On this week's episode of Craftsman's corner from the NMLRA, we’re going to show you how to make a simple powder horn for your muzzleloading gear
A Special Commemorative Serving Platter made to honor the 25h Anniversary of the Honourable Company of Horners
How to Make a Natural Walnut Dye
Ian Pratt on iron mounted rifles, working collaboratively, and passing along the craft
September ADA Collaboration Rifle Project update
All About Files | Gun Making Tools of the 18th Century and Today | Muzzle Blasts
When I was a young man, I apprenticed under a master tool and die maker. In the first two years I worked with him I seldom saw him use a milling machine, he did it all with a file. Being young and headstrong I would often complain, but his reply was always the same: before you can use the mill, you must master the file.
School's On | Traditional Craft Classes in the United States | Written by Gary Horne July 2020
The following is the most comprehensive list of all classes currently offered to those interested in all facets of the muzzleloading hobby and arts. Classes range from those suitable for the beginner to the advanced offered at a number of locations and is priced for almost any budget. Included are some individual instructors that offer classes from their homes like Jim Parker, Mike Brooks and Jack Brooks. Now in 2020 we are looking forward new ones in spite of the Corona virus pandemic.
Photographing your work | Helpful Tip Tuesday | Jeff Luke
NMLRA Artisans recognized in the American Shooting Journal
NMLRA Field Agent Joe-D Baxter has been featured in this month's issue of the American Shooting Journal for their contributions to the Contemporary Longrifle Association 2020 Auction!
How to make an 18th century money wallet with Jeff Luke | Craftsman's Corner #5
In this installment of Craftsman’s Corner, we’ll be creating a basic “money” wallet to carry your cash, as well as a few modern necessities such as driver’s license, business cards, and that evil plastic, because after all, nothing says farby like whipping out that modern, machine sewn nylon tri-fold to pay for goods at an event
What thread should I use for different leather projects? | Ask the Experts
The Jeweler's Saw | Gun Making Tools of the 18th Century and Today | Muzzle Blasts
When I was a young man, I apprenticed under a master tool and die maker. In the first two years I worked with him I seldom saw him use a milling machine, he did it all with a file. Being young and headstrong I would often complain, but his reply was always the same: before you can use the mill, you must master the file.
Frank House on Making a Chasing Hammer
Frank House originally shared this post on the CLA facebook page
Alright Engravers,
Time to think about chasing hammers!
The idea here is to use a very light hammer (mine weighs in at 2.9 oz) with a thin flexible handle as the lighter and faster taps will not only yield a finer and more consistent cut, your gravers will hold out far longer with less breakage of your tip. (More on that later)
To get started, I use machinable brass
and have posted at least one source for 1" stock (photo)
Machine the head to the dimensions provided in the drawing and bore a 3/8" (.375) eye for the handle and then, using a tapered reamer relieve the eye slightly from both the top and bottom so that the handle will "swage" itself into place with a wooden wedge.
The handle dimensions are 1" diameter at the butt or grip end, .300" at the neck or smallest portion and
.400" at the portion that goes through the eye with a slight taper to .375" or 3/8".
I have as well listed a chasing hammer along with the contact info (photo) from Rio Grande that will suffice.
Next up, shaping the graver and sharpening!
Upwards and onwards!
