When swinging a 2-lb
rawhide hammer through several solid whacks didn't work, it was deduced that a 5-lb hammer was needed as the blocks seemed just to be "stuck." It would have been prudent at this point to stop and look for the reason the blocks were being stubborn.
Fortunately, S&S Firearms (718/497-1100, info@ssfirearms.com) offers a handy brass Maynard loading tool (S&S also sells cases and bullet molds) whereby all one has to do to load a round is pour in the powder charge, place a lubricated bullet in the mouth of the case (I use a 50-50 beeswax/ Crisco home-brewed concoction), slide the loading tool over the bullet and case, give it a rap with a
rawhide hammer and, voila, a Maynard round, ready to use.
Give the bottom metal a light tap with a plastic or
rawhide hammer. This tap will impart marking agent to the wood.
With a 5-1b
rawhide hammer in hand, the repair tech quickly sighted down the dowel pin in each cavity to its locating slot in the plate.
Anne, pictured left, sources metal online and from local antique dealers and each ring is hand crafted using nylon and
rawhide hammers, steel mandrels and a tree trunk base wood to work on.