 'buffing-wheel stand 00:[' emery-wheel spindle .. Charge the' wheel with rouge: or chrome, plating polish as 8, light abrasive, 'When the tool is stoned and, you wIsh to complete the stropping operation, all that Is necessary i.s 'b) hold gouge 'Or

you. will observe that the gouges have, in most in-

more rapidly.

Do not go 'too 'far ln your

CIll ts,

:PI'anes - '\Vheu. the 'student begins to use ,3 ,7 -. . ~ p 1ane ]. 1 ld S IIl a t· an ang I.e. '.' '. te ~., d',-' ,....f' ,',' sh,. It re ,10' [lIS sa . 0 pus ,,". mg ". in a straight line J and you 'will find tha t a great many carpenters do the same thing. Turning the a fine cutting design. When using' the huffing wheel, hold the tool close too 1. sidew Ise permits, it to f ollow an uneven sur face to a. vertical position, bringl ng it against the wheel and your work becomes more or less out of square. gently. This method will give it a, razor edge, the Holdin g the plane stralgb t is hig hly im po rtan t in ". ,~'. whl ·' r ',' . "t ir '.' .r., con.ill' tiionm '\v .l.Ch-· It shQU,·'ld be keept, It, is ,W~,' a,t' laying out the top lines oi' a. stock correctly: and e k '. IS it i dvi ·.···e the first si.gn of dulness, to touch it up on the f or thi 1 1.S ar visa b -1 to 'use a j• acs -p 1 ane, When starting to plane, use the lightest cuts poswheel; thus returning to the razor edge the possibility of malting a smooth polished cut against the sible, the blade scarcely sera ping the wood, Then set the en t ter just a lit tle deeper t un til thin tr ans- ~ grain of the 'wood" "~en making, chisels from old files and after pa ren t shavings are prod uced the :f:ull ,,"idth of the blade, When you find that YOU are cuttiD.'t against grinding" draw to a" blue' just verging on purple, the grain." reverse the: piece of' work, and. plane from, Procure suitable handles w'ith heavy steel ferrules file opposite end, Should the grain run in different for protection in the use of a. mallet, Generally speaking, chisels used in conjunction with a ]na~Uet directions, take only the: Dnest cuts possible to are' of the ordinary carpenter 'kJndJ reground, 'while avoid fraying and tearing the fibers, In, the: use of the smooth plane to clean up a home-made thin chisels are for hand use only. 'i '0' '. ~ ~ ....'. ,.',,_,e ", turn. the roug h piece 0f woo"d·' 1t is permissuibl '.. to". .." .. Only rudimentary instruction can be imparted plane at any angle to cut the: high. points off the to tile beginner in the use of the different chisels, work '; follow, however, by straigh t cuts. to attain since pto:fiefen.cy 'will depend largely on practise and experience, In the, use of the many :forms of the desired level s urface from, which the, remaining sides a re trued, hand. chisels" the hold varies sUgb tly, but speaking 1Th ~ .., 1 .... VIV . '. en nrstt examining a new pane you WI~11 nn d.I generally J the right hand is the pushing force and that the blade is ro ugh -gro und only: it is, therethe let t acts as the guide ~ If you are the least bit f ore necessary' to stone it to secure the proper 'reartistic you will find it gratifying to watch your ,-1 d nne +'1 .~ nnano» coarse and fi 0'1 stone ability grow, par tlcular 1yin the a pplica don. of the SLUtS. H'ave a comblnatl small carving chisels" In ,nt t ing ac ti ons in to stocks, located at one end of the work ..bench recessed in a wooden block! so tha tit is stationary and can be the 'wide shor t.. ut t chisels will be found the best, b Ior wi th these 'V'Oucan take o.ff the til innest .sha vi ng- reversed from tine: to coarse. To stone the 'blade, ~ turn the smooth side up, Apply a few drops of cleanly, sperm oil on the center 0,1 the stone. Hold the plane blade with both hands wi th top of angle Dr,CIW-I[:Dif:e, - Most '0,'" us are famlliar wi th this tool, but, very few unders tand :its, proper' lise in. resting on the stone, Slo,,~ly 'bring the, cutting edge lit., to the stone, a.nd 'move the bl ade 'in a. circula r mo ... s '00 .plng: a, stocs. ,S··· .' '.' tra:u,ge' butt t true, th e A .... Amencan stock, maker. 'uses it, far less, 'freq,uent1y than the tion without, too much pressure. Examine often to 1.. ., ~ nave a. straigt 'h' l~ S"'I It, me ,ong tho ,.: cutUn,g .. Ie ~ spoke-shave: a matter of' fashion and teaching" J: see that you '1i... ,edge o.f the 'blade. Thi.s will be ,i:nditated. by a :suppose~, ·W'.hen:it is r,az:a.f 'keen" 'it is, a relia.ble and thoroughly' efficient toot Instead,o-f ta:kf:ng the hrigh t edge., 'Now' reve:[sc' 'the blade, lay the' :Oat . '. _. . . .. .. ., -- - ..' .',' -. '.'. i'. .. - h long strokes ,you :see a carpe'll.ter use, hold ,tl e side down, and dr,Rw' it back, and forth until '(h,e . It ' 1 h ~ ~ b tne b -fl,gi'h stone'd' ed .'.,ge aso :SOWS in a str,alg,it I'" as, knife ,at an angi1e lor let the left hand extend further than the right 8,nd only take off suml!. chips 'with a on the opposite side;; 'Now sb\tt stoning Ilen,gtlrwise on the angle to f1emo;v'e the 'wire edge; reverse and kind 'Of motion a's tho, y(~'U'would gouge out the wood 'with ea,ch. s..troke, cu tting ,aero,:!;! .and a.t times do likewise un ti.1 aU of it. 'has disa. ppeared.. Use the w aga,inst the grain wifhout spH t'ting the wood.. Of 1ily ... hit,e 'Wash ita. oils tone; ston.e the blad.e in the
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angle of 80 to 8 5 degrees from the horizontal; or hold the tool near the bottom of the' 'wheel to secure the proper edge, Only one thickness of a 111. inch · sewn mus I]',· ..,lee!, is require d' to 'L ng t I ec ge to n W h Li nn .. d re

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same manner a's last described, and when you run it across the top of' ynu r f nger-nail you win note : " : .. '.if':, i . .',,'., _:_ t lU:! SIgn [0 { a 'saw ed ige, rr ,) OU exam .. I't hi- ,'. rougr 'I] . [De 1.5 edge under a magnl ryin g gla ss il will look ]ike a num b er o'. ~ In' ,~;Qw, ~'4.6t'~'!1W'rhich are ea 's::~~i,V' d At ected f I.....:;:.~. ~'with t:he top of' the flnger-nail ~ A'fter these are removed by the wh he \V'a:sh ita or Arkansas stone" strop the edge on the bel t leather as described, for wood. chlsels until you are able to IL ILl t a hair with it quite as, readily as, lNith a. razor' after being ~ stropped. This, procedure applies to. all plane blades, but, of course, the: angles differ in certain types, necessi ta dng slight changes in. position when stoning, When assembling the plane j 'note the amount of pro j ec tion of the blade through the slot. If to 0 high on one side and. low on the opposi re, it can be adjusted by' means of' a lever under the blade, on top side which shifts the position until it becomes, perfectly even. The adjusting screw regulates the thickness of the cut, wh ich can be adjusted to
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Tible,.· ,l!'~'W:.!!i W' h',ten t7'Un'::5~m'1 s use are a ,~, ~,_ ~.I':L e,,~" ',:.'ltb .':~'. '.' good crosscut., , rin h.a. ck, copin' g , ~ r ~, t"", '" :v. .." ieweler's hiack ,n. ~ a. a d small cabinet, The first two are used for all the
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course if you allow' it to hit your vise, or saw into nails it doesn't take Jong tOI dun the teeth, If this happens often, it :~sbest. to learn how' to 'fi],e a. saw, fOF whic:h (I. special vise i:~ convenient. To do this: C],alI11.p the' saw i1:1 th e vise 1 a nd wfth ,3 triangular sa w- Iile sta rt to file the' fi rs t tooth at the same angle as the original cut" Hold. the angle, and, file every other tooth until they come tIp to very sharp pain ts. Reverse the saw In the vise and file the
opposite too th from the other side, Bef 0 re starting to file t take a straigh t edge and 1ay over the' teeth. If they do not come up even, take a 1.2-inch mill file and just touch the tops of the: teeth un til all

produce the thinnest of shavings.

R,as,ps ........... These are manipulated in the same manner as files are extremely use fu 1, have a, broad field, are quite simple to work with, and are the beginner's most important tools, Even tho you are able to remove 'wood easlly with such a tool, you must bear in 'mind 'that It is possible, at least for some workmen, to do. much better 'work with other tools "~he'D a more advanced stage oi' adeptness ]S'

are even. I t is difficult to give instructions for the use of a wood SR'W J for the contr-ol of a saw is only developed by pr actise, and it is well for the- beginner to usc rest pieces to see bow straigh t. he can. keep to a line wi th both saws, one for cross-cu tti ng the grain 'Of the wood and the: ,riP-58'Vi' to ·cut 'with the ~
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wH.l find tha t the hack-saw Is the most use .. Iul 0'£ al l, since; it is adapted to both metal .a nd
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arrived at. Rasps come in different sizes and cuts and are known as rasp" cabi net, and vixen. The two mostly used in stock wor k are the rasp and the cab inet, The cabinet rasps are thinner with very lit t1 c radius on the curved sidle. The rasp i5 used only on wood where it is impossible to use any other tool to cut down to shap e, such as in a, butt stock that has. been cut from the stump and where the kno ts and b urls stand out. prominently, I t is surprising how rapidly the beginner becomes proficient with these imple ments '; and be will accomplish be tter results, by far, when he uses them, on 'Such wood as curly'
maple, slump walnut, etc, Wben. you. get down to
the ou tlines (~,(the stock, fi nish with a bas lard and
a. mill-cut file before sanding, 'Good rasps are rather expensive and it doesn't take ')ong to wear one out an hard wood, When the teeth 'become dull it is, better to discard 'i t altoget he'f~, for you 'will, require' :fi fly strokes w,i th a, worn rasp to one stroke: with a, nt'w one., \\'f'lle'I1 you ,vant exertmse to develop muscle in your' sho\ude rs .and a.rms, a worn file or rasp W'E 11 aCCQ,m pI ish the, desired effect. A

wood. The Atkins silver-steel blades, I believe, are best The leng'~. ,t;'h· '0," blade,~ should b e J..I2·· ml;JJ,es. WI, , t..,., .'.' ith .I! _' , __ : :' ',' Ji. _. ullh.. '.' ~,'1i 24 or 32' teeth to the' 'i ncb.,. The coarse teeth are, used wnen cuttinzst 1"anid woo, 0.f..'I'" '. size, ano d usee vh n cu ,'_.:_g stee .'. .. iod ··. targe the fi De teeth for li gh t wor k, small stack J an d sheet metal," When a. blade wears down, you can grind off the sides of the teeth and use it to slot screw1!J1;..,_" ,", .. " ~

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heads, etc.

'[he jeweler's hack-sa w is used ex tensi vely by ., __ ~", ..., d .' tile gu nismi th an, as't·' h bl de cos on.I·' ten cents tne ,.a, es zost y per dozen it is a. good inves tmen t to buy' five or six dozen in different widths and numbers of teeth,

, , ". ". .... .. :',."". '" ,. tiIng screw - d. ri.,.~:,er~ si 0 ts m smau screws, etc, " It IS 1'" II:: ,'~ . '~. ~ " ]1 ". '.' ' . ~ · ·:.: \ I• m po ssihle to .Ih,~~ here . th e .L 1I.~~·t· mu~ lplicitv ' 'i' 'f 1 ,8 11S···...-:!· ~t' its ." e.?+ ,. l. :L,y JI n practise man Y' blades are 11navoidabl y broken; however, knowledge of the use of the, tool is so desirable that this should not lend discouragement, The coping saw 'is used for cutting out. odd forms ill 'wond and templet work 'w hen .it is .necessa,ry to fo now 'Iines. Thi s 'is 1110 re read ny possible because ,,"I!.. hl '1i~ caIl li.. turne',dl to any pUrSlU.un In tbe '.' • • .Ulf: ,3!(lt l!Je ~
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Th is saw is used for cutting off small parts, cut-

cutdllg uut pistol ... g·r.ip caps burfa~o :hurn ,and :ivury, it is. Indispensable., -frame.,
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f'rom

vixen file is used on aluminum, 'striking.

and for barrel

1.ools the a.ma teur should by all m.eans, hoecom e ac· customed to, especially 1n shaping the out.lines of

Spo,k.shave - This ],S, one

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52,

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of the bit, You must have the combinatlon of b~'l a stock. ] t is ODe oE the easiest devices to underand brace running in absol u te alinement ~ To ha ve stand when you once see the advan tage gai ne d in a b it come t hrough the side 0 f a fin ished stock is its use. \~rhhutH.a doubt, its. employment is. bea calamity and humiliation great enough to' make corning more or le ss obsol ete a 111 ong me rican one realize that it is adv-isable to have everything workmen; but European gunrnakers usually have a complete collection in perfect urder in thei r to 01 runni ng t ru e f rom the very firs t ~ Before s tarting ches ts, and pri ze them highly ~ '\:" U \V il J be sta..tled operations. which require the use of either auger, o r .ors _I - _ . to see how rapid ly' you lean, remove \VOIO d w j th on e cente r 01, F tner hi t, '1ay on t your Vlor,k b,Y mar k ~II'- ~',-.-ll.."if ,·,,'·'th T' .'L_ "-', ill.l,b . _er 'III-I"-h .IIl'w,e:re of these Utd[e tools 'wor't.ing the shave both r'~io~n '." 'in" th·· if~,cenl"ers p,W,'tun~) lll,. ,ll. cen, ter ,pun.t, for holes bein-'g:' .tiIiU-'- t ,-o':i' v '. center _ 'l~trllkn'lI\iiI w. l.!'W' and tow,81,rd you, the same :aJS 'w'~ a d raw-kni ie. "is no exc th
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Drills and D,rilling" -: - In. the armamentorium oft be metal worker ;':9 ,too~,s~,none has, a more defi,nru~:eor Important place than the: twist drill, the vc:ry smatlest fer odd forms on s110~,gun stocks One-hal f the' metal is cut away in the flutes, but. to the reg_u]ar size 'wn:i cit 'is used lor long hi ng clo\~n. notwithstanding this, the cutting surface in pro wherever possible. With one of these Iittle 'tools portion to its cross-sectional aeea, is large, This YOl] can see what you are doing' when shaping a is made possible by the fact that the 'walls through stock blank but with a cabinet raspy an uneven \v hich it passes aetas. a 5 U pport, an d the feed p ressu rf ace resul ts which makes it difficult to keep in sure forces the point into a cone-shaped hole which m in d the; ou tl ine of yon r 'Nor k ~ On difflc ul t wood reuters it. Drills should be ground so- as to cut to it is ad vi sa ble to resort to on e of the rasps, Ior actual diameter and be capable of operation with here it is nex t to im p ossib le to use a sha vie because as little power or pn~~~ure as possible, To have of knots and diversity of grain" one ,cut to correct 'Sii:~e" both lips :!1bould 'b-e the same ,a.:ng~e;; A great conven ience is to h u Y' a standW'[oodi Bii,'s,..-.- These are €isse,:nU,an.y for boring' a I'd d 1"]11gat UJ(~e' (~[ho\'-n m n Fig nre 3,,2 '" Th ese a re ) into. wood, but other f orms art' also em ployed '" The wood bit is freq ucn tly used in gun work ~ an d it is advisable to buy the very best, for the hard wood of gun, stocks d.ulls its quickly ~ Look over an

convex. form up to the cutting edge on the pa rt which, p roiects from the wooden handle. On the unde r sl de 0 f the kni fe, it needs a long a n..g] e to free th e chips. AI ter sto ning the ell t tel to a keen edge} place it against the musli n wheel charged with T'DU ge as, explained in finish ing go uges or ch isel s wi t11 od d f orms, I t should. be set, usuall y.~ for the 511 A llowest of cuts, I. use 'various spoke-shaves on s lock wor k, f rom

Vllb en. g't! n ding' the' bla de. it is necessary to have a,

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.d I' i'] h '" gr HL_ 1.Ire dru 1s b '11_ iI -ac It\. ionger t.: an In. t.!h=e case o f.s teel. Dr ---- :s a _,_;: sm 2('11er- than 1( inch. shoul d be - 111"· . 11\\ r '"' _ c :;t - . . ., used in a hand drill

'k~'----,hUI5~e~ ' .. or . ast , 1', of ,liV] S .. ,~1I1·' usea z.; ',,', _sraee J m the 1. I]IS ra nee (1 twist d ru s used in a br: ,..', Il.. ie
,6 UeSSFWOr
1'1 .' . ,' '.'

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t .... I\..·

ill pIC i'JI, 1Ij,~~",r.

I.'

IJ

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'lUI

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I'

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T\IEr".r~~,L-vVORKIN'G TOOLS

or

assortment of' needle files and selec t a sui ta b 1e 0 ne

to keep your bit sharp, File from the, inside '; sh arpe ning the side lip from the outside will cause .' t 0 I~)ln, ,"'. .. t'-]· iLl .~, an·d- .,. III t'hi~' '~'p,~- ;[r-ee·· ';[,r,i"ii.m- , t -,~"'" Ul -ele lW.o!l.e • - . pu~ -_~~_ur --'d l_ v"
>_ ,,'

t.he I"~orst.ne'r' bits 'W ben shallow 'holes are re:q uiFed,~, t'he: ,FotS;tne'F' bi 1.s. 'being' used in pr~Ddl1:rifJJg a. flat ... ,'botto'm bo1e~ As these are only 'Used on shotgun stoc.'ks you 'wiU find
that tbey do- not T-equire sharpening .as Q'ften as th,e allJO"er bits - 'HoV\rever. , Thd~J1ticaj m,ethod~ are em'-' '- , '0 " ,-'. --, 11:.. "t" ...li pl,oye;d w;uen [' .IS nee-d,eu~ In selecting ,a brace, choose the belit with a large strong chuck that runs true,. and has a SW[Bep of '''t ' ' , ,-, 1 ,····an.· 12' .. - 'h···· _ 111. ts I d' 'f'" ,_f[l b.Je ween 10'--- ,'- d ,-- ~ne, ,es~ "l·'h· a ~b,iif.' ,"-,. (~n ·te··'re.,_ there ~5hould, be no runnru,ng out" O·Qcas[onaJ I.y it 'is the 'hi t. ] tsei,f: '\vb~ch is beJu,g :spr'ung" and .it is ,im:n~'
!W -,-

t hie 'lvnod~, ,CenLle:r bl,ts, :u-e used '00, statt

11

-"':iol'

poss~ble to bore a. str.aight hol e- '\vlth one ,so :ruudi~

:n.ed, e~spec]ally wbe'l1 reces.si,ng' 'in t.he butt, 'fur Qc;.cessories, .as these holes, ,are 'bored the 'i'u1l1e'llgth
= -

CO.fr~],y _

~!: th.

'Ih,~,'iW'lO[ Ui"iil are _.... ~ :IiIl(l~.e 1ell.gth- (fn.d the selme Ql)ig'l'e;
----,1',.,[- -.-,c _ g_'VUIli d
1t.',........." .lilpwoo

:FJJtj,", :32;

to, ~he axbi

THE USE 'OF T'O'OLS

made from, sheet steel with an angle of j 9 degrees
and graduated

on the angle portion, so that when the d rill. is reversed, bo th side s check to tbe center. After acquiring the knack of grinding them it is no

.1

__ L

s«

more difficult to grind a. N urnber 52 than a 2'-inch l

and the same hoI ds true f o:r giving correct relief. Start from the cutting edge and roll it back; then reverse the drill to opposite side and r cpea t the opera tion ~ This does, not assure microscopicall y perfect size, bu t the accuracy 0 f the eyes, is sufficien t f'or practi cal purposes he-re to determine if both angles are co rrect, and sides are 0 f equal length. Shnuld one side be longer than the other, the drill "'II t ,. ~ :.1e f WI " CU~overSl7.e, an-d Ul tl ease n, a. -ll ,arge,d n'11tho e .,'.• aperture would be enlarged considerably, _. mallS number drills are stoned: they are ton small to he ground, By stoning' a small radius 'On the en ge or lip of any size drill, It maly be used as a reamer by drilling' fi rst with a smaller drill, an d then using the one so treated. until the desired smooth opening is

I,
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.

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.

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END

Glass drill

FiqF 34

an

Use either 90 or lOa emery or carborundum and water between the end of' the' drill tubing" and glass, Place the abrasive under .the drill 'wfih a thin piece of' 'Soft wood to avoid. emery cut well,
j'

acquired,

sera tching the surrounding glass" Construct a wooden box so that the grit-impregnated 'water will not run over the- drill-press table' or floor, Cushion. the glass with a. piece of rubber with an opening in the center not larger than the one to be drilled. \-Vh en dri IIi ng ~ it is best to penetrate approximatel Y hal f~way and then turn the glass and drill. f rum the
opposi te di rec tio n, Any fin left In the hole can be easily removed, with a round file dipped in. turpentine. I t is poss ible to d rill small holes by grinding
the triangular end
0f

For drilling brass or .any thin stock where the drill goes clear through, it is, best to grind or sto ne a narrow bevel on the cutting edge. Figure 33 i1~

taper, and using it as a drill tool.

a three-cornered

For a lubricant,

file to a.

and IJS ing a 1111.X ture of turpentine and camphor as a ~ub ri can t, TIle m os t succ essfu J, glass drilli ng is . acco mp 1ished with sue h i1T1plements as are shown in Figure 34.

use a mixture of turpentine and camphor. Holes up to ¥2 inch in diameter can be drill ed in glass \V'Ith a fla t d til ~ by hardening it. in sul f urous acid J

Drill Troubles-,T'wist

drills will stand more in

proportion to their size and '\veight than almost any other tool s, and \vhen a good 0 ne does. give- troub le it is due to neglect, When drills chip, on the edge, the lip cl earance is too great and fails to support the ell t ting edge". I f the outer corner wears~ it shows that the speed is too great" Figu.re'.3 5

lustrates the edge to stone.

This noes away with

the tendency to draw in to the work, which means removing more than it should, especially at the bot tom, of the opening' wbere it b teaks through. TO' avoid this, grind as heretofore explained-from the cut ting edge,

,DriUing Holes in ,Glass~A, number of methods

are offered for choice ~ F or hol es of medium. and large, sizes, use either brass or Shelby tubing ha ving a. diameter equal to ilia t of the openin g required, as illustrated in Figure 34" 'or make IIp , d' ~'~Il e ~ll '1' ti ~ spectai l ..tl~, S 'ruFOID. co 1u-t 1rawn steel, ;"'II'}ie cu t...ng .1 face in €'a,ch instance should have a SD100th, flat, ci rcular surface ~ The spe ed sho ul d be a bout 100. feet per min ute, or just fast enough to have the

The 'O'U ter C:Ol':ners 0,1 'ilhe drin have, bee:n worn away beeeuse excessive spe,&dl 11GB drawn th,il' temper

F~ {l ..... _lq~ An bldicatiQn of 1-00 q,rem, &peed:

(i!1:.

54
shows this defect.

