The tricky part of this project is drilling out the barrel. It uses a 3/8" dowel for the firing pin. The pin needs to slide into the barrel smoothly. I used a 25/64" drill bit to drill out the barrel which is just bigger than the firing pin. A drill press is almost a necessity for this project. You may be able to do it with an hand drill but it will be a challenge to get it bored straight.
The shells are cut from the same 3/8" diameter dowel and rounded over. I would have preferred small wooden canon balls but I could not come up with an easy way to make them.
I did my best to give instructions in the pattern with lots of pictures but it is actually easier to study the pictures first. The written instructions were not easy so they may be tough to follow. These four pictures give everything you need to understand the construction.Despite it's small size I would give this pattern a moderate rating just because of the need to bore the barrel. If you have a drill press and a centering jig the project is easy.
Also keep in mind that the drilling operation can be dangerous. Holding the dowel with only your hand while drilling runs the risk of the bit getting wedged in the dowel. When this happens holding the dowel is not possible and it will spin in your hand and possibly give you a burn or cut. Be careful and do it right.
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Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.
Click now and make a family heirloom this weekend.
