BUILD YOUR OWN BRONZE SALUTE CANNON
Work alongside a master machinist.
- JIM McGUIGGAN — AUGUST 8–14
In this unique course, master machinist Jim McGuiggan will teach students the skills required to build a simple muzzle-loading black-powder salute cannon. This 12″ highly polished bronze cannon is in the tradition of the famous L. Francis Herreshoff cannons that were (and still are) used to celebrate boat launchings and other special occasions.
Over the six days, your instructor will cover machine shop safety, tool bit sharpening, and all the necessary lathe skills needed to complete this beautiful project. These include boring, turning, cutting, drilling and tapping threads, polishing, nameplate engraving, and much more. Jim will demonstrate each step of the building process as the cannons take shape. Students will also fashion a simple cannon carriage. The wheels will be bronze, and students can choose between either cherry and mahogany for the carriage body.
You can be one of six students who will work alongside a master machinist who spent over 50 years in the trade. And at week’s end, each participant will have a working model that will be an attractive addition to any boat, pier, or backyard. On Saturday, students will demonstrate the effectiveness of their work during a special salute contest on our waterfront.
Tuition: $750
Materials: $175 (includes cannon & carrying case)
Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday afternoon.