TH.E

MODE.RN GUN'SMIf.H
it is. best to spot-anneal by building wet clay around
the spot that ~s to be drilled, and beating over the Bunsen burner, Or spot-anneal with an acetylene torch; or a spot can be g:round off so that the drill will start In drilling rna terial 0 f this texture" grin d the tool as flat as possi ble ,;, it will cut much better on all hardened parts, using a low speed, and turpentine as the lubrlcant. Often a drill can be used in pl ace 0 f the regular tool for counterbores, Start the opening with a regulati on-ground d rill and then replace wi tll one of the same, size, but ground fiat and. with lust

This is particularly notlceable on cas t Iron, Al ways keep drills, sharp and wa tch the speeds au d f eeds, an.d above all keep them well lubricated with, a free cuttine ~ oil , such as lard
-

of a drill on. ,(In g,mery wheeL, (I) Shewing" w hete Ihe wheel has remofved the 'me'led
WE'}),

(AI

thinnIng- the

B ,Fig~ 36

oil, When using small drills at high spee d i a wonderful help is to moisten them with the index finger dipped in. oil" 111 drilling hard material use t urpen tine as a lub rican t.. Drills feed more easily by carefully thinning the extreme point Figure .. 6 , HI~: ees t hi1..:J.. Th 1,;:;1 is imp or ta- nt in h aiL , f,. if _ ~ rstra 0 __ ·~ snd scdine with drills at or over % (; in diameter ~ When 'metal has been case-hardened or tempered,
'Ii.!,o.)' _ _

!;,..:Ji,

.:J

___ _

,~

_.

[ncortectly

ground Ups~ Here we see the angles of lips, to. be aql/.u:rL burl i1he:ir'lengths
me difle·:rent

fi,q'~ 9,8

Cotrecl Up r::tearanee~. showing' :pJ"oper 'wa:y 10 gr,ini:l the sudaee bac'll: ot tha cutting lip

F.ig~ 3'7

enough clearance to insure its cutting. These we call "bottoming drills": they will do for holes where special care is necessary'. When using metal-cutting drills for wood, increase the angle to 30- degrees on a side and. give the drill a considerable amount of clearance so' the chips will come out freely and not act as a b rake, I-ligh-speed drills costa Iittl e m ore than carbon drills and a.r e th e ones use d IT}()S tl y ill gu 11. work. For wond, th e common carbon dril ']s do very nicely 7 hu t for steel t 11e f orrner will ou t] ast a carb 0n dr in t"TO to one .. The Drdl Press and Its Us.e-,Many operations can be performed OIl this machine, such as using it f or inlay wu r k on. W(J od, as a milling machi ne to cut out grooves in shotgun hammers, to set sights in revolvers, grooves in sight bases for covers, to mor-

55,
spe ed ~ Set the piece in t he drill-press vi se and place a bloc k of wood so the back of the v ise wi 11

ride squa r,e~yagainst It, Place steps Ior tile requi red lengths, setting them on the :fe\ed, handle so as to req uire 0 nly sligh t p ressure to bri ng the cutter a mite deeper, .. light outlining cut results in a l\.
milled-out recess for the in],ay'".

F-or mortislng, buy

fiig'.. ::]:9

l~cQIf'\ecUy qroond Upai When this drUl was qJ'101lJ:n d 1he two· !lips We1".e diflefent~ Nole till"ed the helle lS la['lEliiPt. than tb,e d'nn 2 ....

F~q~,41
A r,o'g,'g'h_, :ma\cic~r{lh;,~;ho~_Ul.

tise long grooves, as in checkering frames, square

wooden. sections, etc '. A surprising number of different set-ups can be a r ranged 0 none 0'£ these mach j ne:s, fronl the d rilling of holes :in steel or wood to using it f or special c ut-outs, ,As an instance", suppose yo lruw 511 to set in a piece of ebony or ivory, It is difficult to exru

re~,uJlt, ,ltd' a: ,dull dr~inlIU'

'WOl"D

'wter

~d:g!f.8

well-finished surface and ,(1l1 that is afterwards necessary 13 to sand and polish, A drill press can

spiral end mill 50 up to 112 inch: these clan also be used to r sur faci ng wood wor k. 'The)! prod uee a

be used for lapping, fJHlI1g,~, and polishing screws, For: reason of its innumerable uses it pays
311510
bT)

add such a machine to your shop equipment. If it is. no t p r ac tical to buy a regula r 1 rna de drill Y' press.~ secu re a smalle r one 'v h ich wi th. motor a t~ tachment may he made to. answer the purpose sa L is~ actoril Y'~

Files and FUing - The file plays a most impor tan t pa r t in 1]U~ guns 111ith 's trade as Wilen as that of die' rna kers, ~nd i.' '1_ ou 1d be di ffic[Il t to conce ive of a ,P ieee o,f' work in the con struction a-f' wh ich it does not it 11d its use. PTaPi c ien cy in t he fi~€'s use
demands nrac tise u.rcuracy, 1 ~nd Patience, While l'..:l' ;). _ . .;- ~) ' .. ~._~~", .. f" "~ em ployed .3:51, a dl e mak er ~ it '(auk me two 'weeks to file out (U1:e d~e' block whlch made tw;o tumblers, In the hands ,of the craftsman it 'marks a degree of skin that never :f ails. to impress, I L1 ge ne ral P ractl se fiJ es. a re desi gned bo th by the spac in g of thei r tee th
. .. rf
l'~

~I

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: . (:u.. ,.- ~

~.

~ofi

Ii.;

and t,h1e: shape a nd cross-sec t [on of steel 011 '\-Vhich cavate Jon-this, by ]l1!a:n(l When it ,~spossible' to. do they are cut. The' size a lways ref ers to their lengt b~ this with the ~ld of the d 'r"'~],l. press ,~ small flo e'~~lta.U which f~ measured from the p .int ocr en d of th..e ...... ~h.~" cutter can be Iormed nut 0:£ a piece IO:f: drill rod. file proper and never includes the tang that fits into t~ (1, ~~, ndle ~~t, File it. to the required size, and. harden and temper, rr"":h:l -,-,"(~U. te r s '0 UiIlUl ue ::i nli,a~" an _, an ven at ',lg":b" tte -~h";-" 'I'~'nl'] and .fll:-:·'- ,"", . It r·. ,us Terms Used Jor ,FJ'les- The back (),f the: file: :is,
II. ..
,.'!f".

Fig~ 40 the correctly 'grQund drill.. Note how e C':m~ paetly' tb}ese, cni:p'B fn. I,n~oeach otlte·r'

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h"1

THE MOD'E'RN GUNSMITH

stopped one' night with a Swedish sheepherder, As I drove up to his camp I was greeted with the lrresistlble odor of mutton stew' and coffee', and the uniorgetable sigh t of a steaming pan of biscuits. for fi.ling ln la tiles, and I am of th e 0 pinlo n that the best results are secured. with this style when draw ... The ill-disguised rapture on my face no, doubt moved this herder to generosity and he insisted that hi ing a barrel or sim ilar 'york. Care f ul 0 bse rvers will notice that a file does not I help in the consumption of these delicacies. I cut well when new ~ but rather that' it is at its best accepted with a celerity that gave my host no opportunity to change his mind, After putting' away .. a'Iter it ha been used~ f. o.r a while , and tha tits, IIJ _~, ............ , :: v. as much stew, coffee, and biscuits as possible for proficie ncy te rminates suddenly, not gradually. Gunmakers of past generations accomplished mar- one of my proportions" I sat back, con ten ted and listened to his conversation. He was most anxious velous results with the aid of little 'more than this to recount to me the story' 0 f' one 0 f his recent simple implement, I have studied the locks and accomplishmen ts, actions of many an old 'weapon and unhesitatingly concede that their makers were real craftsmen, It seems that only a few' days before our meeting the convex or rounded or half-round side, Cabinet and other file s have simi! ar slde s. The secon d cut is finer than the first. Some pre fer the slng 1e-cu t
q, o,;J J. _. ..

the world, True, very fine work Is turned out by 'men with a, file today, but we are living in a. machine age when it is possible to eliminate much of the time-consuming toil, leaving only the finishing process to be done by hand, The best advke for the beginner is that he should. first of all learn how to use a file, goo d prac tis€' being to reshape into correct alinement test-pieces t Let him',c .~ n s. ..e.r, id . 0'( stee 1~. tha t are O~!' 0'1' sq ua re also the proper manipulation of flat files and. acquire the habit of making strokes itt, a straight line without rocking, so that a perfectly flat surface
~ ~ _ .. .!;;. '1l,;Ii. . 0;1. ~..

highly trained and possessed of wonderful artistic ability, Examples of their efforts are destined to live thro ugh the ages in the' di ff eren t m use urns 0 f

he had accidentally filled the muzzle of his rifle with gumbo and then shot at a. coyote, The result was naturally disastrous=-the muzzle was blown off up to the front-sight slot .. In a vicinity 'where coyotes

are th ick J a herder wi thou t a gun Is about a'S useful as, a cowpunch er wI thou t a horse. U ndaun ted by
j

~t

0·.·.·

kinds, shapes, and sizes of files, yet no one works for Ion g' b·efore·. he, f eel ~ the . v:_'~n t 0,1; a de ..lg... f· o..'. .. .. .. e . .' ~r v ~ . .. . ..... ¥ a'· : . est n a particular angle or bit of wo rk that has never appeared. in a catalog, 'For this, do not, hesitate, to grind one that comes nearest your requirements
.
110.

of Pru ssia n blue- or lampblack on ,3. 'face plate or any oth er which is per f ectl y ft at and sl iding it over 'the part being filed, the high points 'being thereby revealed. Apply the file in a manner that brings l"n ·se ~'.. .!fl; ...:;,5. lng into cont ~ .' ,~y with the" ~le:va tio 5 tQ sti . l"t ,,t .. ' '.....~.. 'act onl mea nwhile for sq ua re an d leve I q uali tie 9., It is necessary to hold any and work firmly in a vise, 1-101ding a file wi tho u t rocking it, so that the stro k e is taken on an even plan e is a rna t ter govern ed enti rel y by pa jn stak i11g practi se~ Manu fact urers furnish the trade with many
I:. .

of su rtace may be detected by placing a small amount

follows instead of a rounded one,

Convexity

remedy thls situation. Rummaging about, he un- \ ea r the d a 6.1e, or ra ther the remain S 0 f what had once been that useful article. After roping the gun to the b ottorn of the wagon the barrel was filed off square; or nearly so, until no vestige of the recen t disaster could be detected, Slots were filed. in the hexagon. barrel and in lieu of a f ron t sight a piece of baling wire was wound in. place. The'
and shot satisfactorily.

so small an inciden t as ha v j ng a portion of his ri l1e muzzle' destroyed he immedia tely set about to

impor tan t thi ng ~ tho, was th at it was servicea ble

herder,

Not a bad job for a sheep-

an

bo ok I have men t inned g rind.ing often and the- 'use

j

G:rlndinq ..........most valuable addition to a wellA equi pped shop is a small grinder" Thro ughou t the

of the grinder for pol hilling opera tions, There are a Dumber of good, yet inexpensive 'grinders on the
r

mar ke t El ec trici ty to operate the grinder is ideal, but if it is not to be had, several other methods of

future .. , Thi s re-minds me 0 f an inc.]dent that strongly impressed on my' min d the importance of such a

into the pattern you desire, for files are cheap considering the work they perform, and a special file ground today will alwa ys come in handy in the

a gas engine can be used, or a hand or sickle grinder which has a. train of gears to furnish speed fo r the stone. The speed of grinders in gener at • ~ dl requires ;c, . ~ nttmgs capa bi 0 f· varIOUS a'.'justments, ore such as being driven from coun tershaft etc, '; ether

furnish ing power are a vaila ble ,. In isolated pl aces,

tool.

.During

my early days in the N orthwest,

assemblies are makeshifts. understood best by those \vho make tbem, The best arrangement is to attach power and cou ntersha f ts to the machine, Since its use is now universal, I shall assume: all have electric power, and give instructions accordingly. 'Figure g, Volu me II, shows an improved fixture to be made for grinding wood chisels, and the blades
of planes, etc" This is to be clamped to the bench

... .--'S' 0-' 'THE 'U .• 'OF TOLS, 'E

fix:ture can be: adjusted to any degree which suits, t he purpose and produces the desi red resul t. B etween 30 and 4,5 degrees is, the prope r amo unt of
.ii-, - - . ~uy' nrst,t rem,OYlng L

S1

t''lne ~ ',-, L. dlOl

rest.

T-''-h'' a.ng~e ot'r' 'I'-b e 11 ne

the wheel act Any undue pressure tends to- distort bevel req ulred f or to ols, With this fix t ure it is the work" and this tendency is increased by the heat gener ated, If the: surface of the w heel becomes possible to grind chisels 0 r blades s tralgh t. and. at loaded with chips and burns the work, even when tight angles. Select a grinding w hee1 su itable for i f - rs ....... .• )1. m '0' W": '0'·, rk an d- 1 ,- e 'l·'f p' osslb'.,1." a. m,um,er uf plenty' O'~ water • used, It IS too 1 d-~.,',A h· hI,.y b-_- .'" narc ng n lnclud lJ Je others, dl fferent in size and cutting quality; t41 be' polished surface is sometimes obtained at the exused, for the multitude o:f purposes constantly found, pense of accuracy by using hard wheels that require for them . so 'much pressure to make them grind that the work, Grade' and 'Grain o} Grinding' 'Wheels-Tile term is, dis torted ~ In order to secure accu racy as well. "grade" as, applied to a grindi ng Vr,? heel refers to tbe as the most econo mlcal re sults, the wheel 'must cut freely and without perceptible pressure .. tenacity with which the bond holds the cutting I could con tin ue through. one or two pages of particles or abrasive grai ns in place; and not the such advice in the use of the assortrnen t 0 f grinding hardness o'f the abrasi ve. A wheel from which the w heel s. Co ndltions under which wheels a re used abrasi ve grains can be easily dislodged is called "soft" or of "soft grade," and one which holds the vary' widely, so no definite rule can be given for -i ,- tina th d " seIecting t_ e pr,oper ,grn. e an d,gr,al.n.~, The begln . '" .. ;" gralns securely is referred. to as a ""hard wheel," By vary ing the amount and composition or the ner's problems are limited in grindrun.g operations, bond, wheels of different grades are obtai ned, 'The but, as. hls fi,eld of activ it Y ,increases, many simple S grades. are design a ted, either by' letters 0 f the alpha- rit lUJal ,;v,i] l be followed from habit, such as always to have at hand a container of clean wa ter lor' (001.bet or numbers" according to the system employed by manu f ac ture rs. The letter ~'It'I~:,represents a ing purposes; and he will learn never to grind a tool to greater heat when the color begins, to appear medium grade, and the successive ora er of letters V\' j tho ut first re d ucing its temper a ture to normal preceding the 'following UM " denotes softer and harder 'wheels" or vice versa. ( This me t hod of by dipping. 71 f ~ 'h-I 1.-.. 0 un t"J;n,g G · a'" g 'W rice 1 .rrn ·in ,....t. s- G'· d" ' lin ung i;'~ee .s gradl ng whee ls Is not uni versall y a sta ndard sys tern , except among the larger man ufact urers .) The should no t fi t t'i gh tlY on their spi ndles, nor should they have any play. If ,3, 'wheel is forced on to the grain or coarseness of a wheel is designated by numbers which indicate the number' of meshes to spindle, there is danger of cra.eking~ The diameter of the flanges should be about one-half the w'bee] the inch th rough wh ich the grains 0 f' the ab rasive diameter ( never less than one ..th iI'd') and they material 'will pass. For example, a 36 grain means h "'1:11 .. , avin .... should in all cases be relieved to secure annular Jl.l:e :f,a51Ve t-. a,t 't'L- a b -- -~. - Wlu pass throucb a W' ea..::-e· 'h-avmg 36 meshes to the linea r inch, The method of grad ... bea ring at the ir ci rcu rn.f e renee, The Inne r fl an ge lng whee Is adopted by anum bet of differen t man u-' should be keyed or shrunken on to the spindle. Iacturers can be secure d from them, as they print 'Compressible washe rs 0 f blo tting pape'r or rub ber may be placed be t ween the wheel and 'the 11 ges an these in chart form. S,electio,n of 'W h,eels Jar Grin.din_g ........... grade and to distrib ute the clam ping pressure evenly, and the The grain to use depends upon the kind of material to flanges 'should be clamped just tightly enough to hold. the wheel fi rmly, The: latter should be carebe ground, its degree of hardness, and. the surface fully inspected, and tapped lightly before mountlng area in, contact with. the wheel, Theoretically a t; to, d~sscover crac k_:-, ..., ~W' wnee 1- occastena 'II" ourst S,. '-1' s I .f wheel is of the proper grade when the: bond is just hard enough to ho~d the abrasive: UD til it becomes when first brought to high speed, and, those who too dun tOI cut effectively; then, because of the in- have witnessed such an ace ident a re usuall yen ... creased friction, the dull ~'ains axe torn out and thusiastic and thorough in. thelr examination of new points come into action, so tha t the 'wheel both wheel and. mounting before exposing them ... ~ se1 again to unnecessary d ves aanger, automatically sharpens itself, The harder the stock Glazed or Clogged' TVheels-A wheel is considered being ground ~ the more qui.ckl y the grains are glazed. when its cutting su rf ace has become dun dulled; 'hence, as a general rule, the harder the material the :softer the 'wheel, a.nd vi.'ce versa, aI-Lbo and worn down evenly wi th the bond, which is so hard that t'lle a brasiv1e grains ,a.re :not disl,lodgled :so·:me very :so:ft materials:, suc'h, a'S br,a.ss" are ground
' I ,,~, '1:!!'lt· '. ~:~ ,_ lUI" ,. !o"i!ob',
C_' ,

j,apid1y as, they should be. Consequently, the' peri", Psherv of t.he wheel is worn smooth and becomes glazed, and excessive pressure is required to make
;p

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with a :sclft wh.eel 'which crumb1es easU,_y'",and dues, hot become, loaded or clogg:ed. with. me·tal;; ~'hen, a nard VI'heel is us,ed, for' grinding hard. materlalJ t-he gr,a:ms become duned~ but are' Q,o;t dislooged as

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di,[a.te- e'ither that the' wheel is 'too ,ha,rd for the, '\vork ~ or th ell tits s,peed ]s too hlgh. The: -remedy h d th en f g-,L,azlng IS to d .'or 1:" .··ecrease t.e spee' or use a
,io

sa

THE MODERN GUNSMITH

taper as the: taper-pia 'reamer~~,
. ,.e .... . ,

'Softer \V'hee'l~, Ahv,ftys keep the ·,~heel true by the

use of either a diamond or carborundum stick ~ As,

a, rule manufacturers of electric grinders 'make

a vailable two 'wheels" one soft and one hard of the same grade, which 'when Re\V are perfectly true,

and the only satisf ac tory way to arrive ,at good resul ts is to keep them in their orig inal condi tio n . Learn to make use of the tool rest. when grinding an d always keep it adjusted properly to the wheel thereby avoid ing the danger' of get ti ng t,OO] 5 or your fing,ers caught between the' wheel and w:ork. Lastly have ,i::),~'.,', 0" wr 'the lll'l'l!..'CCll Ior P_. teet- ion ·0 lace O"hard-" over '.,-: ,JI".'I'O':,· ,II' ce and '~n the b"c'cl oJ .' uld burst . ....: d ~" in g'n' .., ..~ e"y~ ,,Ii.:,;.;..g~ .: ,'n' '. sho '.', ..•... _ ~ action fly~ng' particles imbued. vi,ith terrific momentum impa.rtcd through centrif uga] force.
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' ," Th-: [,', are: use. _ '"o.r :'nnerea 'war."'k sue.h' I as 1"·,·, "'." ese . ,- .. ;,"·,d:1 f":'", : "t .'" "";1 ,Ipplng :rin.g. gauges or any" other w'Or:k req"U'~'riDg-' a straiaht r E", .-,D hole, Laps are usuallv made ,,'of 50, cast-iron which soft , ,_, ',' .,," _,, ,,' _ . - , ,," .. -makes it possib Ie to prod uce a better finish, '\Vha t- . 'e'"'e". 'mater ,I.;:;! ~ used the lap sbOUiL.· b 'e·· ofter th n v, r ..' terial .. -.~-'.J '1., '.; .s. .,rd, .-' s 5.JI._,_,· _aIL,I,

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the- wor k, 0 the rwi se the latter will become charged with abrasive and cut the lap" 'The order of the opera tian 'would then be reversed, .. la ps for die work used ,3.t the Arsenal , "When I All was stationed there, were made of pure: lead" as, it was inexpensive and gave nne resu 1ts, The arbor
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and, 'La,ppi'nq _, The gunsmith is often cal led. upo n for such wo rk as lapping special dies to size: lapping chambers, ring gauges, plug gauges, special test gauges, snap gauges, barrel pl ugs, etc,
'Laps

F 19ure ,4,2 shows a set. of lap arbors wi th tb e' same

for' the: 'lap W3,S 'made, of cold-drawn steel ,with grooves to. 'hold the' lead, which prevented It from ..... . . li . ). he turn .. wh en t 'I'In~ I.ap was S .Ig'ht.y sma 1"1 t"han. t__ ~,ng er hole and. ceased to cu t. The lead was expanded on the end ~ and this W'3;S repea ted a number 0 f times, Other laps, were cast. from pure lead and turned to the required size 'fur the different draw' dies" and these 'were used co ntinuousl y for a number ,of days
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by the operators.

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STA,N DAR D
late:rno:'l Iaplil arl)Q'rs, and Qr,ivin.q pIn. If mut'h lCI.P'pinq Is to he d,ou9,!'
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THE USE OF TOOLS

5'9

br ass, The lap is spli t and. screws are provided in the holder for adjustment. Length of an external lap should be at least equal to. the length of the work; a little longer does no harm. Figure 43 :il.. Iustr ales one of these .. GTudi"ng Abrasives for Lappin.g-For high-grade lapping, abrasives may be evenly graded as follows: a quantity of flo ur emery or like abrasive is placed in a heavy cloth bag which when gently tapped causes fine particles to be sifted through, After a sufficient quantity bas been obtaine d it is mixed in a dish wi th sperm or olive oil. The larger particles will sink to the bottom in about one hour and the oil should then be decanted into another dish. Be careful not to disturb the sediment at th e bottom" The oil is alIow'€d to stand for several hours longer, after which it is pou red again" and so on until the d eSH"-. grace IS obtainec .. '·00 de i b ined Char,gi:ng Laps-To charge a copper or cast-iron lap, spread a little 0 f the prepared. abrasive over

External laps are used in the form of a ring with an outer band or holder and an. inner shell i whic.h forms the lap proper J made 0 f copper, cast ..iron or

adjusted to prevent
mouthed.

the work. from becoming bell.. ·

.

'when completed you have one of the most hi,gbly

finished surfaces possible,

Dry La.pping-Use the finest optical emery by lightly sprinkling it over the fast-revolving lap; wash off' with gasoline and test. for slse 0 f ten, .To finish, use powdered rouge in the .same manner;

Laps [or Flat Surfaces-Laps for plane surfaces are made from cast-iron and lead, Figure 44 illus .. tra tes a small cast- iron lap for small work, In order to secure the most accura te results, the lap... ping surf ace must be a true plane. On. the cast ... iron lap the surface is checked or scored by Darrow grooves located between % and lh inch apart across the full length of the plate, forming a 'series of diain the same manner except fo r the grooves, its surface being a true plane. The latter is. used as a roughing lap and the cast-iron one for finer finishes" After a lap is charged, all loose abrasi ve should be washed off with gasoline to determine if the surface,
has, the surface should be kept. moist with ke rosene: gasoline wi 11 cause the lap to 'ell t a li t tle f as ter, but it eva para tes so rapidly tha t the surface becomes. glossy in 'Spats. Loose emery should never be applied while lapping, for if well-charged with the fine abr asive in the begi nnlng, kept wellmoistened with kerosene, and not crowded too much, It win last a long time. The pressure 'aplapping,

monds as en a stock.

