Project Blog - Historic Sporrans / Brass Cantle Project

**Ryan Ross** · 17th February 12, 03:10 PM

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

**artificer** · 24th February 12, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

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.

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

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:

**sydnie7** · 24th February 12, 11:43 AM

That's very exciting news! One of those in silver. . . yes, the be-all-end-all just about covers it.

I don't (and won't) have a first-born to sell off, so will have to figure out some other way! Sounds as if you have a nice waiting list developing. Congratulations on the journey and "near" arrival.

**NeightRG** · 24th February 12, 11:44 AM

Hmm... You have me inspired to grab some brass sheet, brazing rod, and a torch... But in the end, I know it wouldn't begin to match the look of these - they're easily the best looking new brass cantles I've seen.

**artificer** · 24th February 12, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

That's very exciting news! One of those in silver. . . yes, the be-all-end-all just about covers it.

I don't (and won't) have a first-born to sell off, so will have to figure out some other way! Sounds as if you have a nice waiting list developing. Congratulations on the journey and "near" arrival.

Throwing in first (or any other number) born will only work against you anyway.

I've got all the feegles I need in my only child.

As far as the wait list, yes indeed. I'm booked several months out with commissions, and am now having to draft, template and test future developments on "overtime". The worst thing about working for yourself is when
your boss is a merciless taskmaster.

Originally Posted by NeightRG

Hmm... You have me inspired to grab some brass sheet, brazing rod, and a torch... But in the end, I know it wouldn't begin to match the look of these - they're easily the best looking new brass cantles I've seen.

Thank you!
Speaking of children (in the first quote) and torches I have a really wonderful meeting of the two last night as I was assembling the latch pin.

My little guy came down to watch (properly safety-goggled, of course) and after I was finished with my work I got some scrap brass out for him to heat and braze. He got quite a kick out of it.

Of course he then asked if he could touch the still orange-hot metal! Little boys, huh?

ith:

**Downunder Kilt** · 24th February 12, 02:28 PM

Scott, I am retiring next week. As soon as the superannuation starts to flow and I have bought "she that must be obeyed" her new car, I will be contacting you re the half-octagon cantle. You Sir, are a bloody ripper.

**MacBean** · 24th February 12, 02:53 PM

If you want to make me one like this, I'll provide the leopard skin! :-)

**artificer** · 24th February 12, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Scott, I am retiring next week. As soon as the superannuation starts to flow and I have bought "she that must be obeyed" her new car, I will be contacting you re the half-octagon cantle. You Sir, are a bloody ripper.

Sounds Great Mike, congratulations on the coming retirement! I'm already re-drafting the plans on the half-octogon for the material changes.

Make sure you do what needs doing first, though. I've found that "She Who Must Be Obeyed" is also "She Who Must Not Be Made To Wait"

Originally Posted by MacBean

If you want to make me one like this, I'll provide the leopard skin! :-)

Believe it or not, I have a pending commission right now for a very VERY similar piece in pewter/silver. We're still working out some details.

I'd very dearly love to make one in leopard though!

It's actually because of said commission that I may be buying a jeweler's lathe so that I can turn the decorative knobs in the appropriate metal.

ith:

**Ryan Ross** · 25th February 12, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

...It's actually because of said commission that I may be buying a jeweler's lathe so that I can turn the decorative knobs in the appropriate metal.

Ok, Scott... Now you're just showing off.

**artificer** · 25th February 12, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

Ok, Scott... Now you're just showing off.

I wish it were the case. They simply don't exist. Give it a web search.

Appropriately sized brass turnings are barely available. The place I linked to on the first page has cut their stock offerings by a bit and also has $100 minimum order for STOCK parts.

Real silver ones do NOT exist. Apart from making them, my only other option is a jeweler. By the time I pay a jeweler to make them, I could afford the lathe AND the silver, still have the lathe for future work, and re-melt all the machined off silver for future use. As an additional benefit I can make things specifically to a commissioner's request.

In essence this situation is this entire project in miniature. It is simply something that doesn't exist, so I'm forced to make them.

My wife has already been advised

ith: