Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: KDubs on February 20, 2021, 11:18:04 AM

Title: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 20, 2021, 11:18:04 AM
 i know with all that has gone on over this last yr that i should be patient but i'm itching to get started on my fowler build but i still havent received it.

 What is an acceptable waiting to time to receive a smoothie kit with the breech plug fitted, lugs, and 90% lock inletting done for me. 
 
 coming up on 8 wks this tuesday. 

 1st time i have ordered a kit .  not bashing ,not mad , just anxious. 
 kevin
 
 
 
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Ohio Joe on February 20, 2021, 01:09:48 PM
I couldn't say, Kevin... I've never ordered a "pure" kit from a single business source, as all my building parts in the past have come from different suppliers...

You may want to give your source a call and just ask for an update on when it may be shipped.  :shake
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 20, 2021, 01:24:32 PM
Hey Joe. 
 Ya know I thought about cobbling together my own long gun but I just don't have enough knowledge yet so went with a kit.
 I have been in contact and I'm told it's being worked on . it's reputable company so no worries there.
  Just didn't think it would take this long for a kit but from what I have read the kits are outsourced to various builders
 For the required worked then shipped.
 So I imagine if the builder is a solo act they could be quite busy.
  I'm content for now .
 Kevin
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Doc Nock on February 20, 2021, 03:40:53 PM
I'm with Joe (and you) I've never made one like you, but if you've been n contact and it's being "worked on" then I'd guess you're just stuck waiting...

Maybe momma has some house chores she'd let you do that will wile away the wait time :Doh!
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Hank in WV on February 20, 2021, 05:29:49 PM
I've read that with everyone being locked up and bored for the last year, that a lot of people have decided to give kits a try. That may be causing somewhat of a back-log. Enjoy your build when the time comes. :bl th up
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 20, 2021, 07:54:21 PM
Guess I'll just keep busy with my patching machine making some leather bags n such. 
 Patience grasshopper .
 Kevin
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: ridjrunr on February 20, 2021, 08:41:11 PM
After not ordering a kit, I’m realizing piecemealing one together can cost extra in shipping of parts but if I was more organized that would help to minimize that.
Hope your kit gets there soon
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: BEAVERMAN on February 20, 2021, 09:22:45 PM
I'm with Joe (and you) I've never made one like you, but if you've been n contact and it's being "worked on" then I'd guess you're just stuck waiting...

Maybe momma has some house chores she'd let you do that will wile away the wait time :Doh!

Hey Doc, what kind of fun would that be??????????? doing chores for Mama???????????????????? whats wrong with you Sir? :Doh! :Doh! :Doh! :Doh! :luff: :luff:
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on February 21, 2021, 04:03:05 AM
" Patience grasshopper"

I'm like a kid in a big family, I want to know what everyone else got too!  You gonna keep us in suspense or spill the beans about what WE are waiting on!!!??? :bigsmile:
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Uncle Russ on February 21, 2021, 04:12:24 AM
" Patience grasshopper"

I'm like a kid in a big family, I want to know what everyone else got too!  You gonna keep us in suspense or spill the beans about what WE are waiting on!!!??? :bigsmile:

Yup!..... Ya done got "we" on pins and needles, and "we" don't know yet why "we" are on pins and needles.

 :hairy

Russ...
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 21, 2021, 08:10:24 AM
I mentioned it in some other post but ..
 It's a K57 Virginia Fowler .62 cal,  Oct/ round bbl. 42"
 I forget all the details , Queen Anne lock, maple stock. Iron furniture.
  Coming from sitting fox.
 I know I'm just being over anxious but spring bear starts in April and I would like to try some buck n ball.
 Kevin
 
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on February 21, 2021, 09:20:35 AM
That looks like a mighty nice piece!! Looking forward to your build progress!   :applaud
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Bigsmoke on February 21, 2021, 11:01:14 AM
Guess I'll just keep busy with my patching machine making some leather bags n such. 
 Patience grasshopper .
 Kevin

What is a patching machine?  Not sure I have ever heard of that sorta contraption.
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 21, 2021, 11:08:46 AM
I've read and re read recreating the American long rifle.
 Gave up on trying to find supplies to make aqua fortis, I may order some ?  but I did make some vinegroon.
 Think in I'll stain the maple stock with potassium permanganate.  I've used that on hickory selfbows.

 This will my first kit , I will keep an ongoing post on the progress once she arrives.

A patching machine, cobblers sewing machine from China.
 Used for shoe repair , works great for sewing. Bags and sleeves, patches etc.  Hand operated .
  Amazon under 125$
 Kevin
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Winter Hawk on February 23, 2021, 03:54:20 PM
Would this be the patching machine?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07427C19T/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?psc=1&smid=A2G2NT49L5FT2V&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMTJKQk1QRFZYQ1lQJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzg2MzQzOVFVS0E4RklZNlJaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxMTYxODAxQ1lXQVZSUEpKT0U2JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfaHFwX3NoYXJlZCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Searching on Amazon for "patching machine" came up with lots of pitching machines!  :luff:

~Kees~
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 23, 2021, 07:06:08 PM
Yep that's exactly it.  Takes a bit of tinkering to get it running right but for the money I think it's worth it.
 Plenty of videos out there on how to motorize them.
  [ Invalid Attachment ]

Made this bag with it.

