Build Your Own Bronze Salute Cannon
Work alongside a master machinist.
- Duke McGuiggan & Michael Caldwell —June 24–30
Tuition: $700
Materials: $210 (includes cannon & carrying case)
Note: Jim McGuiggan, who created this course, will stop by to check on the students’ progress.
In this unique course, master machinist Duke McGuiggan will teach students the skills required to build a simple muzzle-loading blackpowder 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 five days, your instructors 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. They 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 the lucky students who will work alongside these master machinist and at week’s end, each participant will have a working model that will be an attractive addition to any boat, pier, or backyard.