The lead lap ,is constructed

the lap and roll it between

two hardened steel

blocks; do not rub, but roll the lap with even pressure, On laps for external 'work, a hardened steel plug smaller than the hole should be used to roll the ab rasive into the ring, F or breaking, 'when there is a considera ble amoun t of rna terial le f t on the gauge, I mix coarser emery with sperm oil, chargi ng and using the copper lap with it until there are only two to three ten-thousandths le f t to finish with the finer specially prepared abrasive. When a lap is once charged it should he used wi th.. out applying more abrasive until it no longer cuts, If a lap Is overcharged with abrasive, a roll ing action 'between the lap and work takes placet which results in uneven distribution, .A proper Iy charged lap should never develop brig'ht spots, On the contrary, the surface should be a uniform gray ~ Use plenty 0 f sperm or olive to 'wash the fine st -. ell .UlgS · .. ".' ,.. _ .._.. a·, _....... _ . e s,ee ·1.- utti . - - .away from_ the' Iap keepin g the'. sam·.

spo ts are 'charged, if tilis is not the. case. When

a gray appearance.

Repeat until all brigh t

plied to the work should be just enough to insure unin terrupted contact ..· A, lap can be made to ell t jus t so fast" but wi th too great pressure it will strip in spots, The causes of scratches on the work are: loose abrasive on the 130 P 1 too much pressure, or
poor ly graded abrasive

on

Diamond Laps-I use diamond laps and diamond dust extensively, especially on very fine holes, charging laps for lapping the spindles of anvils 0 f microme t ers, and cha rging cas t..ron. lapping plates :j

FIq~,.4 Cut-lroD Iczpp1zlq plczt.. Made 11l vGdou IIHS to suit requirem.etll.1

THE U'S!' OF T'OOLS

II

-h'" id d t o rr IS con d+t'ron.. WI,1-1- ias .. tor years, provided you 11 ~ "' I L ,I; exercise reaso nable care in its use. All reamers .3.reo .grou nd lenath -~ se, [- a sp..'ecial _ __ ---_ _ -, -. _ c·WI -;; _ n _ _I deth dI d too I ,g~IDJ.", r maide C-:or t. em, an.-.' llk e \VOO,' wor,'k~ 11.100
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tools, they mus t fi rst be' put. in to sharp coudi tion before re 11'" a ble WO' ,f""·. C3-'''.n-be expe rted. AIl,I _ mers •. ''-.e'' et " a wbe!l new are, 'up 'to slze or thr-ee to four ten-thousandths over, Copper .. late each flu te, and witb a. p medium o-r n.n.e ~t2~inch oilstone, stone the IIutes up to' ellt ling edge by starting from the: rearmost por_ , , ..... ,L"

as just mentioned, a distorted or damaged head. This fact makes it i:mpe ra tl ve, f(Jr really fine. work, to ha ve a. drive r for every slot size. In attemptl ng '1.,0 remove a tightly' Imbedded
screw that do-es not .yield. to ordinary eJfort., Lobtain the best resul ts w ~t h corree lly sized driver bhs that fit a brace, exert ing steady pressure on. the brace "\vilh the' lef t. h and, and 'w-i-th the right gently' turning the se rew out. This method l\~Ulstart any screw no matter- how fir-mly' set, and may also be:

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are immediately discovered. They must be stoned lID til the fl ute has a bright evenly polished sur face, " id a t th same tl -ne nne re t at"'. nmg S12~C._ T- 0 avo 1 a Ch.It t .tered hole, see that each flu te cuts, wit h the 0 thers,
an equal "amount

,~, ',',. ,,". -- .' .. If. ,. yo ..uI are exper .,'iencec 10 t_, ,e sto mng process di ~,t I" os si b:-I:", to' '0- ne ] en--Ig- th 'w--; ~.o. a-.n op er a' t "Ion In liD. '_.' l\' hich the .high poi nts left by the grin ding wheel

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·r ";. t . I .. I __ ., hand reamers a re made to ream by hand only; the size d screw, b.u_ ra th er 'have a generous selection, III ~-I· m .... d --, d - ,- " t·h· L.... ,- .~. ":-'. -:" ,-,'" - sal f' per-pi n. f1eam.-e·'s '~,[~,i'"h~ne we,~_ ,~le d_'.' to, e:_, pe·re:·., ma.e f--rom "., e .1Jt::$it :sprIng' -, ... J:t _.~. . __ swme m,a.y_ 'b,e ','aid _,.-or - ~'·a' "e. .. .Y -I ae '" _[5 _ ste '; ..r .__ od ",,-. fitted -' ,'--' ",,::•.- "'.' __ .-__ -f .,I.e reamers are specia 1'1 m a d e .~ mcru-d -d )[1." 't- "h'~ ty-pe, .s ee.1 or Id'in ro ".an d ~~__ .-t'-0 Serv.lcea b,lc handl es .. are the taper-pi n reamers, It is a grave mistake to allow more than three to five thousandths of S,""o,;:I"d' 8'·';··""iI"'I' - 'Y···iO?·r'O~. D~ne~-r--~·,o1f!ioc-e·m',,-, thls ,"' Iine .. ,.a ~ nf:· fl .. .'_.' '_ stock for the reamer to remove. '\VIlen. a rough have led me to believe that nine ,out. of ten men. ·llI .... ~'~~'1 - os '['e ' ~0.1r; dn,.lleY...I hole ':'5- A'ncliFtu nt ered h.. UO..... .':. quire m'0" re' ' who have oeea sion to resort to tills, art could. stll I, stock, A. clean-bored ;hole need have only t.1V'O or with advantage to' their work .. improve their tech, three thousandths of metal to be Iinish-reamed nlqee, Soldering Is sometimes erroneously referred
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tapered reamers is, it ma-re or' less common to encounter chatter; which, naturally, is fatal to a satisfacto ry recess, Imp ortan t to rernem her is=-nevcr ch uck a hand 'reamer in a lathe or drill pres's, as
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of chips,

Particularly

with

Have you ever noticed tha t on a high .. rade ,g'UDJ, resting on its g butt plate; all slots point in the same direction, north and south, according to the points of' the compass on the map? Well, it's true', and the same applies, in a continued line, to the butt-plate screws. Any 0 ther arrangement Is considered unsightly and a detraction, marking the difference between. precision and. indi ff erence, Be as particular in the care 0.£ good screw-drivers. as of any other valued too 1 b,Y relusi ng to submit them indiscriminately to the grinding wheel for every odd- " employed to seat them ti:ghtly.
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Scr·ew ..clriv·e'rB and, Bi.ta,.......... This subject. ba.s, been more or less negle.cted, b~cause ev-ery one looks upon a. .sc:rc·w· ri ve as it -tool in te·oded either to ..d .. • remove - a. scr'ew or' to P 1 lace one In. post ~t10 n+ 0n '' gun work, oV'dng to the sc,rew slots being much smaller than the sta.ndard recommended by manufacturers, t'he qu.ality of the. screw-driver is of 'lnajor importance~, It w,ould be impossible to pie-ture a h:igh-gr.ade shotg'un n1ade with screw slots fro·m 1.02 S inch ,yide for 7i 6 screw to ,,057..inch width fo:r a %..nch SCI"e\';. they would look and be i entirely out 0 f proPQrt iloll.~ F'ot this n~aso u. the makets hav,e adopted smaU·..sl-olted. scr'f~W heads for

stren~th be t \veen .a ,veil fitted a.nd sweated union and one soldered in the· ordinary way. An. important point, frequently overlooked., is the proper

to as ;;,g·\veating," but there: is a· v.ast differ·ence· in

cleaning of surf.aces to be joined.; and th.is operation. is too 0 f te n Ie ft f.or the fl uX' to- carret t ". \V.hile

ove rshadows in every instance the effects of good

soldering

nearly .all meta Is can be joined by use o·f the sa me flux, a proper selection is at times necessary., The result following improper prep.aration and cleaning

from. chea'p :mat.e'rial·i: and when gro·und. to fi t. a· g:un scrc'w'" they' twis,t out and. 'rnar- the head., a. .f a ul.t ·w·m·ch is incx,cusab1 e even :~.n·an inexpensive arm ~ Figure 2':1 win :show the correct way to 'shape screw.;>diive·rs for gunsmit'hing purposes'; un]css the bit Ills the slot i-n every dimens'io n, there resul ts,~

fi t'ting., tbe st.[longer (.be union~ Use a :soIde;r 'with both riOes and ,sbot,guns+ .In. or.der that the .gu n.~ as h.igh a :melting poi:n.t a.s possible·.. The t'empera~ s'm~(thca,n ,cope, 'with this si tua Hon ,he n~ust ha. ve t ure o.f the· wo:r'lt. t.'o be jo-i ned should. be b:r-OU.ght ·as screw -drivers constructed :in a \v,ay q uile different nea.r as possi.bl e t;o the me] t-i ng poin t of' the solder from. tha.t of the 'Ones usually ·purchased. ,00. at :ha.rd:~ to ]IlSU re he-tter .f us.ion a nd. :fJ.ow'~ There .a.re 3 ntlnlbe-.r -0 l' .fI.'Il1:xesor soldering' salts wa.re· s·to-re·. The latter are'.~ as .a. rule', mad.e -on1.y

and is part.icularly noticea.ble· .in gun work+ For strength, adapt tbe .parts to one anotber perflCicUy, be,cause the m.ore: 8 0cu:ra.te the·
1

on the market. th.at are sa.t.islac·tory... 'Their a.ction. in sold.e'ring is to re.move and pr,e,,~~ntthe· f·o.r,ma.~ lion of oxids during the operation~ to allow' the· solder- to flow' .freely, a'nd to unite firmly the sur .. faces to be joined; , F or :sheet tIn, rosin or colophony may be used,

:8,2

THE MODERN GUNSNITH

Taps, and Tapping - When the amateur first fi nds use for: taps he is likely to become discouraged, since most tapping tro ubles are caused by the .use of drills that are too small in diameter ~ Tap drill sizes made specially for machlne screws..should be varied according to. the material to be- tapped and the depth of the tapped hole, Soft; tough rna... terial such as copper J Norway iron, stainless steel, at uminum, etc .., sho uld ha ve a larger hole for the tap than harder metals. If the recess is a. trifle too smal I when tapping soft material, the thread is in danger of being torn off, the effectiveness of the thread depth is decreased, and is not near ly as perfect as it would have' been had the tap drill been larger, When tapping soft 'material, the metal a t the top of the thread is somew hat drawn, there by increasing the depth of the threads, particularly if

but owing to the .ease and rapidity of applying, a '1 zl h 011,·, i -,', solution 0 I zinc cr I ld (.lane diisso 1ve di m He' 1) IS " more generally employed, Beeswax or tallow can be used, and so can almost any of the pastes, fats,
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For lead, a flux of almost any oil and rosin in

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equal parts is sati sfactory, Lead burning" now almost a lost art, Is a different operation from soldering. Here the surfaces, must be bright and free 'from all oxid, while instead of 'solder which is tin and lead, the operation is done wi th pure lead, rosin and oil,

ing... For a complete list see Chapter XXVI. , ·A very good acid mixture for cleaning work to be soldered is equal parts nitric and sul f uric. acid and water. "l'l ver Pour the water into' the acid! e By laying a piece of tin foil, covered on 'both sides with a Dux" between two perfectly fitted and, clam ped parts and heating until the foil is melted, a satisfactory union is effected. This is very' good

Fl,uxes _, Hydrochloric acid, rosin J turpentine, tallow ~ and especially cblo rid of zinc or soldering liquid" ,are among the common fluxes used in solder-

table of double dep ths 0 f thread, Vr. here .it will be observed that for a number 6 tap measuring ~I3S in joining broken. parts of brass and bronze work, inch in diameter, ,,02i is, double depth of a 48 II their apposition is good, they can be joined in thread, But because the metal expands as a tap is this manner so that the joint is not only strong, used in a hole, we can drill a hole only per 'Cent but almost imperceptible .. of that depth of th read ~ Therefore the correct dri 11 ,A solution of copper. for copper-plating steel or would measure 0; 111 inch '; this being too small we cast -,1on before soldering is easily made and" apr must select. a si ze larger, which, m us t measure 0.1-20. ld • · d The nearest drill to tha t size is selected l' which is p.U·d It".],5 identteal 1 WIt.,h the one recommenr d ec ;'e.,'. for coppering. the flutes, of reamers before stoning, :1.31.. When only a shallow' hole is to be 'lapped, t\VO and is composed of copper sulfate 3% ounces, sul .... drills are needed=-one for starting and one for botf uric acid 3Y2 ounces, distilled wa ter 1 gallon, .Distoming, The latter may be accomplished by use " . 0 "':' '" .'., .. '. , ... dd SOlve ,t'..hre cr pper suliat' e. Ir wa ter an.,d anr t h e .aci dO n '", of a drill grou:nd off square at point, or "a flat .. The best solder ior gun work such, as. sol dering b ottom drill, originally constructed for the purpose, ram ps, rear-sigh t bases, sling ..swivel bases, etc. ~ is, permit ting installation of the greates t number of 15 -per cent lead and 2 S per cent tin, which has a, threads, I n the use of small taps, be par tlcular to · ih ' tne I: melting point of 482 degrees Fahrenheit Solder gnnrd th'em wit h th correct. 1eed'J w;hich...IS t, e cuthaving a low melting point is not recommended for ting paint of the tap. Most taps are furnished with gun work· because of the heat a rifle or shotgun is a correctly' ground leed, but after they become • ...·1 "f su b ject to In rapn'·d' fire.,.. Th e tropica sun 0.f- ..ri.·fica, dulled, it is necessary to grind the end back and .. has been known to melt off soldered parts of regrind the leed. Be fore grinding a tap, study ·a firearms where no attention was given to this new one for the purpose of learning how the manufeature, facturer first ground the Ieed J - and follow that pat .. The, soldering copper for ordinary use should be ter n, Even the best mechanics are inclined to about 1112, pounds in weight, length 21;2 to 3· grind too much clearance, which causes a tap to break easily. Satisf actory results are obtained only inches l' octagonal in form, and pyramidal point with square edges. It should be fixed to. a straight or when using a tap wrench: proceeding slowly with ta 'ps: a.. . r e'v t rvi ng.to comple.. e ,- ft"ll turn t a, angulated iron rod about 8 inches long with an sm __ , . __ 1 nd n ver ," y , :,' . ample wooden handle. When healing for use, the of the tap, The secret of success is to back it out a best way to ascertain correct temperature is, to good half-turn, starting again slowly, for taps are hol d it near the face. By virtue of heat emana t ion bri ttle and easily broken. If you are conscious that one soon learns to know if' the copper is heated to a tap springs in the least; reverse and start over .. the right degree" and i,f a bright wann g10w is. felt" To Remoue a Broken Tap-When broken near it is hot enough f or use~, ' the surface 'it is an easy matter to remove it by
1

the keen edge of the tap has been dulled from use. For the, beginner it is best to check from a table of double depth of threads. ,As an illustration, suppose we wish to tap for a 6 x 4 S screw which is a U. S. standard form, of thread, Let us turn to the :.

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,an'vmg' OlD, both sides with a 'round punch, ground in the ,fO'r,mof a round .. ose chlsel, - Two persons n

different purposes, 'they are in tended for, There are certain :principl,e;s goveml ng the :farm of turning can do this, much, better than, one by' strlklag light tools w hlch apply generally, Whe:n grinding lathe blows,; 'when 'they are strjking evenly the force of tools or any other turni,ng tools there' are three the blows can be increased as. 'may be requlred, 'By points. to, remember; first, the cut,ting edge of the dI'i~]'ng'on 'both sides, the: tap is not wedged agains t tool as viewed from the top must have a specifi c shape or con tour; second; there must be a. certain one side' o:f the hole as w hen usi ng a single dri-ft} but is 'f arced to turn out, This is an old method, and amount of clearance below (Ir behind the cutting edge; and thi rd J' tools are ,g:iven a back wa rd shape ~ one of the' first I wes ta ught, Anotber method, wbich has proven. a 1:i f e..saver so to speak, a nd a side slope, lor a combina tion 0 r ma,ny tlmes, is to illjlec t Into a bole ali tt Ie nitric the t wo on the part a,.gaJnst which the chip bears rse, -' ,- ' - '_." -..' , __ "¥.",. experienc ,. '. acid, diluted j,n the proportion of one part acid to 'when-,-, the: tool is in 'u-'--- ~ Ho .\"~'l'er "', :- ._'-"-"",: e",is our three parts water, The action of the ac id 'Upon the bes t teacher in the dlfferen t w'ays, of ,'rinding lathebroken part and, steel loosens the tap so that it can tools, I t is 'mu-ch more econom leal to buy the o/J. 6 be removed easily, Tb e remaining acid shoul d be Sta ndard hi gh-speed to-ol bits and an Armst ro ng washed aut so' it will not des troy the threads. in the tool h01d er than for goo tools, Th ese are designated steel, which then should be coated freely with oil" by different names, 'Such as parting, thread, side, ,Lu/),rklants .lor :Tap,I!i:"g~The breaking o( a tap turning o-r round nose, boring, etc, The shape 'when. is caused, by:: improper Iubrlcatlon, 'the tap not be ... viewed ,rrom the top Is suggest ive 0.(' other uses than plain cy 1i:ndrical turning, The exact form can :in.g square with the hole, ignorance" or carelessnessFrequency' 0:£ this mis:f'or-t u.na can be reduced greatly be best determined under working condit ion-s", Th i5 is: ill ustra ted by re f erence to, the pa rting tool w h ich by proper lubrication alone. Ranking first and best among the greases :I use is, a mixture' ,of 'white lead is used. for cut tlng grooves and par. ti n,g wor k at and sperm oil, Another reliable combination ls tiC)... gi ven lute rvals over sped n:ed dis tances, N atural iy per-cent graphite, ,30-per ..cent tallow ~ ,40"pe:r -cent it must be widest at the cutt i,ng edge to prevent biU1. di 'Ii.... '"''Ii f di ~ h 11.. white lead, and 20-,per-cen.t sperm oil" lWlach:in.e ,... .lug wmre ,lee·. :1ng l nto 1.. e WQr A~ Aside froml the contour, i:n relation to the cutand lard ,oil class ,,: j th the poorest o,f III brlcan ts for tapping';, ,however', they are probably used more ting edge, t here rem ains to be determined. the proper clea ranee, amo unt, and direction of' the slope ex tensl veiy than c':iher of the, two g'ood formulas t just mentione d. lVnen tapp in,g in cast Iron, a small of the tu p or th e toot 'The word "top' ~ is us-ed to p amount (),f kerosene helps materiallv. In h['~b: designa tie that surf ace against 'which, the c'h.~s bear , IJ M' .. power firearms a full, fine, smooth. thread Is im... when severed from the' work, For most tools it perati ve to obviate the dangers 0:[ the: sudden, should, slope away from what is, the working part of violent, and, repeated shocks, 'whi:ch. :ha.ve 3., cumu- the cutting edge and 'be' set, a tr.ifle above center, 'To use this type- in turning a diameter all', sa.y' %-6 lative effect upon every part of th e mechanism. M'ake.shift 'T(1;$---1 have often made a tap by of an inch, i'£ would be im prac ti ca ble; so we grin d i-h ~ th reading a piece of stcel in a lathe Q r with a die, one W'lt: . a more pronounce" d point an:d grea te-r fil ing three fi utes in the end, then back ing off the clearance at the to P4 On smal 1 work, the meta I must be removed with an even free cu tti ng effect. clearance, and after hardening and temper ing I had id ·'-··-1-1·-· !e .,_,1. - •.. ,- ' . ,-. -. -. ' ist . Ie 1 s dec 1·..n 1U.~,rea '~oo s. the ciearance must be J!ess,ecl 'Id ,f;d" a tool that lasted, for many operations, I [:the need 19 urgent, file 3, flat ,on the end, on a taper; then. but Ior really good w()]"k it is ad visa ble to stone the point on ten ter ~ If the reader familia rizes IdmrSe'Jrremove a small segment of' the remaining arc cont... 'I... ·'1 t Jle'8St.' ht: th ,.I,a,VC' a wor kl n_g 'Ii... .. __ oasis l strue t :~ng th b ,8, -c:u,t lng' e dl (,aere ~,y nge; b arc en aUIdI W1t h 'Ij. C: anove ne WLJ]1i at ,t :d to sta rt from; bu t, ,as, alre',ady :sta ted., success. vlin 'be temper and finish 'the hole with this, You wUl find very (l,fteD. in. gun. work, that the ma,nu.f a,cturc'f has commenSUf,ate with the ,amount .of pa.instaking prac ... nof 'Used ,a, standard screw lor thread and it wiU be. tise, \v:hl,ch has, been lexpended." ,necessa.r.y ,to ,e,a:se out a, tapped, bole for just one ,A,CC,ESSORIES ,parucu'hi:r .sc:rew.. A tap made :in, the, a,bove' man-· ner bas ,3; ,cQllSidera.b'Je' (\'mOiunt o-f clearance, a.n,swers. Al.c:ohol t,Gm,P' and, BUD'18n B'lUl1AH' _, An, al~he:purpose nicely;, ,a:nd ~'s'no,t,,easily brokent 'Vhen it becomes d,uU,~! U tllat. is nece',ssary is t,o grind the cohol lamp or', ben gas, is, a v.aHa ble J' a B u.n:sen a face Of' Sat; ,if it should, then ell t too large, narr'o'w burner" I,s a~m,os-t iud'l.s:pensa'ble t.o the guns,mi'th .. Let us :sup:pose .a small bent t.rigg,er spri ng is t,o be th,e faCie by fur tber gr i:n,di,ng", ' 'made~ It ,ean be fo·rmcd. by' fte50rt.iQ,g' to ,3. 'sman
"'~"I' t
ill' iO -

'~r

tools, I're' of var.ied sba,pes; adaptable'

TUIIlblq Tools and Tool Grinding' -

t,o the: man~'

Turnin,g

:pIece of di:sca,rded wa'lch, 's,pring.; hea-Ung it over the 1amp 0'[' burneT' untn blue, the't1 with s'ni~s,C'l' hand

red and harde ned. in oi l, dra \v the tent per to. .. · ., · suit. :Tb.1S operation can b d one ,\¥It:h 'out- moving oe r
U 11 t i]
oj.

