The Grumpy Gunsmith of Williamsburg #61

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

I’ve restored period furniture many years and a few long guns as well. But I always learn something from you and appreciate it very much! You’re a good teacher indeed! I know I know, perhaps dancing girls would create a few more subscribers but the cost of that anymore is prohibitive! It crossed my mind that if you would wear a tutu doing your videos ,,,,,never mind,,,,too many weirdos, guys being gals, gals being guys or some kind of hybrid organism. Besides, your channel is a refreshing oasis within the cyberness and I Thank You Most Kindly! So take it easy cuz ya know how ya are and I’ll see you in the next video, which I’ve rewatched numerous times! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@russellcraven251]

Marvelous job!

[@GeorgeMeszaros-yp2uz]

Love it! Thanks for the inspiration and the tips. I watch your videos and go out to my shop. It may be a (long) while before I can produce anything that won’t make folks point and laugh…but darn fun trying!

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

As long as you keep it fun and don't let it frustrate you. Thanks for watching.

[@genetoler2207]

Thank you fir sharing the video on engraving the rifle you built 39 years ago 'you always make it look easy enough that I feel like I could do each part ' haven't done any engraving but did built a kibler gun last fall after 30 plus years of wanting too 'and all your videos made it better for me to complete 'I hope you will keep putting them out 'I learn something every time ' I see Colonial Williamsburg had a add for a young gunsmith hopefully some young person is willing to try for it ' what a great learning challenge that could be 'love the old town 'hope they keep improving it with new things for visitors to see.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

I'm grateful for my time at Colonial Williamsburg, I learned a lot. The trouble is, the pay is so low that the apprentices can't afford to live there. The average skilled journeyman after 7 years apprenticeship makes less than a fast food employee while the upper management is clueless and overpaid. The guest experience is not what it used to be due to cutbacks at the lower levels. I was one of 140 people let go in 2008 so the upper management could give themselves raises. When I left there was a president making $450K, 23 vice-presidents averaging $250K and 99 directors averaging $100k. And this was a company with only 2200 employees. Sorry, just ranting.

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

Beautiful work and gun and I didn’t fall asleep! How could I? And remember, take it easy cuz ya know how ya are! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@brokentoe570]

A little over done? Yea, right! Sweet looking , great work Sir! Thank you for your work.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Thanks 👍

[@jharchery4117]

Thank you for another excellent video.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Thanks for watching!

[@ghoogers]

I doubt if anyone watching you work drifts off and starts snoring. I saw the video, grabbed a cigar and a splash of bourbon. Great work!

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Sounds like a good way to watch. Thanks.

[@chawk4839]

just a perfect job.

[@Jeff-si2fw]

Appreciate you and your art.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Thanks. I appreciate you watching.

[@lyonforge3077]

I'm awake?? What did I miss?? Lol Great video Clay,gives me ideas for my fowler!!! Thank you.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Glad it inspires you. Thanks

[@geargnasher9822]

Thank you for the video and a glimpse at authentic, period methods. Most information out there focuses on modern methods and styles using thousands of dollars worth of AirGraver tools, stereo magnification, and precision ball vises and the work is so perfect and detailed that it almost looks "fake" on a reproduction muzzleloader.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Today it's hard to tell if it was engraved by a human with all those fancy tools or if it was done with a laser! Thanks.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Marvellous! One thing this excellent video does is give people the confidence to have a go, but always start on a scrap of steel, I think there is a tendency today for people to over complicate the engraving on a reproduction of an early gun, the engravers back then were not as sophisticated as those of today, and the basic engraving of guns back then are part of their charm, to engrave an 18 century gun with Ken Hunt style perfection would not really be right, I think the engraving back then was a hang over from silver work of the day, and your observation on viewers not taking in the whole engraving work is spot on, all that is seen, unless viewed under magnification, is the overall layout, 21st century perfection would not look right on an early gun. Very many thanks for posting this video! It will be a valuable reference in future. Chris B.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

You're right. Today's buyers expect machine made quality from a handmade craft. It's very hard to educate people about the difference. Thanks.

[@a-do-hia-i-sv9593]

Great video! Thank you!

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Glad you liked it!

[@ronaldmeyer5904]

Beautiful work!!!

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Thank you very much!

[@boydbrooks7848]

Truly MASTERFUL! Enjoyed watching you complete it and now understand why hand engraved guns are so expensive.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Professional engravers are very dedicated, training for years and never receiving the recognition they deserve.

[@craigcook1571]

Looks great, I don’t have the patience for it though. I do like your idea of keeping it simple too

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Thanks 👍

[@rickhand8228]

That looks great! I got interested in engraving enough to order material and make a graver and practice a little on blank plates. I found that developing a design and drawing it was the toughest part too. I was amazed that I could follow a design and control depth fairly well, but nothing to brag about!

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Just keep practicing. It gets easier in time.

[@richardschenk496]

Fantastic

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Thanks

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

Snoring? No not I! And man i’d love to buy that, unfortunately no money for such a beautiful piece right now.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

I'd keep it too if I could afford it!

[@angosadic5520]

Wow that looks awesome

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Looks are deceiving. Not the best work but better than a plain gun.

[@johnnyholland8765]

Patience is a virtue so they say. I ain't got any but you must have. Engraving is VERY expensive. I had a small receiver quoted and nothing fancy but just a squirrel or two and some flowers etc. was like 450.00 and this was several years ago.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Engraving is time consuming and you can't erase a mistake. And if you don't do it almost daily, you can actually lose some skill. Compare that receiver with the hours involved by a skilled artisan who spent years learning the craft to getting your car repaired by one of the dozens of mechanics in your area who spent 60 hours with a book getting a SAE certification. Which one is overcharging? Thanks for watching!

[@bobvines00]

Clay, great job & video! What type of steel (similar to that used in your rifles/shotguns/pistols) do you recommend for "practicing" engraving? I think that I'd like to try my hand on a flintlock kit that I (and/or my Dad) built 30+ years ago. I'll certainly stick with a basic design as a beginner!

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Start with copper sheet, go to soft brass and if you feel comfortable, a mild steel. Good luck.

[@vernonland5987]

Great video but I don't understand why you Williamsburg guys are so grumpy? Virginia Beach here.

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

You ever spend your whole day, no A/C, wearing layers of clothes and being interrupted by hundreds of visitors asking the same seven questions all day? Try it. You will understand.

[@vernonland5987]

@@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg I don't know how you did it. I live close by and one hot summer day was all I could stand at Williamsburg. My hats off to you!

[@craigcook1571]

Looks great, I don’t have the patience for it though. I do like your idea of keeping it simple too

[@grumpygunsmithofwilliamsburg]

Thanks 👍