Kevin
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: RobD on February 23, 2021, 07:57:09 PM
Beauty of a bag!  Hey, I think I've seen that horn before, but it never looked as good as it does now!  Great Scrimming!  :bl th up :bl th up

I was gonna whip up a blend of aqua fortis when I built the Kibler Colonial but just went and got Kibler's blend.  Wow.  His stuff is Most Excellent and highly recommended for ease of use and results.

 [ Invalid Attachment ]
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 24, 2021, 10:21:54 AM
Wow that is nice.
 
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on February 24, 2021, 11:11:42 AM
That IS nice!   :hairy
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 24, 2021, 08:09:29 PM
 [ Invalid Attachment ]
 working on a cartridge box of sorts.  thinking about playing with paper cartridges for the fowler once she's built.

kevin
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: PetahW on February 24, 2021, 08:24:06 PM
.

 :hairy
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Winter Hawk on February 24, 2021, 10:02:45 PM
Well Dang!  I got an older (1956) Singer sewing machine a couple of months ago because I kept fighting with the fancy plastic foreign-made machine with kajillion different stitches.  Got me a hand crank for it but that came from China and is definitely not the same quality as a real Singer crank, but then it cost $16.50 versus $175, if you can find the real thing anymore.  For what I use it for, I could have got one of these cobbler machines and saved a good penny. 

Well, after I went through and refurbished the new acquisition it did a bang-up job stitching a pocket for a backpack I made so I can't complain.  Once I get some leather straps and buckles to complete it I'll post some photos.

Oh, and I need to find some 1/4" felt to pad the shoulder straps.  I put a 20 lb. bag of rice in it a while back and carried it on a 2 mile walk as a test, and my shoulders were sure hurting by the time I got home!  :o  I bought some 1/2" felt for this but that is W-A-Y too thick.

~Kees~
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Bigsmoke on February 25, 2021, 12:52:04 PM
So Kevin, are you going to drill out a piece of wood to hold the paper cartridges, or just drop a basket full of them into the pouch?
Looks like you did a nice job on forming the front panel.  How did you do that?  Looks like veg tanned leather, yes?  Guessing you wet molded it?
It's been decades since I played around with stuff like that.  I doubt if I miss it all that much.

John (Bigsmoke)
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 25, 2021, 02:43:02 PM
5 mm veg tan wet form.
 Made a mold and press for it.
 Not sure about the wood block, probably
 Trying some forming with a vacuum sealer too.
 Ya know, it's something to keep me busy while it's snowing.

 Been reading up on smoothies, thought paper cartridge looked like fun. Convenient.
 Kevin
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Doc Nock on February 25, 2021, 03:12:06 PM
looks like you boys got all the toys!!! :):):) :bow
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Bigsmoke on February 25, 2021, 06:40:25 PM
Well Kevin, If'n we get up that way this year, I sure do want to see your setup.  Really looks interesting.
Looking forward to meeting you and IdahoLouis also.
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: BEAVERMAN on February 25, 2021, 08:27:53 PM
Well Kevin, If'n we get up that way this year, I sure do want to see your setup.  Really looks interesting.
Looking forward to meeting you and IdahoLouis also.

John, if'n your gonna get up that way please let me know in advance, I'm way over due for a visit to the Welshman and wouldn't mind getting in a shoot while there along with seeing you and meeting the other fellas from the forum, along with a drive by by Uncle Russ, been way too long since I've seen that Ol Pot Licker!
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Bigsmoke on February 25, 2021, 10:10:13 PM
Beav,
My plan is to go up to Coeur d'Alene area for the CdA Rendezvous in June and then for the Moscow RDV on Father's Day a week later.  That is assuming the events are going to happen.  Frankly, I haven't heard a word about that.  But I am sure I will, eventually.
I also want to see Unka Russ while we are in the area.  Like you said, it's been way too long.
I also need to slip into Montana and visit my cousin, then make a drive down to twin falls, ID to see some friends.  Then head back over to Portland area to see another cousin, then down I-5 and check out some more cousins, and I would like to see Loraine Micke in Springfield.  If the timing is right, maybe the Tall Trees RDV in Eureka, CA in July.  Lots of possibilities.  Hope I don't run out of time, but what the heck, it's not like I have to get back to a job or anything.  Happy to say, it has been decades since I worried about silliness like that.  Self employment does have its advantages, eh?
I will keep you posted on plans.
John (Bigsmoke)
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on February 25, 2021, 10:49:44 PM
Well I'd certainly be up to meeting some folks.
 Still need to join cda muzzleloaders too.
 Kevin
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: BEAVERMAN on February 25, 2021, 11:44:16 PM
Well I'd certainly be up to meeting some folks.
 Still need to join cda muzzleloaders too.
 Kevin

Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: KDubs on March 05, 2021, 12:31:37 PM
All right all right all right.
 Got an update that the Fowler was shipped Monday 3/1 priorty USPS .
 Hoping to get it today but wasn't provided a tracking #.
 Don't know how priority priority is with the postal service these days.
Kevin
 
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Winter Hawk on March 05, 2021, 08:56:02 PM
 :applaud  :applaud  :applaud
~Kees~
Title: Re: waiting on a kit
Post by: Butler Ford 40 on March 06, 2021, 07:44:46 AM
 :pray:  :bl th up