"k • •. ·d .. I eat · snears, cutting It to t h e requirec d widtlb H--. again i.n the 'Harne of the burner or lamp, and with a pair of pliers bend to" shape, It is not always necessary to temper these springs, but when they are heated
I 4

employment of a finer, \Vhen using the finest emery cloth, moisten the surface \yith sperm oil for
a. fine, soft-appearing polish; to bring fbe finish to a high luster, use fine French paper without. ell, completing with crocus cloth, To use emery paper or cloth in a lathe, run on high speed and hold the

from th e bench" much rna re quickly, an deer talnl y better, than it could be done at a forge or wlth a gasoli ne to rch . 'The advantages of the alcohol lamp and Bunsen burner, over the forge or furnace are: they draw temper on small part'S evenly; the temper colors can be readily seen, as the flame of alcohol or gas makes no smoke to obscure it; they are coovenien ~ for" small tempering such as taps, small screws, sp eci a I dr ilIs; ben ding SIll all f 1es to ·odd ·r . sh.ape's; an d tth ey are In d-'ispensa ble m .a b oratory .ore I 1 work, Figure 4S illustrates the burners used by' g unmakers ,.
'i ~ i'

cloth on. a 'flat file. When holding emery cloth by 'hand for polishing fast .. evolving round pieces, care r must be taken that the hand does not. get caught in the cloth, as at times it clings to the work} thereby

causing

a serIOUS injury,

ill.

used as f req uen t 1y as ot her tools, yet th ey are extremely important and desirable as part of a.ny shop

FO.f9'e and Anvils -- These are possibly

not t

Emery P·aper and Cloth - The finer grade's of

French and Turk-ish paper for exquisite finishes shoul d b,e on hand a nd used a:ftcr t.he pol ishi n g process by the clo th N ever destro y the c lot h) as
t

equipment, especial! y that of the gunsmith. The forge may' be of the regular forge design, gas fur .. nace, or gasoline blow torch, The latter is 'only ,. f use d i emergency, 'v h en a proper rorge or rurnace In is not a vailable, Suitable anvil and small black .. smith tongs to handle the work should be included, Jt is said that the quality 0:( an anvil can be judged t d anvi ~ ... b- the ri y .he rlng.. A t any rate a goo. anvil gives out- a clear sharp sound when struck by a ha mmer, and

f=:~l

,
~, II

•
I

I: Ii

I
I
I

~ ___ I L.
r....-~".:.~
I

~-

Bencb

burners

end

e '2u.·jpment

custom.utily used

Fl'q. 4·5
jOf

h 1l1d.anin·q an,d temparia,

.small paris

this is useful in one way or another until devoid of if soft. 0 r def ec tive the tone is dull an d. unmusical .. . h ,...~ t all abrasive. There are a number of different grades A per f ect anvi'I 50 mountedd tat It gives out a. of the latter, from FF to #40 Cut or tear the volume of sound is much easler to work on than one sheets. into convenient pieces for the work to having a dead ring. They vary in we i.ght. from .50' done, When using the cloth on work where file to 300 poun ds, but for the gunsmith an anvil wei gh ... mar ks show, fi rs t use a coarse r g rade by r{1I ding it i between ,60 and 100 pounds is adequa te, It is ng around a file, which is then appl Ie din the ens .. necessary to st ra pit to a block to. insu re sta bil ity . tomary manner, Be 'careful to remove all marks ~ Its height shouldbe such that when standing beside and sera tches Ieft by the: previa-us gr ade before th e it one's knuckles will Just reach. the top surface" A
t

be

·-

.-

!HE USE OF' TOOLS,

solid oak block set end wise in the grou nd makes a good foundation, but for the small shop a cast-iron support serves as well, An anvil should never be scale. The square 'hole in the face for receiving the ell tti ng and formi ng tool s is call ed a "h a rdie hole, l" the small round hole near it, the "pritchel hole," and the pointed end, the "horn.' Anvils are usually 'made with a wrought-iron body to which is welded a hardened steel face ~ When ha nd f urging, t wo q ualitles 0 f heat fig 11re in the operation. If the object is merely a drawl ng ou t or sur face smooth ing, the ''" erry ... h ea L" is ch red called for. The work of drawing out or smoothing is, pe rformed by striking Ugh tl y and evenly \"'1ith a hammer un til the desi red result :is secu red ~ A like degree' of beat is, employed \Y here closing the s 1rue .. ture 0 f the steel is, the ob ject to be at ta ined, hut in this case the blows. of the hammer sh ould be hea v ie r~ If the for gi ng is to emb race a rna te rial chan ge in shape, the rate of heat must be increased. A gunsmith rare Iy needs a sle dge hammer, as th e rna.. terial he works with is not of a size to warrant a tool of that weight.
Micrometer and Its Use, _, This is the Instrument of precision pa r exc ellence fo r the gunsmith, wi thou t which his ac t iviti es are like those 0 f a rna r incr at sea depr ived of com pass and sextant. .It furnishes. a constan t means for checking screws, pins" drills, drill. rod, bullets, and a tho usand and, ,,e· 0 . . u on· .. th.,er' thi1ngs, T·0..read a. micrometer , co: nt the .~ .. .. . ... .... h al I di nunub er 0',f W"h oie r rvisrons VIS.,blre on t,.e sea e or spindle, m ul tipl y this number by 25 (the number of tho usand ths 0 f an inch that ea ch d iv Lsion rep re+ + •

work.)
10\\'5:

strapped rigidly to its foundation,. as this checks the vibration which tends to keen its face free from ~.

on an ordinary micrometer,

first determine the number of thousandths as

Micrometers of this type are read as f01..

and then. find. a line on

added to the number 0 f thousan dths obtai ned by the regular graduation. The reading woul d be expressed as foIl O\VS : Suppose the bar rel we re sc rewed
out so that gra dua tlons -4 and one additional subd ivision were 'V isible and the graduation lS on f.be

the, vernier scale that exactly coincides with one on the thimble or barrel. The number o-f this line represents the number of ten-thousandths to be

would he O.400t O~02·S~, plus O.015~ plus O.OOOS~or O~4405, as 23 would coincide with 5 on the spindle .. A micrometer to the amateur is a novelty and. he usually makes a plaything of it at first, measuring everything with which he comes in contact, from the h alrs on h is head to the whiskers of the cat

barrel came: over the line hall-way, so the reading

Oilstones - These embrace a large variety of

shapes and sizes applicable to such work as stoning reamers and actions, sharpening small d rill s, relief on taps, all cu tting tools, etc. The nat ural" oilstones most commonly used are the India and

Arka nsas,

'mostly for sharpening wood.... work.ing

The Washita is, a coarser and more ra pld-cuning stone than the Arkansas, and Is used
000]5,..

There

are various grades of Washita which vary 'from the

perfect crystall ized and po rous whets tone gri t to vitreous flint and hard sandstone. The sharpness of the' grit of any Washita stone depends entirely upon the character of its crystallization. The best whets tones are porous and uni form in text ure, and are composed entirely si lica crystals, The' poorer grades are' less porous, mak ing them vi t reous or glassy, a nd may have hard spots or sand holes at contain grains of sand among the crystals" For

or

of the Ozark mountains of Arkansas, The Arkansas sto nc is ha rde r, more transl ucen t, and 0 f greater be taken mentally .. density than the Washita, It has an exceedingly Suppose the thimble or barrel were screwed out sharp grit, and win cut as well as polish very hard so that gradu ation 3 and two additional subdivi- metal's, such as h igh -speed steel tools and reamers, sions were visible, and the graduation lOon the The Arkansas stone is used more frequently in gun barrel or thimble coincided with the- axial line on work than the Washita to produce the fine cutting the spindle'. The read ing then would be 0;300 plus edge' required on chambering tools, etc, O~ plus 0 ..01 or 0.. 60 inch, Some micrometers SO 3 Artificlal stones are made, in a multitude 01 have a vernier scale on the side of the spindle in shapes and sizes and are ada pted 'for sharpening aU addi t ion to the regular grad u a ti on so the measu re .. ki nds of tools. Such stones a re made by the N orments within O~OOO part 0 r an inch ran be taken .. ton Company of alumdum and crystolon, the former 1 ml .. .er . _. -. .IS ., 00 or (Th,·· sor ,t 0'f rmcrome te - I r 11su l't. [or re rerence, being known as J ndia. oilstone and the latter as and use a, plain micrometer for wha t I call rough, crystolo n sha rpeni ng stones, Similar shapes are

sents) and add to the product the number of that division on the thimble or barrel which coincides wi t.h the axial zero llne on, the 'frame. The resul t will be the diameter expressed in thousand ths of an inch, As the, 'numbers I" Z,. 3, ctc=-opposite every fourth subdivision on the spindlo=indtcate hu n d red- thousa n dths J the reading can the n easily

general work a soft, free-grit, qulck-cuttlng stone is required, altho a, fi ne-grit medium hard stone is someti rnes preferred, Some Washita stones are
w hi te J w h ile others are st reaked more or less with 3; yellow or red. tinge. They are found in the spurs

18

THE MODERN GuNsNITH

To prevent an oilstone f.rom glaz~ng requires the proper use of oil and kerosene. The purpose of il usmg ei t h er or 0 r k erosene on a sharnenl . :. a rpenmg stone is to float the particles of steel that are cu t away from the tool, thus preventing them from filling in between the crystals. and causing the stone to glaze, On medium and fine-grained natural stones and in all artificial stones, 0 il should always. be used, as kerosene is not thick enough to keep the steel out of' the nor e[:!'· To further prevent glaaing, the soiled oil should be wiped off as soon as possible alter use, This is
• 4' ...
.,~~",_",

manufactured. by the' ~'merican Emery ""orks, and The Carborundum Company, which makes them. in a. great variety, They ·are _ supplied .ln three grades or grits: coarse, medium, and fine; the coarser 'ones are used

to rough out wo rk or sharpen extremely dull 0 r nicked tools, etc~,w bile for sharpening carpenters' tools and as a general purpose stone" the medium variety is selected. Fine Arkansas stones are; best adapted to the finishing of reamers, particular cutting tools, etc. How to Care fOT Oilstrmes-Like all other tools an oilstone can be ruined. by abuse and lack of care, There are three axioms to be remembe-red in the care of an oilstone: flrst, to retain the original life and sharpness of its gr.it ; seco nd, to keep its surface 'flat and even'; third, to prevent its glazing, To retain the original freshness 0 f the stone it should be kept clean and lightly covered with oil. To' let an oilstone remain dry for long, or exposed to the air, tends to harden it A new natural stone should be soaked in oil several days. before being used, If in a dry place, it should be kept in a box

.;,'.'

~ c 1earung

important, for if allowed to remain, the oil dries into the texture and carrles the' 5.teel dust with it ~ If the stone does become glazed or gummed, a good

ities, f astened to a per f ectly smooth board, K ever use turpentine on an oilstone for any purpose!

... cutting qua '1 · Its If not, scour 'with loose el'nery or sandpaper

·.h Wit

gaso 1· me

'·11 . WI. restore

with. a closed cover, and a few drops of fresh clean

oil Ieft on it; preferably sperm oil. Tools should be sharpened on the edges of a stone as weU as in the middle to prevent it from being worn down unevenly, and it should be turned end for end occasionally .. To res tore a. flat even surface, secure a cast -iron plate ha.ving a true surface and sprinkle loose emery mixed with water OIT gasoline on it. Place the oilstone upon the plate and grind it true by either a circular or back and forth motion, but hold the stone. in center :so it will grind. evenly all over. ·Tb.i.s ~ethod is adapted to all grades" bu t stones of special shape may be reformed by planing a groove corresponding to the shape 0 f the stone in a cas t... iron plate and: drawin.g the stone through the groove, using water or gasoline and emery as just described. #90 or 100 emery is the best for this operation.

which makes a convenient and very efficlen t hand hold. The flexible cork or rubber follows a curve much better than if the holder were solid. When a large fla t s uri ace is enco un tered, or one just a li t tIe irregular, make a holder from leather and. thin

and is used only for the finishing operation on stocks or other wood work. 'To use sandpaper properly, fold it, after cutting to desired size, a.round sof t rubber or cork 1 by' .2112 by 4 inches,

Sandpaper _, This is furnished in grades rang .. ing from #'3 to 7/0.. The latter is. the finest grade

strips of wood, A large amount of space can be covered by this device 'much more thoroughly than any method I am acquainted with.. For reducing the size of rubber recoll pads 1 sandpaper or emery cloth glued to wooden discs .for attachment to a grinder spindle is invalua ble, A good investment is to have a generous supply on hand embracing a wide range in grades, ·as its uses are many and it fills a need that can be replaced by no other accessory,

C.HAP·TER V

Re·adin.q and
Makinq Drawinqs

CRAPT',ER V

Read'jng and Makinq DrawinqB

•
volumes I am presenting on gunsmithing, espe .. cially the second. I realize that a number of these: books, are gOlng t.o be placed in the hands of men 'not trained in the mechanical arts, and they should have an idea of the things the pic lures represent.
The drawings have been reduced
from

A N UNUSUt\LLY large number of shop drawfi ings have been used to illustrate. the two

arrowhead

with the point resting a.gainst the line represents the surface, or outline from which the measurement starts or from the work line which represents a surface edge and has, been lengthened to make it convenien t. for placing the arrowhead. A no ther a rrow h ea d is placed aga ins t the line re pre ... senting' the surface where the measurement stops;
the arrowheads

rneas uri ng 2' 2 x 36 in ches a.nd la r get down to the required page size of the book" consequently the reader may not be able to decipher many small figures and letters without the use of his magni .., fying glass, To be able to read a blueprint or drawing is as essential to the beginner 's success as to be able to read the p rln ted mat te r be t wee n th e covers. To read the dra wi ngs we sh auld know
some of the principles of making the m, 'These, ,vi 11. The reader should first understa nd tha t a drawing is a record 0,( ins true tion .. c:·· ~,. - ~... 1'1 e ..ouu ,.,., given rnm t.: rea.d: secon dl··., b·· s h ,ld- r ea liz,e. th:a t 0 "',.h Ianguage use db·· an engineer In max 1ng hi1S.' ki . .'.' the ] ny drawings 'is largely a language of lines, and that un 1ess he, knows how to read li nes~the ins tr ucti on s recorded on the drawings are written in a foreign
,1,
. . . . ,.. -. ,. i .

a tracing

are connected by a line caned a dimension line, and the given dimension is placed either "in this line- or directly over it, The drawing will probably also contain lettered. directions: some are: to be ground, and the words "precision grInd'" or' the letters PG 'may' appear on those surfaces;
F may be used, etc.

the space permitted.

be, explained as concisely as, possible according to

(J.

.....

- ..

tongue.

Study the several views until you have a. good men tal picture of 'W'11at is to be constructed, A drawing ·is a flat surface" and, as with a map, It is

Take as an- example a street car along the street; our view of that car is made possible by the fact that light. is reflected from it into our eyes. This is true of all objects which we view, and we say that we see the car or object. In other words, the light which is thrown of light upon an object.
hack frorn the car into our eyes gives us a view of the car. If the car or object faces. toward us we get a. front view, if away, a rear view ~ While the ob ject itself is nut a source 0,( light, it is so treated in viewing it, and the light is said to. 'be projecting from the object viewed, When a view drawing is, made, it .is often known as a projection of an ordinary (part) without any dimension,

Figure 46 illustrates, the manner in which a part is viewed, M an y 0 f th e d r awings ln the be oks a re mere projection. drawings with which a single idea is meant to be conveyed, To understand thoroughly what the term "projection" means, study the action
!

others are to be finished, and on these the letter \

necessary for the reader to use his imagination to make the lines and views rise from the paper,
• .,. . _ _ . . Go,;:! ..

_._..__ When a clear-cut me ntal picture h ~~ beenn. tosrmied ~ the dimensions should be studied until understood. N ex t, all the le t t ered tex t shou 1d be read and ca re f ully cons ldered, Ca re less ness in. anyone of 1 h .' ,. th ese tree res pee ts 1S mexc usa b· le
co

A drawing is, in a sense. a picture made up of views: for' exam ple, f ro nt v iew, top view, end views, etc, These views are made up of lines which
\~TOU]d

show clea r iy to the eye i:f the part, accessory, machine or fixture were viewed from the several positions noted. A front view consists of those lines which would be clearly seen if the observer viewing the part or fixture from the front. The dra wing shoul d also con tai n a~ th e essential I dimensions and indica te clearly from what surface they are to be taken ~ In mos t instances, a disti nc t,

The-se d fa wings are merely a means of conveylng to the reader an idea. of the part; later- it will be found necessary to work out the details. It wo U1d be well for every reader in teres tc d in this 'work to make good mechanical drawings, for with the ability to 'make drawings would come the ability to interpret them. But there are : often many reasons why this is not possible, and it 15,
with the idea of giving the requisite amount or knowledge and practise in visualizing the finished prod uct from plans" elevat ion s, an d sect ions tha t this chapter has been prepared, for it will explain

were

more to the mecha nlcall y trained man than I could

69

70

ISOMET'RI.C

PER5PECTIVE

PLAN

END E.LEV,A T I D·N

,~

........ ,_...,~--,--.-~-~----

1---

~·ID'E ELEVATION

SECTiON
01
I

CYLTND',ER ,8HAPED O'BJECT8 S,HOWING. THE USUAL TI'TLE PRACTICE FQ'R 'D RAWING,~
Fig-.. 48
-_.... - ,I . 'I.._; un. QJIII ..ec,.

VARIOVS VrEWC3 OF A VEE D R.J LLI N Q B L'O CK, FOR

I ...... 11:... D_USw;,g,,,,n.g d:J'f".:relh ·1 ....t...... ',1,1 y&w'W.

In

•-

meI;:Wo.,&.uAi' .......

- L_'I

'

'. • 'O.q.anHnnq

ever' explain in wrl ting, With a careful study of the drawings herein will 'come the ability' to ;U read" one of these complicated drawings like the rest of the book; it is interesting to translate every shade of meaning intended by the, designer and thus be able to tarry out the' work fn an accurate, effici en t, and craf tsman-like manner ~ These drawings 'were first sketched freehand ea-ch, chapter WaS written and then handed to englneers or draftsmen ski ned in the art 0 f mechanical drawing, These men first had to lay "the- foundation for the more advanced work. by learning the kind of equipmen t. necessary, They had to train th aeir eyes to vl 1" th objects 1 W hich .a', h d '. visua rze jne b · +,1:' ic I drawn freehand and which only expressed the general meaning, In vi suallzing these objects it was, necessary to measure, distances, to draw with preclsion .lines 0 f uni form width, and. accurate diree ... tion, I t was necessary for them to learn the rules of geometric. construction, the method of represent· la: h .. f bi fha nri lUg pans, tee 1 evations o. o. J ects, an d t e pnn ciples of orthographic" isometric pro j ections and

is known as a l 'working drawing." A working dra wing, made from the tracing, ShO"TS by means of 1ines w 1181t the piece} part, or fixture is J' on the f u11scale, and gives the necessary working dimensions or whatever other data the machinist needs to know in order to build the piece or the part, In other words, it is the drawing by which the workman does his work and to which he looks for his information. However, it is essential thaj the tracing itself be preserved for 'reference and there ... fore a blueprin t 1.S made from the tracing '; this will be what the reader uses in his .shop, The, lines, numerals and letters on the original tracing or drawing are black on a linen background, but these appear on a blueprint as white lines on a blue background; hence the name "blueprint," The importance of having large-size blueprin ts to work from, is that they simplify the reading or solving of the problem before the student. It is well also for hi m to understand that his large blueprint is a real and exact reproduction of the drawing shown in the book" that it is. usually' drawn profile wor k, to scale or larger, and that, if he implicitly follows instructions. and dimensions as given in the blueEven tho a great reduction has been made from the original linen tracing, the reader can 'read print; he is fortified. in any argument which may every detail distinctly, If he should wish a repro ... occur over his work, If his work checks up with the blueprint, he is assured that there is no possiduction (a blueprint) from these original drawings, I have made arrangements with the publisher so hili ty of' error, that it 'will be possible to 0btain such reproductions at The- f ull-page d'ra WIlngs 'II!n a. 3.' _ 'rea' sonable cos' -t ..". s . 1 Seen,anal Lines ~ In addition to the working these books are 22' x 36 inches, the half-page are Hues. and the dimension lines on the dra wi.ng views, 2.2 x 18 inches, and others. in proportion. A bluethe reader will, in some cases, find a series 0f prin t, .as used by engineers and by mechanics in parallel Iines drawn closely together at an angle to .. .-van, us L d ',---t-'r' es, L -'0' " ln ..us I l Is a:' reproduction of h a t the working lines, of the view, These are 'known as we

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THE MODERN GURSMlT,H

to "finish burnishing reamers, etc, Diamond dust may he' pu rchased, and its preparation as a lapp lng abrasi ve is simple, 'The diamond ,3 f ter being crushed to powder in a mortar is.mised wi th a highgrade olive oil.
another glass ~ Th.e coarse sedime n t lef tis, removed and la beled :10 for future di fferen tia tion ~ The oil poured from ,#0 is, stirred, allowed to stand ten

f ve min utes, after w hich the oil is po ured in to

The mixture is allowed to stand

cutting, the' machine meanwhile revolving at €I; rna derate rate of speed. After ,9. short t r Ial cut, depending on how' much stock must be removed, wash out the bole 'with gasoline; and check. progress with the plug to see how close it measures .. Continue until you are just able to pass the gauge through th e hole, In. th is form of lap the ends are mo r'e or ]ess bell -mo uthed ; nevertheless, you have
accomplished a lapping operation, with
,3;

on to insure

form of

min utes, and is then poured into ,a separate glass ';: Iap dIal is used very o,ften. for jobs that do not the sedime nt remaining 'is' labe led '.I... 'This opera .. req ILlire (Jose precision 'W'OT k, F 0:1'" perf ec t, dia'me:te':r.s tion Is repeated un til a II t he du st has been re- the standard lap arbor and copper or cast-iron laps cove red from the oil The' time t Ita t t he oil is- are used, for the reason that thei r construe tion per'!' a llowed to stand is increased :f rom 10 m inu tes to 10 IIIits del icate expan sian and proper cha rg ing'" When dealing w j th a taper hole it is necessary' to hours for the #6 operation, and even longer or until iron lap of the same taper as the bole it becomes clear. to or coarse dia mo nd is w ashe d make a cast ... in benzine and recrushed unless this coarse dust is, on a straight mandrel or arbor, The lap proper Is required for some particular grindi ng ope ra ti on, onl Y' a shell with a pin through it and the, 'mandrel. To 'the gunsmith the intelligen t use 0 f abr as ives is, to hold it 1'0 place, but small enough on the pin ,50 an, invaluable aid, It finds its most. important, ex- the Iap can work f reely during' its per formance. pression in lap'pi:n,g shotgun barrels :f or' increase or R,e.ame'fS and, Th,eir' U:ses ~ This is, another pattern removal of :pi.ts or tool marks, as, a final in-ish to r:lfling faa t adds the highest r,e.fi nemen t in impor tan t tool :f urnished 'in diff eren t types and accuracy, etc, ItIs also the only prac tical means styles 1 and in ma.ny cases capable 0 f being 'U sed for of evenly removing coa tlngs 0 f rust ~ provided this, a multitude of purposes" A working knowledge rebas not. already wor ke d its destructive process too garding 1: ts sphe re is mos t desira b le, The followln,g list conveys an idea of the num ber used in one way' deeply into the texture 0 f the metal, or another in the b ui 1ding 0 f a flrear m: ball or Lapping Chambers in Shotguns and RifteS'~This feature will be' explained more technical ],3' in a cherry, burnish ing, cen ter J cha,mberi,ng t ch ucking, separa te chapter. It would be well, however f be- flat, hal r-rou nd ~ hand, pipe, taper, shel I,; barrel reamers etc~ Each [s of a. different type accerdlng cause know ledge of' the sub j eel is, so desirable for .h eegmner " - WOT'J(, Oil. test ni '1i~, ,~ t, .:'e 'b ,"" 1j,0 - t pieces to sal .'0 gam ex pen- to the purpose it. serves, I presume the reader ence, As an. example, in a piece of: steel, say ~'lh knows th at a reamer is ,3" tool used to enla rge a hole inches thick, drlll a ~4 hole and stone the cu.t t ing that already exists, 'whether it is, a drilled, cored, 2 edge of ,a 1% -it drill. to a small radius, usin g this as or ta per hole, imparting to it the des; red size and fini S._~ Ir \7 0 hume 'II Ch h -. "fi·· '': .napter I·X·· f': '11 d etai s ..;':., "U ~ ~1 a reame ["'for finishing. 'Then harden and. remove , the strain in the steel by passing it back and forth on the maki ng of reamers will be given, but a pre.. in the fire until unable to touch, it without burning liminary understanding of their use w in not be .. amISS,! the hand; Let C(~o1. Make a plug g.auge to meas'There ate one or two points to remember in, the ure ~2'9.s·inch in diameter from a piece of drill rod; it is not necessary' to harden, the ga uge, Then con ... proper use of reamers which should be understood, , str uct a Jap Jrom a, piece 0 f % o:-,i:nc h. brass, the by every one" as. for' Instance, providing a, proper
4'

"

same size as the hole, ,5 inches. In length, Under .. cut it 'back 1 inch from the end '~ongenough to pass thro ugh the hole, ,,'] th a hack -sa v. spll t .nn the center, back 1~ to 1¥2 Inch, and spring it apart. Now start the lapping operation by either chucking the lap or the plece to be :1 pped, 1f same is a chucked in. it lathe" place a lathe -do g on. the lap in order to. bold firmly, Mix flour of emery wi th sperm, on until it. forms a paste, and with a small piece of wood [or an. applieator, place what would be considered a, reasonable quantity' on 'the lap, and start the machine, Draw' the, lap gently 'back and forth from one end 0.£ the hole to the other; being sure' to supply a sufficient amoun t of' emery and
P ',

tap wrench the same as you wnu~d for a tap, and . not attempting to make the same tap wrench do Ior all reamers, A small reamer should. be' used with as much care as a small tap, always with plenty of lard oil; ior 'when area. nle r becomes d ry it tears out the steel instead of cutting it In the use of barrel 0]" chambering reamers the best grade 0 f 'lard. oil sho u 1d be used. Always watch the cutting edge of a reamer

carefully to' see· that it does not pick up' metat lV ben a, reamer starts to do, this, take a fine ,Ar'ka:nsas stone -and. stone the top, edge to the cutting point and also the face 0:£ the flutes~ erea ting a keen edge which, after it is once b rough t.

