Learning To Make A Mould-The Old Fashioned Way

[Southron Sanders]

Spent all of yesterday in my shop making up a complicated Gardner (Confederate Design) bullet mould. I have made moulds before, but only a few and still have a LOT to learn.

So far, have "trashed" two sets of blocks because either the mill messed up or I did. Frustration, Frustration, Frustration....(I have a Smithy with the 'wandering' mill head.)

HOPEFULLY, Will finish the mould this weekend! Wish me LUCK!

[44man]

Welcome to the "Smithy head banging forum." :mrgreen:
I have to tighten the column and spindle locks so tight I broke a handle and they are wearing so each time I use them, they turn more.
You just can't take deep cuts at all so you will wear out all of the other turning parts going back and forth for all the cutting. [smilie=w:
Real precision machines, have to sneak up on .020"! I still don't know what I would do without it though.