Thumb Piece - Flintlock fowler

[Jim Kibler]

Hi everyone. I've of course rarely posted, but I check this site out usually several times a day. I've not only been impressed with the high level of work, but also the professional nature of those involved. I've learned a lot.

I build flintlock guns on a full-time basis. Unfortunately I don't get as much time as I would like to devote to engraving alone. You can learn a little more about me and my work here: www.jimkibler.net

Anyways, here is a thumb piece for a burl maple stocked fowling piece with styling from the late 17th century, I've been building.

This piece was made by carving a master, followed by investment casting in steel and then cleaning up with gravers, rifflers and stones. You can read a little more about the process used here: http://www.jimkibler.net/blog/ I was fairly pleased with how it turned out and wanted to share it.

Thanks again for the contribution from everyone here. You've all provided inspiration and something to shoot for.

All the best,
Jim Kibler

 

[sam]

That is freakin' BEAUTIFUL. Stunning work.

 

[Donny]

Very beautiful work!! Compliments the wood so well!

Big fan of your weapons.

Donny

 

[silverchip]

What Sam said!!!!

 

[vilts]

What silverchip said!

 

[rrupp]

Thursday night will be my last class night for lost wax investment casting. I was so proud of what I achieved then is see what can be achieved very beautiful work. it gives me something to shoot for.

 

[dogcatcher]

Impressive, and the stain job is superior, I will have to try your method that you explained on your blog.

 

[Weldon47]

Beautiful!!!!!

Thanks for sharing,
Weldon

 

[monk]

drop dead gorgeous. if you ask me ! thanks for showing.
the tutorial you show is also excellent. i think you may have ignited a spark in a few of the forum members. it is always good to see how other folks do their work

 

[silverchip]

Sure would be nice to see the rest of the gun as well!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks so much. Your kind words mean a lot. This gun project is winding down. Only some lock work to do and then engraving. I show a few different shots in my blog postings, but will wait for overall photos until it's completed. And so you know... any suggestions, comments or questions are always welcome. Thanks again everyone.

Jim

 

[LVVP]

Very nice done, thanks

 

[mvangle]

Beautiful work Jim.

 

[GTJC460]

What type/brand investment do you use for casting steel? Was it a vacuum or centrifugal casting?

Beautifully executed!!!

 

[mtgraver]

Jim, your work is superb! I've always admired your sense for detail. Tickled you have got around to sharing your work on here, I for one would enjoy more of your eye candy.
Best regards my friend,
Mark

 

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks guys. Bert, I didn't do the casting itself I sent the waxes to an investment foundry capable of doing steel. They usually don't want to do small runs, but I had a bunch of waxes for lock parts that went as well. I'd like to get set up to do some small scale non-ferrous casting, but just haven't done it yet.

I'll share some more photos of the project as it progresses.

JIm

 

[jerrywh]

That is beautiful work Jim. Do you do your own casting in steel? If you do is it done by the centrifugal process , vacuum or another process?

 

[Marrinan]

Beautiful casting and you did a wonderful job of finishing it. Enjoyed the guns on your web site and the site in general. added it to my gun maker's folder. Thanks for the tour. Fred

 

[Jim Kibler]

Thanks Jerry and Fred. I don't do my own casting. I make the the masters, molds, run the waxes and then send them to a foundry. I'd like to get set-up for non-ferrous investment casting on a small scale basis, but just haven't done it yet.