RE'AD[NO .AND MAKING DRAWINGS

,section lines and, are used by the engineer to tell

the reader that the part of the view covered by such lines Is as :if the work had been cut through and a portion removed, Chapter IX, Volume .II,

cleer 'view of the: inside. To use a. home] y il Ius tra tion ~the engineer seeks the ~":II'me'e,ffec t'. as t',"-',40 ,r: -Ur,-"t pe_"d':11-" do ',~ W ,.en. h:,' ell t ,; ~ " ". _; b' v .Ilr 1,." ,' d ' ler "oe~ , ,,'b'" " ,e ,',' IS a. melon in halves for the customer's inspection", A view so draw n is said. to be seed onal; hence the term "section Iines,n In the case 0 r the drill-press spindle, some of its parts may be of steel) some of bronze, some of cast ..iron ,. To show w hich parts are of cast ... iron, of steel, or of bronze, the engineer ........... use' oif' various arrangements 0 f sectionalI .. mazes lines, each arrangement showl ng' a different rna... terial,
.3
.1 to

example, the .spi.nd:le of' a drill. press or an electric,

furnishes examples of' section. 'lines in the various figures It contains. Sections open up 'the interior of an object or a combination of 'working parts; as an.

motor' 1s sectioned to give

lndicate that the surface represented by the working line is to be finished. Dashed lines are now little used for thls purpose because of the chance o,f their being confused with dotted .ii,ne.S used to ·rep.. resent hidden surfaces and edges, and other methods of' indica~ting finished s·ur,faces are popular, but elimin ated liI'n a'11'( the views sho the ',1, _,'_' " ~' own In, "'ese - two volumes, 'When dotted n,nes are sbown they repre~~ .... , :"" ,I
iii,

'1

Fortunately' for a machinist who is just 'learnin,g' to read blueprints, much of his "hi""' hlv i ~ wor k comes, to mm ro·ug, y m tlh rorm In w hi b ae f IC' he I "'sh e :is,to firus to;; Th'" IS especsa 11 true W h en h , I ' is y ne
and. substance.
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Shaded Lines - It must be admitted that the average view of a piece of work. on a drawi ng' is d neae _''IJn.g. S' a ra til, flat anc d d th· c.r Some ... .. unagtnauen on the part of the reader Is needed to give it life-« to make it rise from the paper and take on form
!I

Certain conventions, as, 'they are called, are often to 'be found in a number ,of drawings. throughout the books, Screw threads, as an example, are shown in two ways: fun thread, and, parallel or vertical lines, They are seldom shown on a drawing as actual threads, but are "indicated" by an arrangement of parallel lines across and vertical to the surface which is to be threaded. A note Is usually lettered on or near the threaded surface, giving the number of threads per inch' and the form. of the thread, The careful reader of this chapter must now 'be impressed '\\'Ith the need or knowing things" The studles hls book 'when learning to read, The child first learns the simpler 'words" ho'w they look, ',vital Ietters of the alphabet are used in spelling (bern J and how the 'words are pronounced; an.d, one 'who Is wiUin.g to study' this chapter and the (kawi'ngs the books contain can learn how to read. ordinary
drawings readily, It will help if you take a, va.riety olf simple drawings, with which you are more or Jess, familiar, and select one 'for analysis, together with the part in your hand ~ Carefully study each drawing' as way to know a. thing is to study it" just as a child

sent an inside hole, etc".

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is, fi'ni'shing' ordinary castlngs. There are'. several methods used to give the blueprint more life. One much-used method is 'to make certain of the working lines of increased thickness to represent a shaded portion .. These heavier working lines are , known as "shade' lines and aid somewhat in makl ng the 'view stand, or li r t from the paper . Shade lines are used to a lesser exten t now than formerly; as the mechanic is supposed today to use his imagination when reading blueprint views.

press. it"

well as the text, for in the first place. you will 'become acquainted wi th good practise carried out by finished engineers, and in the second place you will, by this thorough analysis, train yourself to see in any drawing everything that was intended to be brought out better than 'words could ex-

-, nf with _ .. ".,' n'ever b e con~use'd WJ.~, the, term' "line, shading ,., ',iI.iL;'. .. Mech,ani,cal Drawinq - The subject of mewhich refers to a decidedly d.ifferent use O'f lines, chanical drawing is of great interest and lmpor .. 11) hanl d .,., t ance to all. mecnamcs anr engineers. D" rawmg IS Line shading as commonly used consists of ,a series '. ~ d tea ,y' ie '" '·1 of lines placed on the v,i,ewwithin its working lines a met h0.' ,0.f :8hOWl.ng' graprhil al 'I th minute d etai 'S is and arranged in. such a manner as to give a picture of machinery, tools, gauges" di.es, etc, It _ the effect, of the view'~ .As in 'the case of shade Jines,., 'language by' 'w:bith th.e designer speaks 'to the Ilne shadi 'ng )5 U~ ._'CSS m mac,h• ., .. --..::1'1'" ., une ~I1J" . me-sh,OPl d [a wmgs mechanic:" it is, the_. most graphlc way' of placing , . . . ideas and calcu la.dOD'S on record, An. inspoction of' than it formerly 'was•.·· any' of these accurate, well-executed drawings glves r'iJJjsbed tmes _. Another line used in dra"~]ngs a. better idea of. a part. than a I,engthy written or or blu.eprint views, is someti me! termed a "finish ,., verbal descrlptlon, The better and more clea.r1y a llne, Such a line is usually broken up into dashes drawing is made, the more intelligently the meand dots and is then known. as a "dashed" li.ne.. chanic can comprehend the ideas of the dfSign·er. It is placed on the view close to a, working line' to Thorough training in· this important subject is·
,!..'..I ,.

Line Shading - The term "shade lines" should

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72
necessary to the success
mechanical work.

THE MODERN GUNSMITH .

or

everyone engaged in

success to a certain extent upon the quality of the lnstru ments and materials 'W hie h he uses, As a

The draftsman. or designer is dependent for his

width of the board, will reduce the tendency to warp, D rawi ng boards. are made In sizes to accommodate the dimensions of paper in general
lIse • Pencils - Lead pencils are graded according to their hardness, the degree 0 f 'which is indicated by tbe letter H" as HH, 4H, 6H, etc, For general use a lead pencil of 4H: or 5H should be used, altho a softer pencil than 41-1 is bette-r for making letters, figures, and points, 'The hard lead pencil should

beginner, he can often find a 'cheap grade of instrurn en t sufficie n t for his needs, but after he has, b erome an expert, it will be necessary for him to procure' those of be t ter co ns tructio n to ena bl e him to do more accurate work, If possible, it is better top urchase the "'C 11 -made ins tru m ents at the, s ta r t

Paper --- In Sf le cti n g' dra wi ng pa p e-r} th e 11 st r thing to be considered is the kind of paper most su it abl e for the proposed designs, F or shop dr awings, a manilla paper' is often used because of its toughness and strength, as these drawl ngs are likely to be subjected to' hard usage. When a. finished drawing Is to .be: made, the bes t white dr awi ng paper should be obtained) so that the drawing will not fade or become discolored with age. A good
drawing paper should. be strong, "it should also have uniform thickness. and surface, and it should st rete h event y and lie sm 00 thl Y when s tret ched ~ The finer drawings are made on tracing cloth transferred from the pencil drawings and inked in. A linen tracing cloth should also be of the best grade, a grade' which should neither repel nor absorb liquids and should allow considerable erasing with-

be sharpened so that when penciling a drawing the lines may be 'made very fine and light. The wood
50

projects, 'The lead can then be sharpened to a chisel edge by rubbing against a piece of sandpaper fastened to a wooden block, or even a fine file with the corners slightly rounded. Only a light pressure should be exerted. on a hard pencil, as otherwise the chisel edge will make a deep impression in the paper, which cannot he erased,

is cut awa y

tha t ab ou t

]/1

or 112inch

0f

'the lead

out spoiling the surface. It is, of course, Impossible to find all these qualities in any ODe paper or linen, as, great strength cannot be- combined with flue B ur race~ However, ,3, k i11 d should be chosen w hie h combines the greatest number of these qualities for gi ven wo rk, The usual method of fastening paper or linen to a drawing board is by means of thumb tacks. Fasten the upper left-hand corner and then the IO'~Ncrright, pu lling the paper taut. The other t\VO corners are then faste ned and a sufficie nt n urn be r of tacks are placed a lon g the edges to make the paper or linen lie smoothly,

Erasers '_ The Iittle erasing necessary should 'be done "vi t h a so f t ru bber, 'To a void erasi ng th e surrounding work a metal eraser shield' should be employed. For cleaning drawings when they are comp 1et ed, a sponge rub ber t or a prepa ration call ed "Art Gum," may be used, but in either case care she uld be taken not to make: the lines dull by too hard rub bing.
thin s traight ... edge J an d the "bla de") w it h a shor t piece called
3.,

from its general shape) consists of

T-Square - 'The Tvsquare (which gets its name

Triangles - Triangles arc made of various subpine, th e gr al n ru n ni ng leng thwis e to the boar d stances, such as wood, rubber; celluloid, and steel, The experience gained in stock making should en ... ooden triangles are cheap but very apt to warp able one with the use of wood-working tools to out of shape. Celluloid triangles are almost excluconstruct one of these very easily} in tlny desired sively used on, account of ..heir transpar-ency, which t width or length, together with the two horses to enables the designer to se\e the work already done support it, Each end 0 f the board is protected by even. tho covered with the triangle. Triangles from ~ - ~ h .. ' "d ""l-·b tound • a side strip, .1% to 2 inche-s in width, whose edges SIX to eight inches on a 51 e Wile ~ d convemare made pier Iectly stra ight for accuracy in USl ng en t for most work, Altho there are many cases the T -sq uare ~ Fr eq uen tIy the end pi eces are fast- 'where a small triangle measuring about four inches ened by a glued matched join t, n ails, or sc rews ~ on a side will be 'found useful), every student should Two cleats on the bottom; extending the' whole ha ve a t least two triangles, one having two angles
4'

Drawinq Board.....- The dra wing boa rd is usually made of well seasoned and straight-grained soft

the "head," which is fastened at right angles to it. T -squares a re usually 'mad e .0 r woo d ; pear and map 1e are used in th e c h ea pe r grades. The: bet te-r woods, such as Honduras mahogany, are made with pro tee ting edges 0 f ebony or' c.ellul old. 'T... uares sq are sometimes provided with swivel heads, as it is frequently convenient to draw lines parallel to each other which are not at right angles to the left ..hand. edge of t he board.

"r

De. "'~G··---':'-' -:-, ~:u" _. AND

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of 45, degr-ees and one' ',ri,glht angle; and, one: having d- 9' d I angies O"Ji 3·0·· 6'-0' ane "-0' .' egrees respec ti 1:y'. J; uve f ..
• It

for the triangle o,r T~square in drawing JInes. .Irreqular' Curves -

Scales should never be 'used as a substitute

One of the conveniences, of

Ink - India ink Is always used for drawing, as 1I~ ,*.. J maxes a permanent, bi ack 1 ne, I t ~ 0'b taina bl_ . IS - · e
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steel and. makes it pen perfec tl.y clean corrodes

t

In solid stick or liquid. form. TIle liquid form is - -, .. _. . ~ t -t -.. mue-h more con, enH~!n,. bII t- 'COil. allIS, an aClid' Whicl 1 Ie
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necessa ry to keep the.

the' designer's outfit is the "French .. or "irregular '" cu rve," whi ch. is used to dra w curve S 0 ther than arcs . of circles with elther p. enc'il or- line pern.. T' his~ .. -.l .....~ _ ____ . .. .. . 1
'1,;0 .

is an instrument used 'f,or laying o.ff and measuri ng an gles, and is made of steel, brass, born, or celluloid. Whenmade 0,( metal, the een tral portion Is cut out so that the
engineer may see tbe drawing. The outer edge is divided :into degrees and ten ths 0 f degrees, To lay off the required angle, 'use a, very' sharp hard pencil so that thee measurements may 'be accurate, Place the protractor so that the two zero marks are on the given line" produced, i:f necessary, and the ten... ter of the: circle is, at the point through which the

Protra,ctor -- The protractor

ins t ru ment is made 0 f wood, hard rubber, or celluloid" celluloid being the best, and is made in various shapes, Curves drawn with an irregular

curve are called free-hand curves, In inking curves, the blades of the pen must be, kept tangent to the curve '. '~-:. N,f) drawing of a mechanical nature is finished
',,_,

commencing drawing, P'OO'f writing need not neeessarily mean. poor le ttering, for good wri ters do Scales - 'The scales, 'used r Dr obtaining measure", meats on drawings are made: in several forms, the not always letter well, In making large letters, for -.. d •... di ..... f-t most convenlent 'being the fiat with beveled edges, tit Ies ano heo.'.ings 1tiS 0:' .en necessary t.0 use drawinz Ins trumen ts an-d_rnec hanl ca 1 aios, .. t smat '1' ·db' u :ramng i -ani and the triangu lar, The scale Is usually graduated . e. -','.' sue "'.~.th··· ose .... ,-.,_ 1menSl0ns" -.-for a dis tance 0 f 12 inches" The triang ular scale I·-tt ers t ,. .h as ·_'_ -, " ~ised '.f· or, dime .-,-~ -. nam" 5 has six surfaces. for d,[fferent graduations and the of materia Is~ dares, etc, should. be made free-hand. If the reader has, fully comprehended the impli .. 's,cales, are so arrange·d_ that the d t at t,· e rrawmgs may b ne made in any proportion to the actual size" For cation of this chapter" a fair degree of drawing ~ k 'hme ch amcai1 war"_ t:e common dlivisions are mu1'" knowledge may now' be assumed, and he is ready .nples o f two; .therefore ,dr'awlngs ~'re made fun. sil:e ~ to pas'S on to more compllcated problems, \Vbell I' '. . Tl'- a'- dr a Wh~ ls 11 - .'~n,C1 we turn to sub jects i.n e~tber the n.. t or second rs 'Y2 'Slze:,. '11. 'II ,74:, 'i8" 11 G';, '11 "':~ etc 71 76 . .l.' '. r 14 " ...ume., ,ow :,c- '-, ~'e _, ~_.. . rledge . size. ,3 inches equal one foot '; hence ,3 inches are YO,}-.... h -" Ie'.ver.~ 'Wh find that 'a kno: w" _' ',", 0' f' geometrical figures and their properties is abso ... divided into 12 equal parts and each division repre- ':"'. '.'. "f: _' e sma,1'[sents I"IDC.."h 1- the ".''._--', ··t-'... ,d-'~v'·[--n_ " 'D ,a sea Ie· lutely essential 'to a clear 11nderstanding of the _ _es ·I.IS 0 0._._ .' .....'·1 rtprew.D'1S KG, ,inch.,. the .scale, is sald 'to read, %,0 .prohlems,chosen in gun ,ma~ldng,
c __

desired line ,1s,to' be drawn",

tered In ,a plain nea t type, :l\ilany dra wings are accurate,- ,:Ii 'we]I planned . " and finely.' executed..,' 'but ._- ._ -. ., .. , .' .-. - . -. do not present a, good appearance because the de~igne·-ror dra .ft· sma 1[", 1I..h . ,n. 0'· th"hm ; t WI!U!" ..th 'YJl,W!L. •., ~:~d.· ~ ;l.. .... -~oi"iir ~·I·'~'e ,"J.' . _. Le ttenng requ l,res time an d to] )etter .ca,re.ru')1 ,y. , _ _' .. '" , , d pa tIenee, especia 11y f-_ t,h e b .. or _egmner " an. man y 'fhi nk ita good plan, to practise lettering be fore: \
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CHAPTER VI

Safety 'With
F,irearms

CHAPTER VI

~CT J\jLUST be realized, especially by the amateur , starting to remodel guns and rifles, that firearms bear a close relationship to the ammunltlon they were designed Ior ,and tha t Iew 0 f them can be Ustep pied up; ~ to ,t he' use 0 f 13 t er a nd more power f ul loads. It one' will consider the tremendous increase i:1l1 pressures that has, 'been obt a ii n ed and k eep 'nhi s fiJm]y in mlnd, it will go'Vc':rn him ,'\·jisc~y and. sa fcly in, his, experiments, :1':0 one in hls right senses would pu t a steam pressure of 300 POll nds upon. a bO,1er designed :for 50 pounds, yc't me n ,\',i ll st rangeI Iy in si st on dol ng this very th in g wi th f rea. r [11'S_ Tak e ,ror insta nee tb c 11 e old Kr ag r j 11. e-'\V hy was n cause it was 110t a clip loader, and was only designed for a D1aximu m ella 111be'r press 11 of 42,00 0 re pounds, while the advance in ballistics provided a new car tri d ge, a nel 'the ~30- cali be r 111.0 del, 19(6) required .a :riRe capable ol ,\tj:i;thst~lndIf:lg fi!J(J' t'fJ1~S more pressu re than was :p'r'ovi(l ed i'O'F' In the Krag,
j

show wha ( happens

m istake,

\\'hen one ma J.u.. ·sa careless ~

it set as! dean d a b rand -new r itle ado p ted?

Be-

ha ve weaken ed you r isun to. a da nge rous po t and rendered mtun fi t r or t be' ,Pressu ric'S. it was made to. u:o~th st ? 1~·..J~ ~"""'~~'''' ~'O"' t he remov ,~~, l~ ~t~i~ The ~"-"':' ~ ,n~,t a:ppl a ~~ of metal at vulnerable points, To insure your sa f et y as we 11 as L he o the r f el lo ws, let us here
ru ~ ''''r~1 ", la:i II ~~'~,lIl~jJJ'-"

best qu at w ty and j s scien ti f C(l,n,Y heat ~l reat ed '~O sec ure the: ill! 1. rnos t of its j nhere n 1. s.ntel:'l1gl h ,and stabil it Y Rcmem ber, :i r you d istu F b ,t h is H temper ~, ,jill!"l. vo 'U' r tpe.. ,!I". nt.. l' rim ..... or cha dli"f,/"~l« '.~ y do.' ,,~, ,.... , Ilnll ibJ' ~'11·~'11 , ,nu!J" know how tc restore j t surely ,:ltl1 absolu ~"ely, ,yuu
4

01: the limi ta tio n S 0 f \\'cigh t, f e\\'f' gu ns ca rry more metal t han necessary, but th Is is 0 f '{he
Because

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consider a Iew rules tha t must never be broken.

1" Do not draw the temper .of receivers and breech

actions unless you k nnw- how to. restore
~t sci-

N 01, only was a much superior grade or steel 'heeded 'but a new' a nO. di fee rent breec b act ion, stronger in ever y way, was i: mpe ra t iV'(~;,., Now because these pressures are maximums, it is possible to overload it rifle and get .3.\!la.y wi ~h It at times, but remember you are fl:i.rtin,g with death or disablement when you attempt it; and if you deem this prfce too nligl-l~,be' ultra careful wlth pressures and aJ\\!'3Y'S C'F'r on the safe' side, Flgure ,47. "iiH,

entifically and surely ~ 2',., D'Q not attempt 'to weld or even braze appliances 'to an y par tor an act ~ Of' receiver ~ on 3,,,, ,D'tJ not remove metal :[ronl a.nj" point of an action ~vhlch Is Involved in t, hie stresses, .0:[

exp loslon .. 4-" Never permit a cartridge in a g:un in which the Iocking mechanism is fau~t,Y'~ 5~ Be cautious in the remodeling or 3 gun to the usc: 0 f a more p ower fuJ load than it was odgi ... , nall Y' d csigned for ~

Fi<t., '" A SpdngUeJd. dHe that .lew' UP beH:"(luse 0:1 ea:re.,less,ness. Heal'Y grease in, ch clinbeZ' (:I,IRa be_tIel" :plu:s exco,l. ~ ,I,ace ad a .oJt carlt'kil'o case-a pede,ct c,otnbinatlou to ;WI! I'UJCA aCG!den'l.I

Rea4.,

77

78

THE MODERN G'UNSMIrH

should be able to discern between sentiment and danger .' It is a pi Ly-, in th is respect, tha t we do no t feel as the Chi nese do toward their ancestors; :~O[ then it would be sac rilege to, use the! r personal pas .. sessions, It would at least, prevent a number of accidents that are incurred from using antique
arms, lete

6,. Remember' that in ninety ..,n,j e cases out of one n hundred the higher pressures, velocities, and power attainable in a ri Hie are not requ Ired for any work you will call upon that ritle to do"
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7' Remember tha t 1"'0"'" a :s~,bo"tfJu.n. unlike a' rifle "n"" ':t higher pressures add very' Iit tle to range or
t

8~ Do

and smokeless powders and lead and encased bullets is a dead li ne, and marks an abrupt t ran sltlon in the des ign and make, 0 f firearms Never compromise this deadline .. 10...Never say "good enough" in firearms, If you can't say "right," put the job in the antique cabinet, or, if broken, In the junk pile. '11. Eschew makeshifts. You have seen hundreds of them just as we have, All OUt marvel has

9'.. Remember that the dividi.ng' line between black

spend a moment on, a firearm which is to be actually 'used~ that is. not su bstantial ~correctly deslgned and made" and capable of' be:ing' restored to its, needed strength and utility.
tJQt,

power,

been that they worked, \\;e never expected they would, and some tlme they won't.. Take
think what would happen ~ '.weed 3' ";'" ,rMrl;,u""",' ", 'Ipro m ,.tII.f'~
;ot' ,I" "~ "

the makeshift fir,in"g pin; dld ,you ever stop to

if this makeshi ft

hammer gun on which be wan ted the: f orearm replaced, N a t.ul"any the' cos 1t" of the replacemen t was p:r'ohibi t lve, "or he could purchase a modern gun for less than the price of a new f orearrn, Upon examina ti on of the gun, I found tha t when it locked, the barrels could be ral sed from the action 7i (j inch. There was also an opening of ~ 2 inch between 'the' barrels and action. I advised him to discard the gun and to purchase a new one for his own safety, ):ly' warning only caused him to become very indlgnant and he informed me, not very politely, that he had used it in its present co ndi ti on for two season s, and expected to use it several more season s~as he si mply held the barrels ~ and action together while firing! I will let 'the reader d raw his own conclusions as I have mine,
double- barreled

One day a man came: into the shop with an obso ..

