Author Topic: Making wood bases for mortars/cannons (Read 766 times)

Cat Whisperer · « **on:** December 17, 2005, 05:49:16 AM »

In another post guardsgunner wrote:

>>try this. http://www.terrco.com/ter_5.htm
>>I have used something like this for repair of splintered old guns and
>>(differnt maker same thing)

Which seems like an interesting method of putting that curved hole into the wooden block base for a coehorn (when doing more than one).

I've wondered what I was going to do with that Porter Cable router that I bought for $3 at a yard sale!

Just what I need, another project - or series of projects.

What are your techniques for the woodwork on mortar/cannon bases?

guardsgunner · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2005, 06:23:45 AM »

CW.,
It should be an easy build for you and you will be surprised at how often you can use it. I have been working on getting mine set up to work on a 44-90 rolling block stock for lrbpcr.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2005, 06:55:56 AM »

When you posted it I captured the pix from the site of the two models - I've got an old pantograph engraver that will also be either inspiration or part of the 3d version.

Clamping the pattern and the work look like critical things to consider too.

What flavor/shape of cutters work best? I would assume carbide to handle the heat.

Would variable speed be worth considering?

GGaskill · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2005, 07:05:56 AM »

Don't forget that to cut a cavity from the object that will fit in it requires reversing the action.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2005, 10:21:55 AM »

Quote from: GGaskill

Don't forget that to cut a cavity from the object that will fit in it requires reversing the action.

That's the opportunity to use the barrel/trunnion itself as the pattern for the 'reverese' image.

kappullen · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2005, 07:49:26 AM »

That machine is really cool.
It got me to thinking about building one.

Dawww, How dumb could I be, I have one already.

It is a Cinncinatti Contourmaster tracer mill.
Tracer mills go off cheap on e-bay and other places because no one remembers how to use one.

Here is a shot of machining a coupler for the 1/8 scale trains I fool with.

Look in the background and see the stylus tracing a commercial coupler.
Shows what a cheap ba****d I really am.

For the little mortars I use a ball mill. I set the base at 45 * in the vise and go at it.

Kap

Powder keg · « **Reply #6 on:** December 18, 2005, 07:58:33 AM »

Finaslly! someone else that dosn't primp and polish their machines pefore taking a picture

guardsgunner · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2005, 08:09:09 AM »

CW.,
Carbide cutters.
Repair work I use a very fine pointed cutter and stylist. They all serve their purpose as long as you have a stylist of exactly the right size.
I usualy make a negative copy(plaster,clay ect.) and go that way.