Anybody make their own Texas Ranger Star?
- Thread starter 4V50 Gary
- Start date
bedbugbilly
New member
Sounds like a fun project Gary. I wouldn't think it would be too hard with a jewelers saw. Can't be any harder than cutting out inlays. I didn't google it so will ask - have you found a good close up photo of an original to follow?
Tidewater_Kid
New member
This should get you started on pictures:
http://www.google.com/search?q=texa...JMfv8AHp74C4Dw&ved=0CDEQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=1081
TK
http://www.google.com/search?q=texa...JMfv8AHp74C4Dw&ved=0CDEQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=1081
TK
captneil19
New member
making stars
Well u want to cast,too start with I have done that for years,an the equip.is costly,u do what is called the lost wax process.For someone to just piddle around with its not worth buying all that stuff.You would be better off just buying a piece of plate an a jewellers saw an cutting them out,but you can go on line an buy them cheap,u.s.marshals badges. Not trying to change your mind just trying to save you some money,if you want to talk to me about it feel free to contact me T my email.
Well u want to cast,too start with I have done that for years,an the equip.is costly,u do what is called the lost wax process.For someone to just piddle around with its not worth buying all that stuff.You would be better off just buying a piece of plate an a jewellers saw an cutting them out,but you can go on line an buy them cheap,u.s.marshals badges. Not trying to change your mind just trying to save you some money,if you want to talk to me about it feel free to contact me T my email.
bedbugbilly
New member
captneil19 - I don' believe the original ones were "cast" - they were cut out of silver pesos which were readily available in Texas
I've done the lost wax process many years with spring loaded centrifugal caster. We made wax patterns, cast them in plaster and then melted the wax out to make the cavity complete with sprues and risers. We mainly did rings, etc. I had a friend who worked his way through college using wheat straw for a patter and actual bumble bees (dead ones) as well. He cast them out of silver mostly and then mounted the shaft of straw in a nice walnut block with the bee attached to the straw head . He sold quite a few of them to professors. He should have been an artist - he became an electrician.
I'm not sure how the original Ranger badges were made as I haven't seen one in person. I don't know if they were just cut out of a flat peso or if the peso was domed and then had the star cut.
I'll be interested in seeing what you end up with Gary. It's my understanding that the first badges were of course "hand made" so that leaves you a lot of room to be creative!
I've done the lost wax process many years with spring loaded centrifugal caster. We made wax patterns, cast them in plaster and then melted the wax out to make the cavity complete with sprues and risers. We mainly did rings, etc. I had a friend who worked his way through college using wheat straw for a patter and actual bumble bees (dead ones) as well. He cast them out of silver mostly and then mounted the shaft of straw in a nice walnut block with the bee attached to the straw head . He sold quite a few of them to professors. He should have been an artist - he became an electrician.
I'm not sure how the original Ranger badges were made as I haven't seen one in person. I don't know if they were just cut out of a flat peso or if the peso was domed and then had the star cut.
I'll be interested in seeing what you end up with Gary. It's my understanding that the first badges were of course "hand made" so that leaves you a lot of room to be creative!
Drill or jeweler's saw and file. I'd get some form to hammer it around to give it a convex shape. Then graver bits (if I can find them) for the wording.
BTW, was working on a double barrel muzzle loading shotgun today. Spent three hours removing rust from one barrel. Need to bring my honing tools to clean the bore. I think it's English made and "London Twist" is on the barrel. Waiting for the proof marks so I can share it with you guys (in a new thread).
BTW, was working on a double barrel muzzle loading shotgun today. Spent three hours removing rust from one barrel. Need to bring my honing tools to clean the bore. I think it's English made and "London Twist" is on the barrel. Waiting for the proof marks so I can share it with you guys (in a new thread).