E'Ve:ry no,v and then :80 me misguided person replaces a broken fi ri ng pin with a common 'wire

:12 'Watcb trigger puU:SJ~ The ("rigger is the spark

Ii

1,3. Remember

sa'fely.

that fires iile mine, Learn. and, 'teach how '1:0 press a, trigger tha t. offers safe resistance rather than reduce a pull to .2, point that, endangers

this is ,3, lead bullet and, a low-velocity' cartridge the fairly safe means 0:£ transportation, yet .it has taken toll. o,f countless lives, and statistics ',rill show that 1 firing pin or (iring..pin .hole is over Vs inch in diamthe greater percentage 0 f' these have been caused . et er in t he block, J t is then OlU" fi.rst consideration to, 'turn. the- firi'ng 'pin, and, bush the hole so' that. it through sheer carelessness, There are many cheap and obsolete shotguns in measures Irom ';t, 4 Inc h to ~~2 inch in diameter .. eirculatien that, should be, d,i,sca.rded or tbrown in Our bet ter Judg:me'n t. '1V,H t ten us 1 after measuring' the .primer, that be tween the pr imer and fi ring pin the scrap pile, Many of t'he: old guns have been there, Is onl Y' a li t t le over 2 Inch Ie rt on a. side' to handed, down from generation to generation. Natura1.1y, there, is a certal n sentiment attached to them hold the primer in place, This may be, enough to and their preservatlon is admirable. However" we hold the primer, but if the: firing pin is sof t, and it

rifles, 1,4. It may seem strange, but 'people often leave charges in guns; therefore, habituall y make su re a gun is empty the 'moment it touches your hands, If it, is loaded" al ways u nload it, never shoot the load out, Modern developments 'have made firearms as safe . L ~ ' a'S ,any other mechanica l '\levitt "" 1."... 'we uti' '1rze ".. ....I ~ that today, 'The au tomobile, ,for· i'nstance ~'is 'in itself a

rifles for use' that you cannot. get advanced power o,r accuracy out of these old guns by modern propellants or 'heavier charges, Stick to and advise a, rigid. adherence to the old black powder and the bullet that belongs with such

i'n, co;nd,iU:oni:ng old muzzle-loading

nail, instead of sending the arm to a gunsmith for repairs, or to a mach ine-shop 'where' they have the proper tools to pauern one after that which has been, broken ~ tan name any ,num ber of' such cases, 0;£' gross neg:l~ct, where a person could not Ioresee the: results 0 f a sharp .. oin ted nan piercing a, primer" p causing the gases to rush out at the time of ignition, and force the nail hack into the shoo ter 's face. If one should happen to see another using such a cornbi ria tion, the 13. 0 f safety' should be explained, W in language that a church member would not care to hear, When changes are made, such as using one of the old 51ngle- shot actions for mo dern high -y~~~:i~ity ammuni tion, be ve ry careful. tq ~~thaera:U fit

well, particularly the block,

located, For

\~lin~chester ingle-shot action that originally 'came s for the ~,2 \Vi nchester een ter ..lire cartridge" since 2

the ..2 2 Hornet cartridge, or even 'Using 'the old

instance, in ,fitting a. new tiarrel for

\vhe{e, the

flttng. pin, is

parts

SAFETY WITH FIREARMS

79

,I

develops a point that will pierce: the primer, there is degrees lower than the common machinery or coldenough pressure developed to send. the escaping dr-awn steel used today, and even an overcharge of gases back into the shooter's face; causing a painful black powder is more than they can stand. One injury and possible loss of eyesight, By all means, was brought to my attention on which the nipple figu teo out the urea 0 f the primer and the fi ring-pi n plug was blown out and just escaped hi t.ting a per ... hole and let the results prove to you that. there is son stand ing a t the side of the shooter, I learned present enough metal to hold back any gas that that E .. C't a quick-burning shotgun powder, had should escape from a pierced primer .. been used, as it was much cleaner than the black The deeply interested person will study the devel- . powder whi ch le it too TIl uch resi d ue in the barrel, opment of powder J'rOLn the early' Middle 'Ages up As we know; excess grease or oil in a barrel or ...' - - '] 'r -- d "I' _,_ -, " to the present i , e nresent Improve - d m._"'1 tar y pow de s use,-_ I-n chamber will cause the first shot to be hlgh, It not high ... veloci ty amm uni tion, A11 the large powder only runs the pressure above the allowable pressure compani es dl s tr 1b u te tables of the corree t powder recommended, but may cause excess. head space' charges to use in certai n cartridges and the weight between the bolt and cartridge cases, Very often of lJuUetS40 Still, some disregard these tables and you will find a soft case among the ammunition you · ". hi hId d in add just a little more' to obtain a higher veloci t.y are uSing., A sotf t case IS one wr icn was. ,0 - geo I . than the other fellow. the drums of the annealing furnaces, and probably I recall that 'when I was at the Arsenal, tests 'were stayed in the worm for haIf a . day. The furnaces are of the rotary type with spiral drums. feeding the made with the armor-piercing bullets agalns t armor tank plates, and the diff eren t ligh t plates 'were car- cases In one end, and by the time they reach the bonized to certain degrees. 0 f hardness. These tests opposite end they have the proper annealing for the \ fo 1lowing draw, This seldom happens, for such were conducted on the artillery r ange, The plates were placed in a frame and the Model 1903, Spri ng... condi tions are: watched very closely, and when a furnace shows th e least de fee t, it is remedied. Still, field rifle in a machine res L The regu lar armorpiercing ammunitions would not penetrate some of there may be such a condition existing, so it is, best the heavy carbonized plates, so ammunition was to use every preen ution, Check your rift e for head loaded wi th the standard improved mil itary pow- space and mak e sure that a.1I oil or grease is, cleaned ders, such as Du Pont No~ IS, 1.5'721 16, 17'Y2 out before firing, Pyro, or No. .2"0,and also the later improved pow,.. Such a small obstruction as a cleaning patch ders under other numbers, The recommended loads, placed in the .muzzle oi a rifie to protect the interior were increased. by one grain at a ti'01 e, in order to from moisture; and negligently left there, will split the barrel from muzzle to chamber. When a bullet have the projectiles go through the heavy plates, hi 1s an 0bs tr uction 0 f thi s nature, it may be com\Vith Du Pont No, 16" one of the Iast-burning pared to a swiftly movi ng box car that. hits another powders, a load of sixty-one grains was reached which blew up the rifle, The action held, 'but the whi ch is at rest, except that there is a propelli ng force of gas behind the bullet, and this, sudden case blew out the rear allowing the gases to escape • ;. .. In t 0 th magaz~ne, openmg thie magazme on th,oe stoppage of the projectile 'hitting the obstruction ne , sides and splitting the stock from the front sling sends the gases around the bullet, thereby opening swivel back three or four Inches from the comb, the steel to allow' its passage, Even the .22 caliber completely shattering the wood, The same thing is short rifle cartridge will ring or bulge a barrel when likely to happen if only one or two more grains than it comes into contact with the lodged bullet, If these small bullets can do- this; you can imagine the given charge are add ed.. what a high-velocity cartridge would do. I have: had much of this brought to my attention, The first thought that occurs to one', when a bullet Men have brought cartridge cases, after firing, or part 0 f a cleaning rod is lodged in a barrel ~is 'to showing the bad primer bulges, and even the primer " it 0\.\ing b ack· In to th e firi ng pin h .0Ie. N 'n Natur a 11 y~ shoot .it out by removing the bullet from. a case and " 't id a"- .,',. mser' mg tr ,'y L Id~ 0' ,.e , ,'e' In . _a t h ey con demn t,h e cartrir ge cases, b,',ut' upon ques .. ," '" 'ti -- --. h e case b - uO._ lnti the rl''',fl·'' ,~-- ave" rtical . position so that the powder will not 'sea tter around tinning them I fi nd th at they 'increased their powder in the 'VOl~ ng parts of the at tion, It is possible i.n k,i charges one or two grains. Talking seems to be of lit tle va 1- e:,. It ," only" t h roug h hi 1ter expe rience tha t this manner to remove an obstruction when it is s _~ ,,'u ~ IS _, __, _ _ only lodged a short distance in the barrel from the they wi 11ever learn or' accept the truth .. At the present, there seems to be qui te a fad, for- chamber end. The instance 0 f bursting a great dis .. tance from t be chamber is due to the' air 'Space that using old muzzle-load ing. rifles J and they' are loaded with every kind of charge, from the military POVl" is compressed wi t h the ga ses 'Which are greater ill ders to the 'black powders, 'These old guns are only velocity than the movement of the obstruction; the made of' common 'Wrought Iron, a grade about ten w hole expand ing fo,ree of the gases and air conceni
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THE MO:DERN GUN'SMI,tH,

was that the frame of this arm spread u.n,til the car trldges parted in the chamber: as a result it was. necessary for the Wi.nchester Repea tin,g Arms C~m,.. . . thi .... ,..l' ~1,] pany to d'~ iseontmue 'It us moue I Th· sere are St- 11_ .3; number' of tbeim in. the, hands, of Am,eritta:n sportsmen, but sooner or later' they open up to such an exten t tha t they are discarded. When a barrel wears out on a high -veloci ty rl fie~ many persons with limited means win look. around
HI'

tra tlon at that point expands the barrel ~ I f it is not possi ble to take the gun to a gunsml th J it will be best 'to remove 'the' bullet, together with hal f the powder charge, and try to, shoot the obstruction out"
.a'l1,ticipated hunting tri:p. Th.is however, does not apply to a shotgun, for you will most certainly have a burst barrel and a ru ined
rather than s;poi~ a,
)()'ng

4'

•._

arm,

end and then thread. the barrel to fit the action. If you will cond uct a Iitt le experiment of your own" it will demonstra te bet ter than any description just what results win follow from dohlg this. Take a. test '.. .h ~ ~'n 'PIece 0:f' the same size, 'Wlt~ t,he same h '] ;; th.e ioie 1'0 center, Sw'eat or' shrink a, collar to this piece and, revolver or pi'sbjl. 'V'elroy often J there, is :i'mpropet head space bet ween then take it to a place where they' have a good: cartridge head and bol t or breech block. Th is con- hydra u1ic press and you will be surprised to learn dition will manifest itself by the parting of the, what little force it requires to tear them, apart In a cartri dge case abou t on e..half inch from the head". high -ve loci ty arm there j s a. pressure 0 f' 5'0 ~OOO At first a rupture will appear, which is the first indi- pounds, developed'; by adding SQ?,o for a margin of cation of excess head space 'in a chamber. Upon safety f[OU will note that such an operation falls exam ina't""on :,;" W I·]., J.Il n d ~,'w'en. th e-G,,:"' lit· IS, In th e' short 0 f these figures, 'Do not t hi"nk that the amau h b ~, • "-;'~ _ mna 1 .., u..... ...1 A . u :" fl:ring posit ion; (hat too much space exists between tenr alone' is responsible for' these ideas. 'Par' from the head the cartridge and the face of 'the bolt; it, 'f Of gcnerally they or igi na te from others that are you. can detee t this cond ition by insert ing shims, of in a posi tlon to kno ... better" The first ~5O-callb er v brass or copper ~ A good many Mausers have this gun which came to the Arsenal from the Springfield . defect, particularly the actions which were sent over Armory had just su ch ,3 collar shrunken to the end after the 'war and made into sporting arms 'f also the of a ,~,50.caliber barrel, and upon the first shot for . large magnum actions that came over in the white velocity, the barrel was stripped from the coUar and 'Wrere never Ilea t -treated before being made in t~JI and landed seventy' feet down, the' range, They had rlfles of the ~31'5a.nd ;2'15 calibers. The Springfield made doubly certain. of the shrinking operation 'by rifles _or any other titles using high-velocity am .. placing taper pins on each side. These were sheared munition turned out by the private arms companies 'ha ve the' correct head spate ~as they use g,auges to ofi as clean as tho ell t by a chi sel, Pic t ure "that damage wou'ld occur to the shooter's hand by ,a determine this chambering to the min lmum length; [and since they have a 'ri.gid.inspecUo:n in such Iac- barrel breaking loose ,rrom a receiver [n the act of 'tori::es'j there is. nervet ,any danger' 0-1 this defeclHl' firing~, The man capable at beco,'ming proficient in, the' \Vhen there is only O~004 inch tolerance, 'it necesslta tes pick i:ng ou t a nu m ber 0 f cases iii order to handl ing 0 f fi rearms will requ ire no special rules "f o~ come to some conclusion as to the proper head his govern men t in this rnat ter, 'Rules are for' the space. careless individual" and yet one could give such a The most. prominent defect of the Model 95 person. [8 book full of them and he would then D'bd Win~hes:t[er :riRe using the Model 06 ,ammunition,*, something that no [one else has, ever discovered,
,I

Many p lstols an d revel vers ate also rulned l n this manner, A, ..4S Colt automatic was brought, to my attent ion which had exploded :in the shooter's hand. The bullet 'was Jodg,ed. 'hal'f,,,,way' in. 'the barrel, so he tried 'to shoot :i t ou t ~ The barrel opened at the bottom, split the underslde of the frame, and folded it back t.o the trigger guard. It also blew' the spring and guide free from the action. ,At ti mes, it will only bulge a barrel {of course practkal Jy ruin ing the arm) , hut usually it means a, completely ruined

for bargains, and of cou rse, nine times out of ten, they never get 3" barrel to fit the action, they have, F OnO,y].ng: the va rious suggestlons of their friends, they either sweat or shrink a collar on the, chamber

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or

C,HAPTEB, VII:

Selec:tion ,of

Woods

CHAP'TER

vn

Selection of Wo'ods
Asia Minor. It was brought 00 America by the early colonists, and, while not hardy generally choice in the matter is practically determined in north 0 f \Vashi ngto n, D ~C., there are :5ti II numbers advance. 'T he, wood_ p'..ar e:x··C.· eill e n c'e. is.' wa In ut and: of these trees scattered through the Northern . _,.. .. _ ' . there 'is no su bstitute, Waln ut seem s to be pur .. Sta tes, U ndou bted ly, hard y vari e He'S of Ju gla ns posely d esigned for gun stocks, No other wood or Regia can and ,vBI be developed that 'v\'Hl thrive material possesses all the qualities that are de- wherever t he apple and peach can be grown ~ manded by the- gunsmith" and nothing better could l\l] thi n the las t f ew decad es this so-caned. Eng Iish walnut has been extensively planted in Califurnla be d eslred 'The growl ng sea rclty 0 f this wood, and all ou r nu ts and eventually our gun stocks "Tal especially the European varieties" which have been dr-awn upon ior cen tun es, has, cauS€ d in tensi ve be home-grown, Actu al Engli sh waln u t, that is, waln u.t grown 1n search to be 'made for subs titutes an d the forests of _.. _ __ _ .. _, ~S ow- s the whole_ eart h have pa.raded their_ fine st '. gro- .. ths England, is practically non-existent so ,far as tlbe . on ly to have it more firmly demons tea t ed that wal- gu nsmith is concerned. There is in deed. a ]imited supply, and lt is good ~possessi ng all the' best char .., nut is king of them all, acteris tics of the wood, except the very finest The chief qualifications in the wood to be used figure; but the bu lk 0 f the best Engll sh walnut for stocking are as follows: It must be tough and very strong, for gunstocks are much cut up by th.e comes from, Southern France and Northern Italy, mechanisms and yet have to endure not only the together wi th other supplie s 'from Eastern Europe and Southwestern Asia. That known ,as "Circasshocks and stresses of explosion, but the hard uses sian" is from the last-named countries and is a that are inseparabl e from hu nting and the bat tlevery beautiful wood, showing perhaps the most field. It must be homogeneous and fine in its grain so that it 'may be worked down to an exact fit with .. splendid markings. 0 fall. However, it is not gen ... ou.t splintering. Thi 5 j s parti cu lar Iy apparent when erall y cut an d han dled so well as that grown and cut by expert foresters in Europe, and for this one is inletting the locks of a side-lock gun.. It must be a wood that, when thorough ly' seasoned, ",~in reason it is hard to get blanks free from preventable defects. "stay put" and not he subject to further warping, Our American black walnu t, botanically Juglt.11ts shrinking', and twisting. It must be' a wood which era ~ a , .. ~ .' ~~, .L .. " ~~ll'~'~ ,". . __ _.sh .... withs tands the rot tin g effect of 1ub ri eating oi r , for ll1ci"', 10.~ ,,". mos~':iL., useful . 'var ~1'~ ty ~11d" fur' ·nl~, es to. h' stoc k s for practi ca 11y our COJll 111erci al sporti 11g Iu bricants and rust preven tives are indispensable and military firearms, With the one exception of and continuous, It must be, in spite of its strength, Jug l (Ins ,R egia, it is the bes t stock wood extan t of moderate weight, or balance is one 0 f th e prime requirements in a gun. and this cannot be secured It is not generally as well figured as the European in wood that is too light or ton hea vy Last but no t varlet y, bu t the rna St bea uti ful stocks are f releast, it must have beautiful grain if it is to please- q uently obtained by grub bing out that portion of the eye and satisfy perfectly" Strange and won .. the tree where the roots and. trunk [oln, These are d ful asi1t 'may seem" wa 1'" at Its best, 1S supreme · t,h,e sou rce 0 f the "'.f ancy' stocks 'furnished by au r ternu as, nut, in every on e o'i these quali ties, an d furni shes the leading gunmakers, Black walnut is a dependable gr-eatest ornament you can. place on a gun-its own wood and fortunately relatively cheap ( it would na t ural, inimita ble beauty ... be a calamity not to have a. constant supply availThere are a number of species of the walnut able for all time); 'but it is not=-Ior we must not tree, several of which are indigenous to America. ass ume that all. 0 f the- great Crea tor 's mas terpieees Thillt species, however, wh ich yie Ids the nuts 'v hich are confined to our coun try-nearly as good a we call English walnuts, is by far the best Its stock wood as its Europe-an congener, I ani quite botanical name is Juglans Regia, and it is native sure- of 'myself when 'I say that you, Mr. Amateur, to all the Central and Southern European countries will do a much better Job in 'much less time if you and that. portion of .. \sia, which we designate as use the more compact" yet more easily worked, 1
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European walnut, \Vllen machinery does all. the' cutting and 'profiling', the case is not quite the same, as a lightning-speed spiral cutter' does things in. Inferior woods that hand tools only accompli sh la boriously and slowly, The seasoning of wood is well understood professlonally, and great advances have been made, especially in our own land, in artificial drying. For k most P'1!llrposeS ,t: ~L:S, ,q_uu:' . metl hOO-'serv,es 'we,'I, _"bJut ',._.., 'where aU the Iatent strength of file' tlmber is to be preserved ,it isn.ot nearly as good as, the ,slow and more expensive nat-ural seasoning, Time and fresh circulating air always do the 'best [ob, One of the:' chief causes of the hlgh price of 'imported blanks is this expense of seasoning. It means, in the first place, a dead investment for several years, necessitating suitable storage facili...;: . ,..... 'u.esJ, cons~an t Inspec t'" 'ion, an d f-''I"equen·t h dli ng" .~ , ..'an,· .' The walnut forester has learned how to ICUt stock
.. L

d raws .DIg "hth e- blank~ are weign c:~,at Intervals, 'hd"" 1..... .a '. s and not until they have become 5 tatic are they,
:,1 '. c-

This, is practically only' a question of time, and so each batch is dated and set aside for a period well in. the future. 1\5 the' time 0 fuse of' completion.

1"'1' h f we see ,,"ler,Y .p,'a~nly' w"Y perfect stocks cost, so much money. This. is particularly nod,cea'b]e in 'One-piece stocks where 50, much 'more attention bas to be given to the, dlrection of the grain and the con ti nui ty of the fig ure ~ ·Tll]S. accounts for the apparent discrepancy between the pri ce 0 f rif e and shotgun StOCkS4' It is very easy' to obtain, in the smaller piece 'required f:or' a, shot ... gun butt, the, choicest figure; but when you double, the length and a sk for ten. times the strength your demands are far greater Figure 4.8 Illustrates shotgun butt stocksblanks, to, the 'best advantage and he s'impHfies his A great many of. you.", I fear, wi I for 'v:ari~"us, transporu .. fon, and saves freight or ''lastage by reasons. be compelled to get your' stocking wood ) doing this, on the ground, These blanks are sold. locally a nd of loca I material. By all 'means get to. vi'sitin fI' 'buy, ers .'__ ly.: from Ll verpoo 1 England larue walnut if procurable, If you expect to make a '.' "'0' . '_ who grade them. and store them for partial season... number of stocks, buy a supply that you can cut , ing 'ready for' later distribu don to the trade, There up and lay aside for complete seasoning" Don't ,-1..': .. lS quite an art In 1.I).u6 pre 1"" immary seasoning ~ an d get your plan k too thin. To get straigh tness and '. cast-off in. th right direction you will require a it is remarkable how clearly the vexpert distln'- incl ~ ~.1I. t ,1,0 '. e .' 2'72 me 1 r,aW piana, D" no:' cut 'th ,'. piece In triO guishes the hidden beauty in an ordinary-looking ,'..an "IS "i ~ It 1.. 'lid ne east blank, Moreover, the preliminary seasoning calls bl k un til it is air-dry. I' . SI.I.oU~a b at" -) t a for defini te knowledge, for this is thl€! really crl t- year-old plank. Store your blanks lnslde-s-a loft ica] stage, Excessive dryness o.f atmosphere wou·ld. over an ou .building is ,g00d." and it is '"ell to start, '~,~,atar, A,t" ",,'"'.-. -." arn ~fi''_CIa·"nunuidit!!I.,y must't'- J.. 'pre. ,', ne ... a" rack overhead in your workshop to finish their ne f 'I'"~ 11 .,. nmes . ",t' ' .'. 'J 'IL.. " ;1',_,'" drying, vided.The ends of' the blanks must, be' coated There are many features that contribute to the wi th some seali ng materia 1 such as paraffin, paint, great d,ifierence in the quality of walnut, Rich or specially mixed creosote to prevent too rapid shrinkage, and the butt ends kept from the light. soil hardly ever produces beautiful figure" the' tree has grown too swiftly for that Figure, llke 'virtue t The gunmaker, having bought his supplies from the dealer, now continues the seasoning to the point seems to be the product of struggle, of adverslt Y
of

deemed thoroughly seasoned and. ready for use ~ ,AU this. has d oubled and trebled the original value
h the
woo d· so )'

t.

t.

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~.

.,'

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..

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....

>10

'I

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ii'

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ShotfUll

"I,oakI:Jlcmkl, fUIalabed &, Mlkh,.-D Bosler of Ilrmlngbcrm, !n,lan, Ci'fCGSslOlI ·oDd rroBch waJaa,.

48

:.... S-RlIC'-.","O.-'N. ·Gt:v{.~ II&..'~.: .. :'. Climate also has its €fi'ec-t The' walnut tree in the Middle States is the largest and, cuts up int-o the best merchanta ble lu rnber " Rarely, however, does thl 5 have the closeness 0 f grai n and the fi rmness of tex't:lu~e' that is found in the lumber of the hotter
:~-" ann ..11 ,..l, ", IC .... nthwest eryer i;JVl!lIli,~J,yes_,,, W",-I'-m '(1' ,",-:-,-,'i'" ,81JJnuli.,B;rown
-!'

O':-:F'"." W"":'O"'O" 'D"'S'--' . ',_,;,_.

I" ••.••. _"','_' •• '.

8S
1.,"""':'

'

swampy ground or river bottoms, . So-' as f,at· as y' ou can, be very') "eersnlckative" ,it--' .. . __ 1 in your wood, getti ng' the best, procurable and
... J' .. .. _ ::. -,. -."
j

.. "'I' ~ '" .. bll eetter than tna t_grown ,; ' 't. lil drame d. .sOL :]5 mvananty 'b
h-

InI hi 19l'" , I:h,-,

,'"',

'we ,I 1 ,-,---,~l"'

'it is quite permissible to reduce butt-weight by --~--',-- '" -, -' . '- b 1- ', b ormg cavi tres un d er , ,th ~e:u-· tt '·p_at,,'e~ T-----b5, In no ,~,is ~. . i k +,~,~ ,\yay 'we. ak ens th Si~OC,~ B' aru llCla weig ht'"' _ lJiC ,'."I , '1_-1ng in the :samie place, balance can often be improved .. ,
_:!"
'!' -' -'
1 iii ] •

ever, be enti.re'ly controlled by the wood itsel f', a:nd

Be 'vlery' carefu], in selecting your stock blank, h It rree f-'rom s 11 k an.de cneck s. Thne h to see u _at '.'.. is f ases former are caused either by wind strains in the
•• , , . ti . ",
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·cc

'h- ;f'iI,'t!H',i;lill!lr~:· _._-'I!.!' "II!' '!!o.'II!' 1I!.,.,.r

-'-= --

do not Ili, n ~'e-' p. I~'e.·£"iiCil '·'1 "'" ..-, -, -- ,,- --1i..., - ,-- -- , erbl ~ ._one~ ever, un II, It ,~,S as d ry 8:5 t.u'C prover .nl ,'I b -,-,'
a~-!!, V-,

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on'Ig ,~. tempt ~tion 1i,.,',iIl:!. L,Wh..

