Gunto restoration

[John A Stuart]

I am just about to start restoration on a Gunto and have found a pristine Tsuka that has never been on a sword. My question is, to drill the Mekugiana, do you just measure where it should be by measuring with the fittings and correlate this to the Nakago or is there some trick I should know? I don't want to bugger it up since the Tsuka is virgin. John

[Brian]

John,

 

To be honest, I have no idea how one would improvise the ana after it is complete. Usually they would be drilled before the tsuka is completed.

To be safe, I would ask in the Bugei sword crafts forum where Keith Larman should be able to help you out. They know their stuff there.

Tell him to pop in occasionally here :D

http://www.swordforumbugei.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=2

 

Brian

[Stephen]

if you cant get ahold of Keith try David McDonald here>

http://www.montanairon.com/swords.html

 

he has done tsuka work for me and it always comes back very tight witn no play of tsuba sand seppa.

[mike yeon]

Are you drilling a hole in the nakago or are you drilling a hole in the tsuka?

 

If nakago, then traditionally speaking, the mekugi-ana should be the width of roughly 3 fingers from the hamachi. (4 fingers for tachi).

 

mike

[John A Stuart]

Thanks guys, I have a call in to Keith. It kind of only makes sense but we'll see. Mike, it is the tsuka that is to be drilled. Normally a tsuka would be made to the sword but I think that these may have been prepared as replacements in the field or at garrison where they could be installed by non-skilled armourers (meaning the finer points of gunto,like tsukamaki etc.) and just had to be drilled. Sound right? John

[bdgrange]

You need to measure from the fuchi back on the tsuka, the distance from where it begins on the nakago with all seppa and tsuba in place to the front of the ana. If you get it wrong and it is to the front of the hole the whole works will move back with a good pull. You better have some same the same color and size available and some wood dough if you get it wrong. Larger size mekugi ana can make up for some errors. I drill with the tsuka in place and go through one side of the tsuka and then take a look to see where you are using a smaller drill.

 

good luck

Bill Delagrange

[John A Stuart]

Hi db, Yes drilling a smaller pilot hole that can be recentred if necessary when using the properly sized bit is a great idea. I'll do that. Thanks, John