For someone who is interested, I have posted the recommended tool list in the frequently asked questions portion of the site. This list for the Kit Gun Class that I am teaching this summer at WKU, but I thought it might be helpful for someone who is starting out.
Other than the gunsmithing seminar, the only event that I will be attending this summer will be the Contemporary Longrifle Association show in Lexington Kentucky this August. One table will no longer suffice, so we will set up in a booth along the wall by Ron Scott in the same room that I am normally in. I will have some examples of kits at various stages of completion available to look at and in a variety of finishes. I have addressed some other questions on the FAQ page for kit guns and will add to that as more questions come. As always, feel free to give me a call at 330-223-1775 or my cell at 330-341-0675 or shoot me an email [email protected]. Thanks, Jim
Comments
Home StretchI have been working very hard and making good progress over the last month to pull all of the remaining loose ends together on the Southern Mountain Rifle Kit. Since this is a project several years in development, I'm very happy to finally be able to begin production of these kits. All systems are nearly in place. Making Aluminum Molds for Investment CastingIn order to make large numbers of precise investment castings, aluminum shelled, epoxy filled molds have been made. These take considerable time to make but are a requirement. A quick overview is as follows: Molds must be designed such that the injected wax can be removed. All pieces are dowel pinned together for repeatable alignment. Oversize cavities are cut to accept the master. The master is then orientated properly in the mold and half is carefully bedded in putty. The remaining part of the mold is placed over the part and epoxy is poured through previously drilled holes. After curing, the mold is opened up, putty is removed, the mold is re-assembled and the remaining portion of the mold is poured.
Cutting out Stock BlanksBefore Christmas, Katherine and I made a trip to Pennsylvania for some lumber. This place was in the mountains surrounded by lots of timber and had a great selection. Katherine and I went through every board that met the minimum size standards to hand select for quality and figure. We came away very happy with what we will be able to offer for kits. We loaded up the truck and hauled it home and the next day were lucky with some nice weather for blanking it out. To keep the dust out of the shop, I rolled the bandsaw out into the drive way.
Now, we have stocks blanked out and are now able to offer a double upgrade for extra fancy maple for $150. If I were selling these blanks separately, I would be charging much more for them, but I want to be able to offer beautiful wood as part of the kit. We worked into the early evening. Frequently Asked Questions A lot of phone calls I have been getting have revolved around whether or not this is something a beginner can do. It absolutely is. This is by far the easiest kit out there and I have been making sure, every step of the way, that I am doing as much of the work as possible to keep it simple and straightforward for the buyer. Also, I am only a phone call or email away if someone does run into questions. Also, I will include some general instructions in the kit in order to help get you on the right track. There has been a fantastic response regarding the kit gun project and I am so appreciative of all of the support that I have received. I have taken a lot of orders. As of today, the expected delivery of new orders is early May. Some people have been concerned about the length of the rifle. Although it is 46", it is a swamped barrel which flares at the ends and it is nicely balanced and handles well. I have addressed some other questions on the FAQ page for kit guns and will add to that as more questions come. Kit Gun Locks Sold Through Flintlocks, LLCAll of the Chambers locks for the kits will now be purchased through a separate company, Flintlocks, LLC. This company is in house so the lock will be able to be shipped together with the rest of the kit but will be invoiced separately and payment will need to be directed to Flintlocks, LLC. The website will be updated with this new information shortly. I am very excited to be so close to this project being complete and shipping the kits next month. As always, feel free to give me a call at 330-223-1775 or my cell at 330-341-0675 or shoot me an email [email protected].
Thanks, Jim Not based off of any original rifle, this is primarily my own design.
54 caliber 43 inch barrel Curly figured maple stock Flip up sight If there are any details you would like to know, just ask! I will update this post as I get questions. Below are some photos showing the progression of the carving for my latest rifle. It still needs a bit of finish before it is complete, but I will add it to the sample of work when it is done. If you have any questions, as always, please feel free to ask.
Thanks, Jim |
AuthorJim Kibler--maker of flintlock rifles. Archives
May 2019
Categories
All
|
Kibler's Longrifles
HoursM-F: 7am - 4pm
|
TelephoneOffice: 330-551-5844
|
|