'_' 1Ij" ,1.1:,11,1 ~"~ '. l\,III,

'~'~,

."

.. '"

'~JI!.,;!

''';Ii Q.

;- Ji

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arm, you will have to- keep balance uppermost in your mind. A. heavy gun forward will require
w'e:ight at the bu t t, and. you will need a dense stock; while on 'the other hand, ,3, Ught~ lively
'IiI~l'e- '-,'V'OI,.I,I 1~'I'I'iI!"'h' ap ""I 'u ....
lI"II.'iFiI II;,-I,!II"."
1

You wB] get more 'real satisfaction out of this phase or gun sm [t11in.,g than. anythi ng else if you do it sp',]end.id I,y; so start w~ thout hand icap, In choosl ng ,I, ]};(1ll~'t:wlc.u]a:r 'blank, for a specific

Good stocking is the acme of all our'

\\"00.(1

working.

checks, on the: other 'hand, are the: result of t_,OQ rapid dr'y~n.g'., Both defects have au unpleasaat habit of getting worse rather than better as you work your stock down, owing to the fact that you, are relievl ng them, from the support of the, surrou nding wood ,j so be careful to, it scertai n the depth 'u:I' ~he5e defects before placing ,3. lot of w[),r'k on
your stock ~

growi ng' ,t ree or by' carelessness in 'felling the tree:

your door just wha t you order ~ The' pri ce charged

1:S based ,cnU,rel_y' on the
(I' -, , '-', "1,

There arc a number of British firms who supply stock blan ks and who will send by par-cel pos t to

'I!!ii ,~, ",,~

;;!jj J[i;

sm a'll -11lJ-'V, bore riJ,I_._III,_ ,~"

,I

,,,,'t., ,,;;t.UvllJ,:

otg un"j :.'

'1Iin:~'nl']~:!!I'.l~"

ril'illlitlhJ:ti\i'"'~1

,~!!IIIi..'!I,..d

-U,

0[10

U,ght 'butt ..stock,

\Velght of st-ocks cannot,

'how ..

qual ru:y , and )'iou. wIn be t t reated "with absolu te falrness. There j s no d'u t.y' ----. r an, ,'--; .~ - • ~ ,,' ,1,"' 0]] theese bh k S1:" 0' "ur 00 t'dl'" 0[" joumais a "50 c.-'t.- -~u .,' 0 -~rr s

11.09 stock blanks, 'wnlsh.d. 13,' Milch .•,n IQll01' .. oJ .,iI'm'!.I'l1am,. 1'.,load

'Fiil,., 4'9

l!o Ia

.. -E- ~·ODElDVG' 'U- ·"8'···'-H--.' ,J"H_: 1_':'~'Yu

,tq' .'...~,
"-."'1"

,ad'vc",tisem,len,ts lo:f' several ,Amer itan, 'pur','ey'or:s, .0:[' seasoned blank .. of Anlerica,Jl, 'wood" I ha VI! found s

these equally reliable.

blanks,

Figure

49 illustrates

ri,De,

There are a nu mber of our. native: 'woods. w'hlch havlf' been, used a various t imes for gun, stocking. The ,e,3Hd"Y American gunsmiths were partial to hard maple eS,peci:a;Uy when they cO'U ld obtain those beautiful freaks 0'£ nature 'which w'e call "curly fllQ,p le?"and i:'~:b:~rd~s maple," There 'was good ..eye lU...'m L reason II .'l!.. '.' ~o:r uns. apw.'e' has many valuable ICJ,1l8,r-' acteristlcs; it Is strong, close-grained, and in its own particular way J ha ndsom e. \V'j th a, pro f usion of' brass trimmings it toned quite' well, It does not harmonize nearly as 'wen,t however, with the blue of' our modern steels and colorful case-hardenlnsr, Its ,Ught color makes it ,1\ bi t too conspi CUI~)US i.u the 'woods, and in my' opinion it gi ves up most of ... beauty wthen stained'-to a. darker COlor. It d"oes ~, , ,--__ Its b en s ~ not tone down attractively by age) and It is par ... dcular1.y susceptible to the rot'Um.g effects 0" Iubri ... ,
l

,A,n blanks. d,isplay a, more or less wavy and curly grain, with those forms of rich fi,gll re tha t ate commonly designated as "roe' and "splash mottle, A vt'r,Y :ml'ne wood ',:b _en one "- ~,I:..:..UCS, somet .1n,g'I a ',.I. me'I' -' tII.~..I,.!Jleren,.:·"--1; a, '.- .t'~~'1!...- .. ..... ··:···t,'h"",I~'' t-' '-'t m \-V,
j' l]1

r 'H1t.~'~IC': ;'S L 1'1f,lU~,,~l •. marked 'witb b~ui streaks, sb

'1:1!--,'I'!C!' Il.nl..,
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,,..,n'110-:'
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L_'~'rlli'\ift:Ji'1;iI S!Il- ,I!,J. V 'fiI' ,~.IL.

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.;Iij3

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presentation
Ambo:yan
1 . -. ,~

stock.
,

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cants, seen becomi ng' ,U dnteyj"" when impregnated, The selection of a wood depends upon the per-

sonal taste' of an Indi vi dual ~ Some

'----;-'~.r"Iilg.; ....,'-- .. ' '-'.

-',11 A····. vi. .11] ne WOO_ mana _,n,ny, n13,Pd~'", It,.'re, " " list nit: ,a.~, theweod s" e ,J 1not only :(10[' gun stocks, but hllay,! and cabinet .. -_l~ h-t"''ne rea: er .- ,... m.. 1)...' ider ~O mane b-.""ter . t wo-fK.,:, if;··,t·· ."-", "C,." may . iel,p re selectio'D'S,., Some o,f the wood.s, can be 'used :f or p~ . ......... "'., 11-.11 purposes, penmen l~aJJ -----'Ii,.,
c· -, -, c'~.I.

lean black walnu t, of he rs the' forelgn walnut, and s,tiU others admire such. woods, as cherry,"- an'p-I-Ole- " - - .-. . . it'" '

like

the Amer-

of the other two as regards color, it Is, neverthe..' -. -, -'l:'k-:J" .nem lD al,_ .- _, :,: A: ,mo,yalll I .. Ib-·' ~ 1·,ess, un.l:ce ·t-1!..'I- ,~, r all 0 -,·t<h·,e,r wood has been :f:'r,ee'~y' utilized 'in, the 'manu f;actU'~e 'iii ~ .'d "or th 0- f ' ornamental Of' cosuy f turmture ano I' 't ,'e' mte.c . .. '. nor d ecoranons In motor cars, Th' .' woo: d 1.5 very L-tS fi ne for decora tion on firearms such as forearm tips, 'pistol-gri p caps, and j nlays, It is rather
'r'n· !n·n;i"!·.-,I (.,s,~!(.,1;,..~s,., .. ,

'Thuya, or even y'ew;, but tho the burr' wood '0 f the yew is similar' to tha. t

burrs 0:£ Arnboyan

'~le:ight 3,9 pounds, Borneo, Tbe name A 't:I,O(J'~J/jn. air ,K iabora lfcuxl hi a,npl.lied to, eerlr?'~ ,F_. ,,. . l ... . ...,,;', d 1":, . ·tl·...- ~ ~~' I' UCC,8)S ('"..... '.11.. d- mg .--- ,'." ,U1C~,U. ,'j, - 01' lain eurrs 1m,pOId;!. JJro,rn, l.e ,1"'.10, Th- 'WOOu. D'S brrown .,..JI " . mooyanj an d ,Iorneo., A --k - - "-,,) - -- '-B' """ ,Ie' __ tinged wi:t,h, yellow or red, but changes with age to, a dull brown-leather color, It is marked with little twisted - _ curls a nod' kmots ']'"n· m " nanner sim-.'1""1,1i"i1'. to b.iu,~ l"l'· "'-".IJ~ ~. .Il .. .- ~ ,.' d· . ua.n.'1 bi -,..;a[ ~'s-e;ye m,al"p ,~i.T1·1!l,\,-,-'Il,"',j'h•. th ....; ,mo,re '\!'. ,alin~- ' t'L" _ ..lr~ . . _u a. - '~, - d ,. it J.'S . :·' lieu it< .,. dl'" to: . S~)J, I 'i .. naseo eye ,"'t ,.' d".~ffi:-O-: ']-'.!N.. II,jO 'I:S ·t] U~~ ''i." b-'et ween th .. _ne
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wood and.

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expe, -'D' e ~Vi:. e ':~ I~ p-- ieces r\O'~'

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I

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aod '1.:11 .' .. ~' p' - , an d ,iB'· ,·.it 'W·' 00,.· . ,_ "f~ e~,glll·t'_' i!::in, ,_.-OUDuS,.. 'B· rh,.J,~ aLe_· .ee,I_·_ ,:,':' . Dutch. Guiana, The wood from B ri tish Surinam .' ,e I-es. quallly.. 'l,ji IS a. d u,U, p~lllm, ,re__color ' , 1,11'1 .11' U -'iii: ,--·d' IS th - b..st ,- .1[,",{-',,: '" '"": .. __ >- _,.' h'·' 'b't h 1;;he, l,"e'~ghts given i:n l:his, tha.ptcr 'On, woods a:re ,an.d, ,~--. t,lS reS,pee t SOllne·w,i~al ,re,se:,m,_i ,[,jill W ,_ce,r-' .' 1.1), es t:b,e 'tY el,glll$ 'per' Icubi,c :foot in, po;g nd,s,. The lde'a~, It is ,8 vcr.Y' d.ur.ab~le wood, 3l,nd :sta,nd's ,e"ptOlsur,e,. It 'weigh t ,0 f '\vood fo:r a gun s t,,~ckis b~~reen 3 i ,and is one 0 f the best woo d'S. :for ,cDe,an~Dg;o>rods; handl,es,~ d 48, poun.';$ ,per cu'b-ic foot Ad. slJbstances are and uther useful articles) because '\-vhen it i's, ttlf,n,ed judged. b,Y tbis me'ihod; a:nd the gunsmith :must also thi n :i t :is sd]] VElry strong~
;;)'':1

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····:__·~·ll.

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judge his :stock b~a'nk. by this :r'ume,~, All figu'r'!e,s, are

taken 1n the:
d:t'y'

s'tate~

Almond 'Wood '..... We'ight 42 pounds~ Cuba" In te'xture t w,e"i.gh t i and. general charac ter it re'min.ds one: of' Cuban. ma:nogany, bu: t di if ers grea Oy from

,A:p:pla,~ 'United .sbites~ This bas :its ind,ru:'v:;du.al quaJUlcatio,ns,~ It l's it 'v,er.y .ctose..grwned wood and most homogen.eous.. It i,nlets beautifully' because of its matted fiber ~ It works well and .is a strong , --,-.-·--·:--d" 1 'b,-... ···!1'· .. .-.,. ,., I III woo,~ b.c.lJ.~ h--·· -:- no n3_lilratau-y;, t', 'b,elng· nen t·,ra. ~,: I,:as -- ...
"t,
'---··-I't-' ,,---

CQUbcr 8.. , mm.. :~Ueyt,a~Uon~ t'wlEm.1Y~Bix~'I.~~h 5 'bCQllel :ftled,e' DY Bicjb:r,.,

1

Fig" 511

:S,t,oclc oj ,pl,alo,Fred

wam~l

SELECTION OF WOO,DS

color and devoid. o:f' smamental gain or figure" It is. not on the general market and consequently is hard to. come by .. :Bedd ~ Weight 46 to 58 pounds, India., The heart woad is. very dark red, very hard and close... grained, beautifully mottled with. light and dark, Le~, black and orange streaks, It seasons well, works and polishes admirably, and is, d~.stinctly one of' the finest and most beautiful woods in India.
This wood can. be different.,

also for fine inlay work on firearms; forearm tips,. ~ to' d pisto 1-grip caps" --h· dlres f- or fme tc 015, an ..;' grips an _..
II

'II

usee for a stock on a rifle or shotgun when one, wisih.es somethieg just a little
C",[II'"ri(

',L'" ~~ . leelen ' U'.rute'd Sta tes, Th:ws has proba:b~,y' b neen the commonest su stitute Ior walnut in gun ~!OtJik by hack woods gunmakers. It 'was a very usual ·1' ~._.':1_ ._1... k • ...lI t'} ad' ~ ,U~ 0 mur ,-",' .-. k-'ets ~ . "0.,· In the e Id~ milit ary muskets 0 f: ,muzzie- 1',·, d·~oaamg W,l I take cnecs enng ve'ry reao 1"1 .. days, It ,is ~. servi-ceable wood '~o~Its strong qual~ iti ~ :.:, ~ 1.-. "IS fBlackhean ----We,i_ght 40 pounds, New South 1 aes, It I 0_ proper wetght an.d h as an In t enaceod W'ales, Queensland, The merits -0 f thi s timber are fine grain that permits close work without danger well known In Austral La" and. some 0 fit ,is .sent of splitting. It is neutral in color and devoid 0'£ over here and sold as, myr tle for gun stocks. 'Black ... natural beauty'. It is purely utilitarian and is bean or Castenospe» .tllum Am,trale has an. attrac ... never 'used when better woods are available, tlve appearance showins various shades 0:£ brown traversed w:ith black streaks, and IS, often beautiBirch - United States, This; 1ike cherty t bias: many' fine characteristics, It is. a strong', firm fully 'mottled so th.at it resembles slightly bleached East Indian walnut. A gun stock of this wood is wood, pleasant to work. with and amenable to a rather beautiful, It works well 'with edge tools, good fi n ish" It is ,gcHlcrallV' ,8vailable in seasoned
. r' ll ..... ~'

st ' B's'u,·II'e' ': ~ w,' " ",:"",7 h' S'" ,po n s,., 'W' est ,rdasl: 00"f ._', ,I ',. lell_,_I_" o ","",' ~,' India , Tbi 5 'wood is ,I, lV,Itm, b:r'O'wn color simi:~ ar' to that 0.1 black. walmu't", and has a smooth close texture and straig:'ht ,grain... l't :15 hlgb~y' 5uitab e , for decorative fumitare and gun stock Si', and could be used. wh~'re black wa~nut is required. This wood

weight of the African blackwood, and in color it varies from a rich reddi sh brown to nearly black ~ banded with golden brown; sometimes "t is brown and red with dark streak 5~ and may show' a metallie luster, Its grain. is close. and often curly" and it appears to be' somewhat cross-grained, so that the wood often shows a beautiful figure and mottle, Thi s class 0 f wood is, used more fO:1" fine cabinet ish w()r k , w,h eu OIO,lC wts :,',,8, ~.. d k 'WOOu ,lD aD lexce'p·... ,. .-;_3'f,1 :" ,. d f' th tiona j.,yo fi 'I -,n,e: pro': uct, Thi- IS, one O'i' " e stronges t ,,' IlS .~ l' . .1 'b ' ~ill dl ~ "VfOiOCl,Sj ann can, oe success UI.Y usee m many ,aYSI
..;j'"' ,

for side ..arms. The blackwood

of Aus tralla is just half the

'>

,,

'iI<

I.

'w'he:n strength is r,equ~'rled ~

'Bllackwoo ..;. ,A;friJcCDl ,_ \\',eigbt 89 pounds, Trop:[lcal. A:'f:r,ica~ This is, a dark, purple plum-

colored wood, no"'· imported from M'oz,a,mbi'que and the least coast o:f: Afd .. known ,1;01' this reason ea, as, If,o,;z'ambr,ane' ebony, It is· m,Qs;Uy suited 'for turning, as, it i:s ve'ry' hard" close, a:nd rree from pores, but not des'll'·· clive' to the tools. '\ll,en they :are in proper condi'Uon, the wood, receives a brilliant polish, It is con sidered -f reel from any rna tter that wiU cause 'rust 0.11, this HCOOUiit it is used Ior the handles of surgeo ,.' Instruments, 1 tis used

['r mahogany 'v@',ry : e.aIUy· an successfu ly" -S'tai'lll~ ru ng, however req u~ s a varnish fi.'ni'sh" ann, tJl1 is ~ ~'i',
I

stock : someti mes a freak ,·lauk di:spla~ O'U-'~od markings, but this is unusual. It has no natural bea.ul~l~ but cen be stained tOI tbe color of 'waln.ut
I

p~

',

[J

loll

not to be' recommended.

Che'IIY' ___, '~lelght from 3,3 to 4S 'po(~lnds'!United Sta tes Europe, Asia M'lnor Thls wood when n'rst
;0

cut. is light red 01 pink, has a close firm texture, and is capable of a very high sur face' polish, Ir is mostly 'Used for chair' making and for 'the .batb; of

88
brushes nished,

THE MODERN GUNSMITH

when stained with lime" oiled, and var'k

- . ,__re b CS't Iurnitl-u_e.. .

It is also used tor common and even the

C·u.rly Asb. _, Weighs

This
js

-Th'e -_. od U'f th e' '1-.1 ckh e·a.r, c'h ,erry _ woo-: ' u_ac ._.' ' rt ' --- -

tree is con side red the best grade ~ Thi s wood was u sed by the ear ly Ameri can gunmakers. There seemed to be a fad existing between 183a and

a most. bea utiful wood when you can find one of the 10gs whi ch ex hi bi t thi s u:nu5ual bu t

sa.

pounds, 'United States.

-,-d de -, ...... ~ ·an', u: ns'en".o, s.. s ',

handles,

1860 for cherry stocks on the muzzle-loading rifles of those dates, 'when these rifles were made by the backweodsrnen themselves. Cherry is a much easier wood to work than curly rna ple. I have seen a number of such stocks these antique arms a nd could not help bu t adrni re their bea 1(.1 t Y'J as the workmen had finished the wood by various methods, Today, with our advanced knowledge of woods, 'we would not care to stock a ri fle wi th a cherry b'l ank

-I' ~ .;!'IL., e ~ s 'V\". eh t" " t loJl a·. strone·~~o - .0''0 'd , ',''0- 'r 1 ,t .. -, rei 6 ""., .. W' his IS 'L..... ~ .. an d t.IS i why It IS III universal 11 use for i I or implement
f:
'I

marvelous figure,

Ash varies greatly in its weight

on

It is usually coarse and straight grained, t\VO characteri stics which make it u n-fi t fa r a good stock wood, It is also lig'llt in color and so is ,generally unpopular in gun work ~
-t ~. -.' ~ "1"

7 inches thick :' the logs from 2 to 13 inches in diameter, Caboon Is a good black ebony of fine grain, Ebony is a handy wood to have around the ll'itd C herry-« eigh t 4.1 po un d 5~ IT ni te-d States. This too had its admi rers, and ·\Vhen itwas plen ti... gun shop, for it is. possible to do so many inlay · ful, which it 'was until thirty or forty years ago, jo b 5 wi th thl s black wood, par ti cular 1y when used th ere wer e opportuni ti es· to selec t pi eces of good wit h ivory to offset the wood. You can not make
t

11 'ei g- .:~ ..... 1:1" st .'.:,. ~_ _",U,~., ,"It '1':.' ht I~S ,:-' pound',".- S' ,.-v..: '~t.1 .. E-b' 0' ny; A-- - 4.";1"can' COalS t o-f A fti ca ..- This wood is sen t over in bil ~ ets and short logs with the centers le f t in ~ The bill ets are from about .5 to 1. 0 inches wide and from. 2 to
0

"r

Willi'am Ford 2:0-q;ulIJQe d'e!Uble~ Fle5toc:~ked with be,a.u tiEu'l p:ie·ce

. peded m.crJdnqa.
OD

Fi.q" 52

bo·1h sides

of

French. wa]n'ut

0'. 'LuiuiSual

iligu'ze au,d COlOI'.r ,anel

color and texture which made' ra ther g-ood stocks.

Wild cherry is a hard firm wood with little grain, and it is a delightful wood to work with, as it cuts clean and takes a good polish ,. I t also, w hen dry, is very stable, It is not a strong wood! usually has. very ]j t tle figure, is o f ten 'marred 'by "gum pockets," an d nowadays. is scarce in 11l.OSt In arkets,

a more beautiful

pistol grip 0:£ any other wood. when you inlet elongated pieces of ivory' about J.h inch wi de through the center of a. cap, for it stand s out 50 distinctly wi th an ivary' cen ter

Cocobolo -- Weight .8.Spounds.

and Central America, shows a]terna tely bri gh t orange and. deep red ban ds, th e latter bein g 0 ften streaked wi th d ark, or even black velns, Its rich" handsome appearance someti mes 'has the e ffect, 'both as to color and markings, of tortoise-shell, It is hard and heavy and yields a fine fini sh. Wh en well po lished this is, a brlgh t. wood and is used lot such parts as forearm tips, inlays, pistol grips for revolvers, also handles for fine tools.

Tropical South 'The striped heart-wood.

HoUy- Weight 47 pounds, Europe. This wood is w hi te to gray ill shad e, is exceedi ng 1y close ... grained .J n tex tu re, and capa ble of a very Ugh t sur ... f ace puB sh H.o11 is chie fly valued Io r inlay work y
+

con tras ting effect,

and is the whitest and most costly of woods, When fi ne walnut ]s inlayed into holly it gi ves a fine

Mahogany·~Africa., Cuba, Central America., Honduras, West Indies, This wood might suggest itself to. many of you, owing to. its universal appeal in the best ca binet wor k ~ It is eas ll the- ki ng 0 f y cabi net "10005,. It has, in some varie ties" the
utmost

beauty in grain and color, ranging from

SELECT,ION OF WOODS
U"ght cherry to reddish brown, and is reliable, for w'he.n sea soned It "stays put." Mahogany is really
generic name, for it is the product of a number ~ 1] .' distinet. Thie rna,h OJ[ trees, l..... botamcally quite disti ' togany of commerce ranges all the way from the' soft plain "buy wood" of Honduras to the hard, beau·f 1 S D · hl ~ I tl'U,',:an ".,onungo, type wmcnh is now aimost unattainable, The African varieties are also splen .. did cabinet woods, often with fine figure, but do not possess the lovely color 0'£ the West Indlan varieties It wo uld be folly say that there were not odd specimens of 'mahogany that would meet the: gunmaker's requirements admirab ly, but thl s would only be the exception that would prove the ' .. ~ bl t 1 .t rille th ~L rna h ogany IS no t a suirac e rna t enial·or _f
it
r

89

can Stink-wood _, N early all the wood imported into the, United States and sold as myrtle is tbe 'Iit-,Il... 'r 1w d' A ,tt Stra ian b I-acxnean ~ '.-'1Il.. 15 species 0 I WOO. 1S o ....
+ '.

