Author Topic: Cannon Making Class  (Read 1896 times)

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Offline GGaskill

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Cannon Making Class
« on: July 07, 2006, 11:49:03 AM »
It's probably a little premature to announce this considering the unpredictability of the future but I am going to do it anyway.

The Lassen College (in northeastern California) NRA Gunsmithing Program (a summer session activity) is planning to hold a one week cannon making class in the summer of 2007.  Bob Hamilton will be the instructor of record but I will actually be teaching most of it.  What we need now is a groundswell of interest from the student body; if you are interested, call Steve Taylor (530.251.8800) and get your name on the mailing list for the 2007 Class Schedule (be sure to mention your interest in the cannon class.)

You can get general information about the program at LassenGunsmithing.com and detailed info about the cannon class at the Special Projects page.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill

Offline Michael Az

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2006, 02:20:04 PM »
That would be fun. Sure wish it were closer!
Michael

Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2006, 02:35:37 PM »
I suppose you could drive over to Chino and ride with me.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill

Offline Michael Az

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2006, 07:18:50 PM »
That is a great offer!
 I have to start on a job of making seven good sized gearbox's in about a month. I think it will take about a year and not sure I will be done by then. Will have to play it by ear. Thx.
Michael

Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2007, 04:09:21 PM »
The latest status on the Cannon Making class is that the whole summer program is waiting for the bureaucrats to come back from Christmas break and approve it.  I will keep you informed.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill

Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2007, 08:29:47 PM »
OK, the class is on.  Now it's up to me and a few others to drum up enough interest to get students to enroll.  The class is scheduled for June 25-29 in Susanville, CA.  See the LassenGunsmithing.com website for general information and the Special Projects pages for details. 
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
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Offline Double D

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2007, 04:48:15 PM »
George,

Grat deal.  Did you guys notice we get mention in the class synopsis?

 How much Machine shop experience does a person need for this class?


Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2007, 04:55:38 PM »
How much Machine shop experience does a person need for this class?

The more you have, the faster you will be able to go, but I could take someone with no experience and finish a Coehorn or mountain howitzer barrel in a week if the student really wanted to do it.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
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Offline dscp

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2007, 05:31:29 PM »
:o   WOW! COOL, NEAT, SUPER DOOPER !   I HOPE THIS WILL BE ON GOING. NO CHANCE TO DO THAT THIS YEAR , BUT I COULD PLAN AHEAD FOR 2008 ! (I HOPE TO BE RETIRED BY THEN) . CAN YOU GIVE SOME SORTA BREAKDOWN AS TO THE COST ? I MEAN I KNOW YOU ARE OVER 2,000 MILES AWAY BUT THAT WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE . I WOULD WANT TO SHOOT GOLF BALLS OF OF A NAVAL GUN ( RETIRED USN ) . PLEASE SEND SUCH INFO AS AVAILABLE ( WHICH MIGHT NOT BE UNTIL AFTER THIS YEARS CLASS )
THANKIJG YOU IN ADVANCE,
dscp   or drugstorecowpoke@yahoo.com
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Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2007, 09:35:38 PM »
It will be ongoing if we demonstrate a need is being served by students enrolling in the class.  We probably need at least a dozen this year to guarantee a class next summer.

Cost:  The enrollment fees run around $65 a week plus you need local lodging ($35 a night on up) plus food plus whatever it costs to get here and return.  If you have to fly, the rest of the costs will probably total less than the flight costs plus car rental (the nearest airport is Reno, NV, about 90 miles away.)  Steel costs about $5 an inch length for 4 inch diameter material.

You say a naval gun.  Does this mean one like this on the Constitution?  Or a Dahlgren shell gun?  Or something else?
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill

Offline dscp

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #10 on: February 27, 2007, 02:30:53 PM »
HOWDY!         I WAS REFERING TO THE 24 # YOU STATE WAS USED ABOARD THE U.S.S. CONSTELATION ! I AM GOING TO SEE IF I CAN ROUND UP A BUDDY TO GO ALSO. ( BESIDES MY WIFE ALSO A BUDDY )
WOW !
JEFF   dscp
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Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #11 on: July 15, 2007, 09:57:00 AM »
The cannon making class was held from June 25-29 at Lassen College in northeast California.  Although we didn't get everyone's guns completely finished, we did make a lot of progress.  I have posted ten pages on the lassengunsmithing.com site reviewing the class.  Hope you enjoy it.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill

Offline J and J

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #12 on: July 15, 2007, 04:32:11 PM »
Nice write-up at Lassen George.  Just the way I remember it, except for the heat!  Seems most days were at least 85* in the shop from noon until we shut down at 9PM.

If you weren't there you missed a good time, and I can't imagine there is a less expensive way to come up with a cannon.  The classes, lodging, and materials are all reasonably priced, and the machinery and tooling use is free!

If this class is offered again next year, seriously consider attending, it's a bargain.  If there is a continuing interest it seems more likely the school would be more willing to repeat it.

Thanks again George, I had a good time and ended up with a nice cannon.

Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #13 on: July 15, 2007, 08:27:39 PM »
Thanks, and be happy it was only 85°; later in the summer it gets over 100°.   ;D

Post a pic or two if you can.

Thanks again for attending.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill

Offline entsminger

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #14 on: July 16, 2007, 02:00:03 AM »
 Oh boy would I love to take your cannon making class but it's a bit far to drive from Virginia. Wish there was something like that here.

  Scott

Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #15 on: July 16, 2007, 10:26:13 PM »
Oh boy would I love to take your cannon making class but it's a bit far to drive from Virginia. Wish there was something like that here.

Paraphrasing Harry Callahan, a man has to set his priorities.  ;D


"J and J" sent me some pictures of his post-class finishing activities.  They are on Page Ten of the class report.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill

Offline m223

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #16 on: July 18, 2007, 02:05:51 PM »
Man that would be a fun learning experience. Every state should have a cannon community college. 

Offline dscp

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #17 on: July 18, 2007, 03:18:56 PM »
WELL I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU GUYS, BUT I LIVE IN LOUISIANA AND 'WE' PLAN ON DRIVING .  'WE' WOULD LOVE TO SHARE EXPENCES WITH ANOTHER COUPLE . ANYB MORE THAN TWO COUPLES AND WHAT I HAVE WOULD NOT BE BIG ENOUGH . RENT A VAN OR ??? I WILL RETIRE THIS YEAR SO IT ALL SHOULD BE COOL !!!
      DOES EVERYONE THINK I AM A LOONEY OR WHAT ? I SHALL AWAIT THE ANSWERS !
dscp
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Offline GGaskill

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Re: Cannon Making Class
« Reply #18 on: July 19, 2007, 02:25:04 PM »
dscp,

     I just noticed that you wanted to shoot golf balls from a 24 pounder.  This would require a slightly larger piece of steel than we currently use, 4.5" versus 4" diameter.  This is possible but would require advance notice (and probably payment) unless you were to bring your own steel.
GG
“If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart; if you're not a conservative at 40, you have no brain.”
--Winston Churchill