HarborMaster

Thanks Mad Jack ! Here are a coupla pictures to give an idea on how to make shift the hardware., for any interested parties that may be followin' this. First off I use a Die-Grinder to cut a pipe (pipe is the same size as the trunnion diameter) in half and at propper length., then I lay the piece on the trunnion., while the cannon/mortar is in its cradle., then using the die grinder., take off more and more., until the 1/2 pipe sits flush ., then cut my steel lengths withthe same die grinder (all my cuts) ., then cut a pice of round stock., for this I used 3/8 for the ends of the trunnion cap plates. Then Weld ! For the Elevator., I simply cut off the clamp and grind smooth., then., drill 4 holes 1/4" and thread them.,, using stainless steel bolts., (thes ame thread size as what I just made ) then cut the bolts to length., whammo., elevator. Note I use Contact Cement., and leather for a pad on the elevator tip., so as to not mar the bronze.

See anything else in there Biker? Well the trunnion caps came out better than I figured., easier too. One Naval Sled pretty much ready to flame up someones sheets!! HarborMaster

SP Carter we fire concrete filled beer cans cause there alot cheaper than actual cannon balls., also someone told me they had good luck with ice .,Water frozen in the beer can.,but shoot the ammo consumes yer ice chest when you finally get outa town far enough SP Carter you gotta drink yer ammo ., Well anyway I will be posting again tomorrow with the details of how I built the trunnion mounts anda few photos. If you are seriously interested in one PM me., I can fill you in on the details., Wes is now offering a new model he finished (Confederate Coehorn 1/3 scale ) and its a little cheaper and fires 1 3/4 " which is Golf Ball caliber !!!., Your Grand children will fight over who gets Granpas cannon !! Greybeard Forum., Wes's Coehorn Just think you go to a golf course and gettem for nothin! Old Balls LOL Biker I took a good look out in the shop....., yea that was a condom wrapper and I will be asking Swifty Morgan what the hell thats doin out in the shop when he gets in here for work tomorrow.

No its not for pretty., but I wanted it that way.,instead of opting for a steel we went with Bronze., thats the pretty.,you hurt my feelings...., (Is it real) ? This mortar is a 3/4 scale 12lb Coehorn mortar., and will fire with a pretty big bang and send a concrete projectile approx 450 yards .

Thats some serious Cheese SP Carter !!! You gotta admit that part had to be fun !!!

Thank you Sir ! mate. No Sleep for the wicked !!! Well another day out in the Shop ., This little Mortar I figure will be a good conversation piece to set by my desk in the Scuba Shop part of Tropico. Course it will come out firing during "Festival " time launching Beer-Cans full o' concrete into the sea from the main sea wall. According to Wes "Powder Keg" This unit should throw the can approx 350 to 450 yards with great elevation and plenty enough hang time to grab a Spyglass and follow it depending on the charge. Beer cans are easier to follow if you paint them black and use a piece of wire out the top of the concrete (So you can tie a "Police Line Do Not Cross" tape ). I hope to get to the Trunnion caps soon. You can see in this top photo I am grinding to fit the trunnion cap before welding. After that.,for my next trick I will try to fashion a Mortar Elevator from a "C-Clamp". Ideally This would have blown fire into the sails of battle crazed men. Now into todays world it may only blow Miller-Lite up someones sheets. I love this stuff.,Governments fought with it all the way into WW1 and now they are letting us play with it

Nitro Squares ? Damn !!! Do tell., Do tell !!! Like Cheese ? That sounds like some pretty interesting propellant ! I have been searching for the propper carriage for naval purposes and I am having trouble finding much info on that., it seems most were a sled type base. Pretty light and easy to manuever. I am in the shop and building again! I'll postem as I go. I startedout with a 2 X 12. After going to the only lumber yard in town to have oak in a 2 X I found out its not planed to 1 1/2" like most 2 X is. Therefore this puppy is actually 1+ 15/16 " I was thinking its a bit much., but then back in the day they didnt have 1 1/2" finish planed lumber like we do today. Its probably built a bit too bulky but I can live with it.

I have been doing a bit of research as of late on the Mortar and am curious if anyone has any more info other than the norm or easy to find on this highly mobile and awesome piece of artillery. The two main items of interest I have found are in the lower 2 paragraphs 1. Baron van Coehorn (1641-1704), a Dutch Officer, designed a mortar first used in 1674 which fired at a fixed angle of elevation of 45°. Range was adjusted by varying the weight of the propellant charge, or by moving the mortar providing it was one of the lighter equipments . Britain adopted the Coehorn mortar shortly after its invention. 2. The mortar is a cylinder marked only by reinforcing band and trunnion assembly. Primarily used for lobbing explosives (mortars) over walls , close range field work and the firearm was also used on shipboard to set fire to an enemy's sails.

I believe the header for this thread is ( Boots (Pages 1 2 3 ...6 ) Where to find good ones.) I copied and pasted it in this reply.., just to make sure I got it right. Skull Pirate Carters thread wasnt "are they GAoP Accurate"., or are they something historical or? This particular thread was again called........, "Boots (Pages 1 2 3 ...6 ) . Where to find good ones." Perhaps we should stay on topic ? Personally If I have offended anyone., I am sorry and I do mean that. I take the Pub as a place for a learning center myself. You have to understand me a bit perhaps to get it. I finished school and left home at 14. I do not have the education many here in fact do. Nor am I as well travelled. Believe it or not many here do have my admiration. I am learning ., stubborn., and have investment be some correct and some incorrect., which I will use till its worn out. I hope thisis o.k. and I am just doing what I enjoy ., "The Pirate in my own way as best I can" To FOXE., GoF., Black John., Kass.., and others participating in this at times heated discussion.........,an over due Thank You. This is what make the pub for me ., Its what drives me a bit each day to see something more. The photos., the discussion points of view. Dates times., Shoes.,yea., but the coffer., the paintings ., all of it..,This is a neat group of people.

I like that aluminum sheathing. makes it alot more water proof as well as tough. I may try that. I believe you could trace 1/4 " to 3/8" wider than the outline of the blade onto cardboard. I like a thin card board for most patterns concerning wood. Then lay your pattern out on 1/8" Luan (That is the wood that most interior doors are made from) You can cut this easily. two matching pieces. Then use the scraps 1 or 2 layers thick to build up the space for the blade. I like to use contact cement ., but once you put the pieces together .,they are really stuck ! So line them up before you set them. Then do your leather work.

Foxe I know you attend Maritime events. I have seen pictures of it., as well as differant times for it., Nelsonian times as well. I think its awesome and I respect it alot. However most do not get to go as often for what other reasons there may be., including myself. Most probably would like to.,but do not. I get to go on Lady Washington too just like a few you mentioned here., But we never got to practise those other things. There were just battle sails with half the people on board or better wearing SeaHawks sweatshirts and alotta bulging double knit stretch pants. Just as most people were land lubbers and not seamen in the 17th and 18th century. There fore my point being why does the public percieve anyone in a 3 cornered hat as a pirate? The reason is being a cobbler isnt real exciting? On the other side of the coin. I dont live in a town like Seattle or Portland with 2 million per city., so we have a pirate group. I am in an area of 30,000 There is nothing so we go to events outside of our area. and that generally means alone. There fore we are part of no group...,Therefore we cant look rich or poor with a rich or poor group. So., We go as our selves. We try to do the best we can ., and we try to have fun. We dont try to offend people but we dont seem t fit in. Not trying to rumple skin just a question. actually a bunch of them. All of those service vendors I mention could have easily been pictured in their clothing as a pirate by todays people. A pirate did not have a certain mark that made him a pirate . Piracy was just a crime plain and simple. Just like a murderer or a thief. But many of those go un caught for years because they blend into society.

I dont know Patrick I am still stuck at the armory Re-Enacting carriage building for the ship. And yes., I do mean that. However you are a Buccaneer., and as far as Blacksmithing you are infact working on your own blade an sheath to boot What the hell is a "Tax-Return" ?

Of all the Pirate re-enactors.,none have ships except The Royaliste and his krewe. Now to lay claim that yer a period pirate with no ship is pretty funny really whatcha think? Where do you all do most of your acting? On the land? not many seamen there aye? most were on ships yes? What was on the land in the GAoP ? well how about a Blacksmith? A rich and well to do merchant with one helluva coat? What of a horseman ? an inn keeper., a bartender. Any one here honing their silver smithing skills? Making period firearms? Matchlocks and the ,like. Who here is skilled in navigation other than a compass or a Magellan GPS., I betcha all know about Map Quest tho dontcha? Did these things not exist?. Why does every re-enactor who sees some one dressed in a tricorn consider him a wanna be pirate? Why is it everyone must be dressed in period poverty? Let me guess., in the period they had no upper crust? So if you are wearing 17th or 18th century clothing ., you shouldnt be allowed to go if its not sea worthy?., you cannot book passage? or attend the faire in 06 . Lets be honest now?., how many here only re-enact on board a vessel? Tell the truth., tell me when was the last time someone re-enacted cutting someones lips off and cookin them and then making them eat them in Silence of the lamb fashion? When the last time someone here Re-Enacted stealing Enterprise or John Stennis? Anyone try to sac Seattle lately? When is the last time anyone wore period correct clothing to the GAoP and came riding inta port on their own vessel and re-enacted taking a cruise ship over? Thats what I thought O.K. Then we can all agree 98% are landbased pirates around here yea? And anybody land based could be a cobbler., and a cobller or a tailor wouldnt necessarily be dressed like a seaman., Even the Town Crier wasnt dressed as a seaman ., but somehow lived in the 17th century without being naked and he re-enacted the same place most here do., on the land. Next pirate re-enactor I see with out a ship I will be consider'in just a 17th 18th century towns folk person and not a pirate . Kapish?

Personally I like the old mans in Master and Commander who recieved the brain surgery and the silver schilling metal plate. Upon his Knuckles was written., "HOLD FAST" Very appropriate indeed!

Periodically I add to my Gold Tooth collection. I wont have any cavities either after May 7th. 2 more Gold teeth and a few Gold fillings . I know it looks dirty in some circles., but I smile anyway even tho it offends some...., especially the suits I run into from time to time. I got more into my gums than most suits do into their Rolexs. I know its wrong in todays world but I just wont do porcelin and the "white stuff " doesnt stick to me for more than a year? Wicked-Wicked-Wicked-Grin Bling

Hmmm? I go to Home depot periodically for Oak Carriage parts. An interior "Mr.Spindle" may be hard to find. There is a cabinet maker in my town that has a wood lathe. It may behove you to look for a cabinet maker in your locale that can turn something for you that you like then use a copier (A simple instrument most wood workers have) that follows the line of the original to knock out doops for the rest. With this method you could get something youd really enjoy for years and may be able to get it in a wood and a price that might work well for your project. Its also possible they may have access to a line not found in a place like Home Depot since a cabinet maker primarily deals with interior design.

I bought the Military heritage Sea service., and its a nice pistol., but some of the parts I find disapointing., for example barrel thickness..,weight and the feel of the handle., I did however purchase a new pistol from Middlesex trading village., and I am sold on their quality a much thicker barrel., a shower of sparks., and a healthy trigger and hammer. I would look to them to see what they offer in your preferance of pistol. I do believe they have a doglock and a mid eastern trade pistol tho I am unclear what era the eastern would be., also perhaps Callendish Gunner will jump in here.,he is knowledable about these things as well as Cascabel and some others.

I'll take'm !! and it was fun to say the least. Florida didnt seem quite as reserved as Washington., must be the cold weather ? This one lost her shirt somewhere. But got rewarded with plenty of period correct 2006 beads.

I would love to go to the UK and see some of these things.,especially the TOWER !!! and its armory! And that Coffer., It would be hard to imagine what was once in it? On the chest topic however I did mine in oak., but I would think alot of differant hardwoods would be fine and were probably used due to the weight of thier load? But for a sea chest I am not sure what a person would use to make a sea chest? I need to make 4 . One for each motel room., we will be using 1 at the foot of each bed as opposed to a chest of drawers. Guests can use that for their clothing. I would think a hard wood .,would probably be out., due to the weight of the wood. A seaman had to lift the chest and its contents. Would a cypress or a type of cedar be more common?. Pine? This is something I am curious about too.

