Project Blog - Historic Sporrans / Brass Cantle Project

[Ryan Ross]

Lookin' ridiculously awesome, Scott. It's an exciting time to be a kiltie, that's for sure!

[artificer]

Lookin' ridiculously awesome, Scott. It's an exciting time to be a kiltie, that's for sure!

Thanks Ryan, I must admit I myself am more than a bit giddy with excitement.

I'm hoping you'll have time to document this latest effort in brass as I'm sure it's going to prove very interesting, and the results stellar as always.

SM

I did have a step by step in the works from initial mechanical drawing all the way through the fitting the latch. Unfortunately I will no longer be doing very detailed "concept-to-product" documentation.

On to more pleasant topics, like PROGRESS!

The latch is fitted and tuned for a tight closure and smooth release.



The bag is nearly completed as well. The next step is to disassemble everything and give it the final burnish. Each stage gets harder to photograph, as the surface gets closer to mirror-smooth. About 3/4 of my shots either had tools (you can see a few on the right-side 'arm' but they're blurry) or my ugly mug looking back out of the reflection.

I am now at a place in this very long term project (almost 17 months) where the two original goals I set for myself meet up, a place that I'm thrilled to be at.

Introducing Phase 2 of my project to resurrect these old designs-


Sporrans, as illustrated by Ken MacLeay, with the custom metalwork to reproduce as accurately as possible the originals.

My original selections back on the first page (in posts #1 and #4) were made because I knew I could make the leather cantles but was limited to what I assumed would be the cast brass cantles. This is no longer an issue thanks to the collapse of the casting concept and my re-direct to built up cantles.

As some of you may have read in other threads, I LUST after the cantle depicted in plate #28 (selection M4) which both Alexander and James Menzies wear versions of.

As simple as it is in form it will be a tricky bugger to make due to the multiple arcs. I'm contemplating crafting it in silver to be my be-all-end-all bag for formal events.

The M1 cantle (plate #23 Kenneth MacKenzie) has already been commissioned and is on my schedule board. M2 is currently being drafted.

Custom metalwork cantles have become a big enough part of my schedule board and future plans that I'm re-fitting my workshop to add an additional 8-10' of bench space solely dedicated to it. The requirements of dust collection (for both silver and brass to be captured and reused as well as capturing the dust from polishing and grinding compounds) and ventilation and heat-proofing for brazing are specific enough that I need MORE space and dedicated space. Additional tools (brakes, rollers etc) need dedicated bench space as well, as they all must be bolted into place for safety.


As always constructive commentary and critique is welcome.

Onward and upward!

ith: