Quartermaster James

Is that a memento mori signet ring? Very nice.

Aye it would. And it is a damned fine hat, if I do say so meself Aye it is! The MacKay be one of our own in the great Pacific Northwest. I got me the same hat, sans the bullet hole!

The little I have been able to dig up indicates BLO has been in use at least three hundred years, and probably longer. Not scholarly research by any means, however, as most of this information is from uncited references from paint manufacturers. A big difference in our modern BLO is the addition of solvents. These are added to increase penetration, not to speed drying time. BLO does not dry by evaporation but by oxidation*. This is part of what makes proper application a lengthy and time consuming processes. Boiling does two things to the raw flax oil: 1) it drives off residual moisture, making a stable product, 2) it partially polymerizes the oil, slightly increasing viscosity. Where many people go wrong with modern BLO is in not following traditional techniques. This is not a finish that can be gooped on, let to soak in, and then rubbed off. If you do that you will end up with a piece that takes forever (literally) to dry. The outer surface may oxidize and polymerize enough to seem hardened, but will seal off the inside from full curing. You will find these pieces sweat gunk in the heat. Proper application of BLO is done by repeated application of very, very thin layers. Each layer is rubbed into the wood (I liken it to burnishing the wood). With the large stock on my fowler, each layer was maybe a teaspoon of oil, and much of that remained on the rag. Rub it in, not just on; you should feel the heat build up in the stock as you do this. The old timers rule of thumb is once an hour for a day, once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year, once a year for life. It was not uncommon to apply a hundred layers or more for a really fine finish, although just a couple of weeks with this technique will give you a really beautiful piece. Properly done, BLO provides a hard and durable finish. Folks who refinish historical houses sometimes use IR heat lamps to help speed the curing. I am also given to understand that UV light helps the curing (i.e. let the stock cure in sunshine). It's been too rainy for me to leave the stock outside much with this current project. Here's a link to some folks who make historic finishes using actual 18th century techniques: Tried & True Wood Finishes *(Note: Oxidation also generates heat. BLO is the oil that starts "oil soaked rags" into spontaneous combustion. Seriously, don't let your used BLO application rags accumulate dry - submerge them in water.)

Funny how we seem to like a United Earth (ie: Globalism, One World Government) when it's in Star Trek, but we don't seem to have any idea how to get there. Looks like we're going to have all the tech gizmos from science fiction long before we have the social evolution. Personally, I think I'd prefer the United States of Earth to the People's Republic of Earth. And now back to your regularly scheduled topic: chivalry

Does anybody have any information, advice, experience, or plans they care to share for building stocks? You can imagine what results a web search gives! Have to refine my search terms!

Sorry to hear about the pink slip. As much as I like these rods for a long arm, I have to question their value for a short piece. IMHO, it seems a pistol rod is much less likely to break, and is much more readily replaceable. But please don't put my favorite wenches out of work!

To follow up: I received my rod Monday. Rob at Period Ramrods does good work. The ramrod is exactly as described: a wooden ramrod with a steel core. It has brass ferrules at each end, with 8/32 threads at one end and 10/32 at the other. Very nice to have the threads at the tail end, for one can simply screw in a T-handle instead of needing pliers or a rod puller when the rod gets tight. Great at the range too. Not to mention the obvious versatility having both thread sizes available allows. Of course, it's a bit heavier than a plain twig of hickory; but unlike my first, it's not going to break (the only rod they have reported fail was shot downrange!) Also, when loading the 51" barrel I do appreciate the added heft. In short, I highly recommend these. Tell Rob I sent you over. BTW: Since I am refinishing my fowler anyway, I ordered mine in unfinished hickory so I could match it to my stock. Rob will do his best to match any color you choose if you order yours finished.

Best wishes to you luv. We'll hold you in our thoughts and prayers.

Can't believe this got left out! Fellowship of the Peep

Yes I do. Thank you for asking. You can see it in the Post Your Colours thread.

Would that be one of Captain Jacks Scallywag's?

A fan of whom? Monty Python or Eddie Izzard?

No it isn't.

No-time Toulouse. The story of the wild and lawless days of the post-Impressionists.

Good tutorial Michael! I will add, for those tempted to dry pitch their yeast, that there's a lot of good information supporting rehydrating your yeast in water before adding it to your must. It has mainly to do with cell walls and osmotic pressure, and I won't waste your time repeating it here. The long and short of it is that you get much better viability with rehydrated yeast, thus getting your colony off to a more vigorous start, better fermentation, and less chance of nasties.

Right, sergeant major - there's no time to lose.

The money's good! And the water-skiing!

When the pilot, Jennifer has to choose between his secret love for Louis, the hot-bloodedly bi-sexual navigator and Andy, the rear gunner, who, though quite assertive with girls, tends to take the submissive role in his relationships with men. And sensational Mexican starlet, Rosetta Nixon, plays the head of bomber command, whose passion for sea-birds ends in tragedy. With Ginger, as the half-man, half-woman, parrot whose unnatural instincts brought forbidden love in the aviary. And Roger as Pip, the half-parrot, half-man, half-woman, three-quarter badger, ex-bigamist negro preacher, for whom banjo-playing was very difficult, and he never mastered it although he took several courses and went to banjo college ... er ... and everything ... don't miss it!

Five shillings a dozen? That's ordinary cabbages, is it? And what about the bombs? Good Lord, they are expensive!

When I get her, she will be named Tara. My imaginary ship is Bodhisattva: Liberating lesser vessels of false conceptions upon the high seas.

Best Birthday wishes to you sir!

Belgian!?! Will this make ye Phlegmish?

Happy Birthday Bilge! Thanks for all the good work! Here's to many more years to come!

DIBS!!!! Flattered. The ale should be ready around May; let me know if'n you're in the Northwest then.

Well, in theory you would mix molasses and sugar, dilute it to about SG1.06, ferment that with a strong yeast, then distill. Rum