Off the Philippines?., I thought the last escapde in that neighborhood was a coupla years back and it was in Indonesia? ., but speakin of Pirates I was reading that last one you posted off Mogudishu? thats pretty scary stuff. Hopefully International maritime laws can be changed a bit to better secure the self defense of a merchant. The way things are a merchant doesnt have anything ., that sux. Resort vessles and cruise vessles are defense less as well. I cant carry an assault weapon or I will be exiled out of country., I bet they (the pirates) would freak out though if they saw a hand reach above view of the whaling and hot matched a 1 1/2 inch bore of 75 .32 caliber balls 4 times in their broadside at 40 ft.!!! its the only defense we will have (we cant have guns there) ., tho its not an AK .,nor would it probably ever come into play.,tho a dozen baby sox with grapeshot will be onboard as its all I've got.

I didnt have to show anything.,they *knew* by that gold toothed grin that I had that extra inch they were looking for . .., therefore the period correct 2006 Gasparilla beads came -Naturally- The man behind me was not going to pee Das., he was working his way behind that blonde to my right., Florida's Gasparilla was wild ! I guess anything goes ! Gasparilla 2006

I have several leather hats.,two handmade by 2 differant people.,but I would take my other leather hat over them first. The comfort.,and durability of the 3rd and 4th is why. My favorite hat is my hat made by Excalibur Leather . On this particular hat I chose a black hat and when i received it I was a bit disapointed., I felt the brim was too short. I called them on the phone and they said they make a tricorn with a 4" brim., and by request over the phone they do make them with a 5" brim. At that time I ordered another my brown hat and I ordered it in a 5" brim. Wow just ask around 1" can indeed make all the differance in the world ! I would recommend the 5" over the 4" it puts a bit more shape at the rear corners and gives you higher sides. It repels water.,maintains its shape is cool to wear (doesnt attract heat). Measure your head before you order .,including the tops of your ears., then add a 1/2" if you wear a wrap around yer skull under your hat.

Sure you can have one., reach into that thar chest with yer hand....................................,and I'll be kickin the lid shut an stepping on the lid whislt I unload me pistol ya scurrvy good fer nuthin bilge rat !

A Treasure Chest or Coffer would be considerably smaller., mine ( homemade non-period correct ) is 10" deep by 15" in length., by 12" tall . You have to remember if a treasure chest is an item you want to make it would be alot smaller than a sea chest for stowing items. Gold is heavy and a big wooden chest would not be able to hold itself together nor would you be able to pick it up. Treasure chests (Coffers) are small., something you could put on a table and be able to count its contents. Steel would really add to its strong-box appearance. Also I must agree the steel is pretty easy to work with .,I am no iron worker and mine looks pretty good..,and has alot of steel on it. With simple tools a bit of for thought and a little time. A 50 dollar die grinder will do alot., so will a file .., a cheap hand held jig-saw..,small tools. When I make one I use card board templates on the chest once I get those perfect I have my patterns. Also by using card board you can lay it flat and mark all of your holes and then put them in your metal prior to bending the metal. This will give your nail holes a more perfect lay-out after the bends are finished and the pieces come together.

Oh., no I definitely agree Hurricane. And I understand about the money. I actually have 6 figures invested into my own Cannon collection .,tropical beach and personal coral reef. Trust me when I say I have as much invested into my own piratical fun as anyone., altho many here would feel I am doing it wrong I am sure. . . and thats fine., let them do theirs their way. I guess poking fun at others just isnt fun for me., Flaming others isnt my bag either ( I dont mean you.,I havent seen you flame anyone) I came to appreciate this as a hobby because for me I have but one job currently and it is not pirate in nature., thats coming. I hope to be into my Piratical themed resort .,scuba diving ., see thats not period either. The idea of it isnt period. But in todays world its fun. and I like that. Fun., cause I dont get any until my goals are met. The period for me now is 2006. And will remain so for 3 more year., then after that ., time wont matter for me.,That my friend is freedom. I see this as a freedom thing.,and I appreciate both sides., and cant be critical., and have come to take others who are as annoying. My Fault. And yes Freedom is bliss., priceless too. I am just saying we all have our own reasons.,and it seems to be thread after thread about period correctness., with the flaming of the coats to the ongoing boot debate. There is no debate however ..., really that came and went. (Side note) I dont go into the word things or hot tub or play flirty flirt on the pub I am not a bottom feeder . Actually I visit here to try to learn something and also if I can share something