1,'

to

war k. wi th edge tool 5." takes a beau ti ful checkers we11. The grain ru ns verv of a fine texture. These woods. have' than all -0 ther tropical 'woods to the by walnut. But for various differen t reasons they must stand asi de and bow to his majesty, "Royal Walnut,' very eas y to po lish, and close and is come nearer standard set

Osage 'O,range ~ Weight 48 pounds, North America. The wood is a. bright shade of orange" deepening' with exposure to air and light, It is,

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stocks.

the fr ui t s ti.ll hangs, to the tree, I t would be well Canada. The best is always asked for' and some- f o r one- li ving in a district ,yhere these trees grow to cu t and cure one', for' it is useful in the contimes obtained. Jt is termed in specifications "hard, white, rock maple." A considerable quan ... struction of bows to take the place of yew; in fact, it IS k 1.- ~ 'nown.as vOtS' d' aT c (bow w ood) L .. " ' >'. It ts alse ' :. _,N Hty is found with a curly, t\visled grain J and is known as, ,'i cur I': " or, ':'" ird'. "s-e:~e In a Ie~~, T,11is for ramrods for muzzle-loading rifles, b ~ _, _._. . ,Y .. .y. ", "p. '" 5 variety is much in demand for veneers and deco ... rative work. A particular variety of a wavy, curly 'Oak ,- Weight .52' pounds. United States, This g'[ ai n wi thou t bi rd s-eye markings has also been grand timber' has great quali ties, but none of them M'aple ....... ,''tV'eight .38 pounds" United States and
4

The fruit is green, orange-shaped. and large" with a very warty appearance, and late in the fall of the year

ra ther 1ustro us and very pliable and elas tic,

j.

c'mly grain on their best stocks from the flintlock

called. "papapses wood,' ~ and t hi 5 is. in demand f'or such as would recommend it for gun work. O,f all gun stocks at the present time. The early Amer- the oaks, the wood of th.e live or evergreen. oak of ican rH1e makers all d gu nsmi ths u-sed this VI a vy ~ the Sonthem Sta tes dou btl ess lends itsel r best to
gu n work~ as it is very
... .,;I, . .,'

to the percussio n period. In those days maple seemed to be the, wood mostly used even for d1C finest furniture. I have 'made up rifle stocks from this class of wood" but do 'Dot encourage a pro' , ~. ~. spec tl customer to use It, as It ts so mue h' h der uve nan to work than the, walnuts, I 'must admit tho that there' seems to be- something in our b100d that d' tr ~ hiIS d h '·Bck ma l',",.es us ae mire t:',-,. woo,'-' f or W:.·.'en a rn .e sto,.· ] ~ ~ d IS rna.de f'rom a fl'. ne curry piece 0 f' map Ie, It slan· s out and apart from all other 'woods"
... K_'. . ...
- ," 4' -,:- -. , l, ". '. .- - ',. ~ .
·'l·.'· .";

tough and closer .gt"ained than the deciduous varieties, Oak." however, Is a wood fur large surfaces and "big" uses It 1.;;!I not, 7 '~~,
. _',

,OJ<

. ..,.

in nature's scheme" a wood for little things, but it is chief of our native woods, that might, in '3 pinch ,.be used as gun stocks, N one, 'however; are n l~ ,a.ll ways as ood. 3'.· nd few' :in any W~ ~ay:· as eood :0.....W-;t as walnut.
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Padulca - Weight 5'3 to S9 pounds, Burma. This wood 'is the product of the true forest pad-uta tree. The' wood varies in. color from a bright yellO'wisb red to a dark brick-red and 'is sometlmes

I'~'H'-E-' .M·O··,D, p.n~'i' C',·"0 'N' ',,·.nJ,11 ",','.,

,.,,~ ~ i

,I,q,

'I",5'

Jl~H': ,:._: l:Ta,I,:__ ..

Resloek.d Kra,'

:rUl!e." .Mc:dLel 1.:8918, :Spl:iD!rfie,IDd." :lhMl:Ull~bl]. b~ cl:. of: ·I;~c·b'~,· s ·U;pI·ed 'C~moa;ssia. wO']lIwu'L ,• 01: gr,olD ia .e ·woad. -:Iinu:t'ar '

:F:w,"

:5,4,

M'o~e,por!'e:d

streaked with brown,

streaks.

this class o.f woo d has the proper shade wi th dark

F or any one who likes red;

be 'found in a selection. of 'highly striped ebony or coromandel wood. .Plu·m""'" \V,ei,gbt 54 pounds, Europe, There are m",a,ny wUd. species I~Jf plum ~ bu t ,a.~ 3J·,e· more or I

P8rsim.·mO.D Wood. - Wei,ght 49 pounds. North America, This is the ebony of America. Persimmon wood is the most sui table for shut t Ie s, because it wears -:S'mooth,,~, hard, strong, tough and of (he is. proper ·w,e·i.g;bt. Sometimes the amateur gu nsmith is a, g:o]_fen thuslast and it is a hard matter 'to fmd a better wood than this :for-golf-club heads, 'Very rarely a few pieces are fou nd that have a handsome marking of light yellow, brown, and almost black streaks, The nearest resemblance to this can
j'

,Rosewood ......... Weight 53 to 6S pounds. Jndia, It is generally known as Eas t Indi a rosewood or as Mala bar or Bombay rosewood. I t is 81so occa on c ally a' a: or S~~,.:._" t -,_:, term - ad- B' '0, m b" y- b'1 ckw '0-' d- . T'C:-'h-~-b co'1-'v"_ J'... Ii:!! varia ble, rangi ng Irom light red. to a. deep rich purple, and streaked with every shade from golden .yeUo'w to, almost b lack, 'The chief use :fo(' this wood Is for furniture, as it takes au ,ex,;Oeed.i.lll.gl.y· fine :po~.ish.,. .It is so heavy that it is seldom used. solid in any but small articles, and is known to us chiefly iD venee rs, ] t Is very hard 'to! 'work J is brittle, and far too heavy for gun. stocking ..
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]ess 5;~.m·ha.r.,t'1'" .1S,3, 'v',er'y h dsome WOOru all. dI i · ~'] ..:all , nan IS not 'vI.1ued as, :twigbly a 5 its, undou bted q UtiJ ities deserve, It is a reddish brown with darker and Ugh ter streaks of the same color and is occasionally varied. by some yellow ~ No. tree of this nature should ever 'be wasted or burned, even in America, as it frequ ently can be used by the gunsmith for some decorative work on gu n cabinets an d to carry out other ideas which come along from time to tlme.

HId ng for fancy maple,

]s aJ.w,ays, a s]lighUy marked, narrow shade' IOlt roe caused b.y the con tr ary soft and hard gt',ai.fi,. \V'i th this fi.gure in the wood, bea uti f ul s toeks tau be made up-s-stocks to delight the person who has a

Saline •._ \Velght S4 pounds, French Guiana, This valuable hig·h_l.y decorative wood. reminds one of curly maple, except that t it is of greater beauty". The color Is a light red. which bleaches .2; n.ttle and assumes a 'v,ery bright luster 0-[ sheen, ,es:pecial~ y' when treated 'W ifh. a thin transparent pol ish, T~h.er,e'

Great Britain. India, Chi na...

, ,.. , ..•

European. - Weig.ht ·40 to 48 pounds, N \V.. Hl Ina] ay as; 41 pounds: Slkkhn, 3S pounds ..
i
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Walnut,

France'J!
. n •• _

...

11a1'-\,.:,, Turkev, Caneasla 'J _.'.- - .... r!" ~,

e- -~ . ~-'"~'

M1'ode,l 18918: Spd~,le,md remodeled,.

'Wood.. 'Y~rr pJa1:n pleet at' Am,eftcaa •••

.fi.g;, 55

SEL,ECTION OF WOODS
In color this varies from light grayi.sn-brown to dark brown, I t is o ften tea versed by black and go iden or golden-red streaks a.nd s tripes ~ or iSo beautifully mottled and shows a wavy, roe, grain, 'Il'~ 'I .'.. d w a. nu t req uires some time to season, an:' shrinks considerably during the process; yet when ~ .. su b sequen tlry' expose;d" to" drvi rymg or moistenmg influences it stands up excellently, and it is exceedingly difficult., if not impossible, to find another wood possessing this attribute to the same degree.

91

growths showing black lines which curve and twist j 11.to, i antas tic shapes, . These ior ms are w ha tis termed ("blis ter l; or ,(; nail" flguFe~ Other un usual s

markings. also occur, The color is somewhat similar to that of French walnut, but it nearly always has a golden tinge. By careful selection, a yellowish brown or golden tint can be 'Obtained which is quite unique, When this wood is caref ully selected it makes a very fine rifle or shotgun stock, rather
ligh t in weight .

., ,•.'~f('f~fijWtj~;;~;'j:;:~~:, ~~l/Y~~fl;tt:Z's~
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Model 1. 9.03 Sprinqiield

'tifie re:mod,eled into

sporUng'

IGckin,g in chcugc:t,er

,Fiq~ 56 type,. 'Stock o~ French wttlnul.. no'l oJ the B:pe~t ficIur,!&.yet not"

cut out and. shaped, the wood retains its form and

For this reason it is the best wood known for shotgun and rifle stocks. After the stoe k s ha ve been

Blac k lJralnllt-- -\'V'ei ght 31 pounds. Nor th _A mer ... iC:~L This wood is so familiar in this country that a de tall eel descr iption would almost appear super-

shape exactly, so that the rifle barrel and receiver or the sho tgu.n locks -wi] 1 drop j nto thei r posi tic n and rest without bending the locks or throwing the barrel ou t uf line, No vari ation in climate
affects thi
S"

The combination of characteristics which con fer on walnut its reputation of being far the best wood

for gun stocks may be summarized as follows:' 1~ Relative strength, toughness, and elasticity, which provide the power of resisting shock. 2,. Appropriate weight, which gives proper balance,

The color, which is of a more uniform tint than the European wood, is a rich purplish brown, The beauty of the color is, apt to deteriorate under the unfortunate and ill-advised use of shellac or French polish as employed by some of the arms companies: altho admirable for some woods, this is quite out of place 'with black walnut. ,A limited quantity' of burrs or "burl" is still obtainable at extraordinarily high prices During the European war ~ black walnut, besides being- largely used for
fiUOU8.,
5

.rifle sto cks, was employed to a great exten t for

propeller
'blades for- aircraft,

The demand

was so

3 ~ ,Relati ve freedom 0f the seasoned p )lished. wood from any shrinkage, swelling, or splitting
when. exposed to wetness, dampness or heat. 4i Uniform texture and appropriate hardness, so that the wood is readily cut into delicate shapes,
a smooth

yet yielding

plugged by polish.~· ,,' S. Hardness necessary to prevent the wood fro ITt being den ted ..
6~ Lack of brittleness or tendency to split, which decreases the- danger 0 f fragments of wood being knocked off ~ . 4 jrican alnu.t~ Weight 30 pounds, 'Vest coast of ... Africa, The woods which are obtained from Benin and Lago se show' a large portion s trongl y mark ed with. stripes or roe, which" tho sometimes

surface

which

is easily

great that supplies rapidly diminished, The black walnut that comes from Texas, CaHfornia, and other States that have a hot dry elimate, is the best. The black walnut that comes from Ohio, Pennsy lvania, N ew 'y ork, Iowa, and
other States where freezing weather occurs, is a : very dark, porous wood, "Then working such wood
)~OU will

nT

The walnut 'that 1:s grown in the warmer climate and does. not freeze has the finest grain, Is much harder, an d 0 f a ligh ter figure, prom ding it. is grown on the high grou nd away from water 'where the soil is more or less, rock .... V'. Consider the stocks
is caned the "Mississippi river bottom walnut": it is porous, a quality due to the low swampy ground and a quick growth, Thi 5 is a very f amili ar tree
on the Springfield service rifles: this class of wood

nq~:ise in the sunlight a fine crystal eff,ect~

straight,

is more often broken up into irregular

92

THE MODERN G,UNSMrrH

CaUJ:~>e!22 made 0:11 a Martini .

uetiCIl.

Fig .. 57
Turkis'h wab1.lIL ibis, wood is very dense" h,ard" and

s'b'aiqht..g:fcdnedi

distant from the seacoas t, The trad ers inwood in these co untr ies have been genera'lly very astute, and it has been exceedingly difficult, unless the trade has been ca rri eel 011 by Engn.shu1en, to discover the real can compare: with the Iereign wood s. True, some source uf t.he sU,PP]Y,: as a result, many disputes American or black walnut has a wonderful figure, and, difficulties have arisen ~ Every year the sup bu t still you do not find the: rich color tha t you do ply becomes scarcer, while the quality deteriorates in the Ci rcassian, French, Engli sh, or I talian wal ... so that the walnut of the better class 'win soon nuts, These are more expensive, but are well become uno b tainable unless some new source- 0 f worth the difference because of the dense grain and supply is found, This is the case 'with other valstrength of the: wood" Whenever one wishes the uable figured woods, as the greater part of the best; he seeks the best, regardless of where it comes wood finds it 5 wa y in to furni tu re and si rnilar work from or what the price, Black walnut is, all right Without examination of a great many samples in its place as a be au tifu 1 piece .of wood when of each kind it is impossible to distinguish any given the special finishes supplied by all the gun structural features characteristic of the wood 01 _ ~ _ __ ~ .'u . manu _facturcrs ;",. btU,~ if vou t_y to, sec_ ,~ a fi nc oil diff ercn t cou n tri es, for in the same country the t, __ yo _ rv . .r\,. _ finish, it becomes very dark and. loses the effect it wood varies considerably both. in this respect and had before the oil was applied ~ j n weig h t ~ When you are working Circassian walClrcassian Ul,alnut-- In. England the I talian wal nut you will find that you. can detect it among nu t bas always held the reputation of. being the of her waln uts. Circassian walnut ru S 0 ne of th e IIes t IN()('Hi s for glUl stock s, as it JEI.:S that ri C 11. b rnwn finest in quality" 'color, and figure; nevertheless, by far t'he 1 arge 5it part: 0 £ th e 1)€:8 t wood in all color ~th the dark lines well broken; and when respects is that comi ng from the Caucasus, you have a gun stork made froIn a piece that shows
much farther
=
i

in the rich lands of the Mi ssissippi 'basi n ; but because of the locality in which it is gro\v.n{ the wood has a figure that is not the best f or gun stocks in which you would take great pride, From the standpoi n t 0 i' beau ty t 11 iE 5 no t a waln u t th at ere

east and farther

i-

=s

most of the so-called Circassian walnu t has in reali t.y b een Georgian, 1\1ingrelian , Imere thian,
Go urian, and Abasian ~ all coming from dls tric ts

The walnut imported from Circassia has long been the best 1 and. especially tha t Circassian which actually comes from, the district of' Poti, This supply of late- years has been much, reduced, and

a
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-(0011- tail

YOU

effect together with a mottled fig ure, have one 0 f the most beautiful stocks that can

be sec ured ~ I use more 0 f this class of wood than. any 0 ther for gun stocks, because even in the lower grades. the color is pleasing to the eye. Naturally, the British control the available supply of this "rood for ~'un stocks, but you can secure from

,Fmncoife 121tau.ge double

shQlglll1!.

S10ck

beautiful ClreaSisian wa!nut.. C'oi,ors raD.'qln,q h~ Wavy character' en botb .ides.

oj'

Fig'.

sa

,Je-ddiB!hcran,ge to: :bl,acli.

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JUll."l.
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,'[!!\Ii

'W:' [10'·. ····O···D-,~ ." .. _' Ull ' ..

It is far' bet ter than a trust fund for those 'who are to inherit such property. French Waln,ut-=rrhis wood Is for the most part light-colored and straight -grained, The relatively small amount of :fille.Jy figured French wood available is practically all absorbed by Paris and Mara dark brown 'color, with black and gray streaks. I t usually has it cur I wa:'iiY grain [0 f ten ~ con- seil [1e.S. for' veneers, Recently a grea 1. amount o f y; t tains. the characteristic figure of mahogany ~\fbiICh, deeora tive arch itectural work bas been exeeu 'Led in plain French 'walnut~ The qniet gray color ,a,hd is commonly known as roe and mottle, sometimes wit'h a, very pronounced and strongly marked f~,ddle s;tr,aight grain produce a dignified and restrained artistic e.fi ect and particularly suit the modern st y le mott Ie. The 'wood tlas a smooth yellow appearance, 1t has been used in this country' for decoraof cabinet work '. You can alwa vs tell the French ~ tive work and furniture, especially by the Pullman walnut that comes from the southern part of France, as this part of the country produces the Company in c'ua1tbes" where it is known by the names of Koko and Laurel wood, It is not, 'how ... fi nes t, a 1:1d when it is possi ble to get a blank from ever, sui ted to some of the purposes to which this source of supply you must pay a high price European and American walnut is P'lI t~fO'r rift e for it, stocks, for i[istance, It Js too hard, brittle, and l'[ta.liu;n; H!(l[Z'1Ult-----. UTh~ th rns is most general 11 le amed ;'n' "':~tut"~'1:and I other seeclfications it heavy'.. , .n,~ _""~'.' arch ].:~': '''-''_lJ E.'1J:g,liisA: 'JValnzt~:A, native 0 f' 'the temperate is .actuaJ~y very rarely obtained .. 'Formerly it. 1:0."" , gr regions o[f' 'the northern. hemisphere, The:n uts of eluded a. large proper tion 0 i dark ... ai ned, figured the various species are: well known, The 'wood wood, but 0 f Ia te years supplies of at, kin d 5 have: vari es conslderably in quality ~ texture and color, been greatly reduced and the quality In all respects according 'to the place and .s011. on. which the tree has very Inuch deterlora ted. What li 1tl e Ttalian grows, ,1\ much larger proper lion than is usua Uy walnut is a vaila b Ie is of poor q uality ; i1 is, In ue 11 better to use the best of Circassian walnut for the recognized of finely figured; blood-colored British wood can he obtained, Its commercial cul t ure in finest gun stocks, [S'panis.lz "7al.nu,t-:A regular hut not 3 large qU3J),'''' this country is practically confined to California, tho it is grown in llideJy sea ttered sections of 'the, tity' of wood bas been imported, from Spain. The country. A hardy variety is grOi\ltn ,in Oregon, general qual ity and cond itions are the same as tbe The' E,:ng'~~s;hwalnut of Europe' is[ of' the same French, from which .it is difficul t to dw:s.ti.:ng:u:ish" ex'.., species and :S]~j'ip:pledu nd er th e t rad e: name o:f Eng- cept that on the whole "the shi prnents have, conslsted U.sh wa1nut, As this wood makes very fine gun. of sizes more irregular in width and length and stocks, .it remains one of the most valuable 'Of contained more faults wi th a, much larger' percentaze of sap b.. ~:'____>l.-_ "0' d woods. Ha vlng in mind the world ... wide demand Tu« kislz Walnut.-:This most nearly resembles and universal depletion of supplies, the planting the French 'w'alllut, but. includes. a greater proporof walnut trees should have an Important place in tion of figured wood, The last shipment coming any future scheme of reforestation, 'F'Of those who into this coun try' Vi hich I examined was a poor ,Uve in a suitable climate with, land available, what grade, and when a. we]] figured stoc'k was found better plan could be carried OU~: than 'h) plant these
OJ

England blanks of tllids wood at prices ranging' f rom four to forty dollars, and as the British are most upright people to deal with, you can always expect to receive true value, East InrJian IVal'H.ut-Weight 47 to 60 pounds. India, It is a hard ~ dense, close- grained wood of

trees along the llne fences for future generations?

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oR. 'Chmtas Dg)ey t:hre&>'oarreled
'qdit.

:Stock of plizdn fl.pf&d French wl;dnUi

94

THE .MOI.DERN GUNS,MITH

J'oseph 1~q

Fig' .. SO
12,~qaugetrap gun re:S'Io~k6d with; fine ltaUan waJn.ut~ wavy gPIP ~arClnc.e in. cert-~n lights

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are often found to be thoroughly wet in the middle, Even if su ch logs are de: cri bed as seasoned 1 their w1iIlocl,(~not be so descri ... :1. wben the ~.ugis cut np, n 'Y"ew" :&iliab·~ '"!e:iiO"hl 41·8 'to SO pounds. Europe, The resu 1f n.g pieces, incl udi ng the mois t center The <color is a pal. red somewhat like cherry ... wood, 'win shrink and are liable to split ~n the woo d or pencil cedar. J t has a beau ti full smoo th, same manner as unseasoned pieces, Yet such ,;sea.. soned' ~ logs are very diff eren It in properties from . .lustrous grain" It 1S sometimes beautifully figured ireshly felled specimens, This is c]ear when it is and occasionally has a 'burr growth, The product wil!1 compare favor a. bly wi th i\,'mboyan and. has! remembered tha t: .1~ I' eformation, '11\, arping, and cracking are in .. ofte IlL been mistaken f r it, 'The' strength and. the beg~n.n;·ng caused b:y' .. remature rapid drying at elasticity of' yew' wood l-Ias been known for centnrles particularly on. account of its use for bows, and of' the sur face, .2 ~ ,. ry wood is stronger than wet wood; and course a number 'of amateurs who work on guns also make their own bows, so with this wood in in mechan leal s truct ures the importan t rna t ter is mind you have the best, providing you can secu re to have the external part strong.. ,3" Wood-des troyi ng fu n gi, Cat usi ng rot, ga~n enthe fine strong grain, As J~e'wwood ages it ecomes trance s 'lcly' 'L :-I'roiu,gh moist \l{OOd4' as bard as steel a. ..d has a dark. beautiful color. y O-U. may 'not only secure "he well seasoned wood ·4" It is possible 'that ·""ood seasoned slO'~f]y' is in blanks, but you may also wish to secure the superior in mechanical properties to 'woo d. rapidly 'wood in the log as well and season it yourself. So seasoned, It is also certainly less liable to split dur ing seasoning .. it is wen to have a clear idea as to the meaning Thus the seasoned blanks on all gun worx, when of the term. "seasoned," as particularly applied on one 'baud to a piece' of wood, small in thl ckness, obtained f rom the dealer as seasoned wood, she uld and on the other hand to a log or' beam ~ The S111a 11 be p]aced ina warm, dry place and .n~iJrtused 'for piece 'w·hen. seasoned ms Jl1'0["e or less dry rr,onl the a rJon~"die' ·a.ble. length 0 I. time. 'You Blust understand that gun. work a'S a hobby' is not taken up outside to the. core, whereas the wood of the "seasoned ~,.log is by 'no mean s necessarily so. Thi S- merely or six months or a year, but is continued latter fact is rende 'ed cornprehensi ble by a COD- over a period of years, There isevidence that sideration of the sequence of events during the sea- wood first par tiall Y' seaso ned in the bulk. .a nd then fully seasoned after being sa wed is much inferior soning of' a log. While the log has been exposed to suf.rN::ie'.nd.y d.ry· air, .]t loses w·a ter by the evap 0- to that w'h:ic'h Is ·felled ~ b rought straigh t. to, the: ' sa w'_ m~'U) sa ~1·,e.d at once, then seasoned It is ·fa.r ration which ta~,es place over the: whole surface, more. economical to, sea'S n blanks and small pieces but most actively at the two ends, the bark ~ in f ..:', , latter manner, The time required. to season. is left on the log, evaporation is excessively 'slow, sa ve where there are cracks or at the ends, As the walnu t properly varies so : 'rca tJy according to the mois tu re is lost at the sur face, the drying-up super- di fferen t kinds and sizes and. the: po sition in which it .is placed that itt is impo ssible ~ almost, to lay ficial wood receives water from the interior But as time' goes on, it. receives less, and less; the log down .!ny general rule ~ A very rough manner of t: .-en, when. proteete -'. from outside moisture, ,3.8-' reckonins has been 'ene·'f·,a."my· accepter J which. '" eumes .8; condition in which. it Is relatively dry' ex- allows . ne year fOF' each inch of thic ~'.n@s, but ternally' and rela t[ ve y moist in the Ill} j ddl e~ Th is this i'" not reliable. TIle (]IIes tion has 0 Itell ad sen, '~l.hich is bet ter-> condition may endure for years, possih ly for decades 1'f the wood is d ense ~ Thi ck wa 1'1'1 Ut t 1"' unks natural or artificial seasoning? Artificial season ... ing ha ving .now been presen ted, com pariso ns can when cut open a. Iter bel rig' stored indoors for years there was always ·a very definite defect somewhere ..
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