Thread: Repair of FW case. Different latches

I bought reproduction latches for my FW case and they are the same size but I need to square out part of the top wood on the case to fit the latches. Can anyone suggest a tool to do this?

Joe . . . my best bet is on you :-)

What part of wood needs to change for the latches? Also, where did you get the repro versions? I think we may need to get some of them for the featherweight we picked up on ebay (though I won't know for sure until it gets here.)

I don't know where she bought hers, but I bought some from Glenn Williams for a reasonable price. He sells repros as well as originals. I bought some original hasps and they went right on. It's the hinges I'm struggling with...

I've never done a Featherweight case. And I'm not sure why you'd need to alter the case for the latches. I'd prefer to acquire proper latches that fit like the originals.

I guess I'm needing a picture or two to see what's going on.

One other site to check out for Featherweight case parts and information is:
http://thefeatherweight221factory.com/

Joe

I guess I need to get pics. Both sets of latches are the same size but the original's backs aren't square so the wooden box is cut out with recesses. A friend suggested I use an exacto knife to trim out the unrecessed pieces of wood so the new squared off latches slide in. This seemed reasonable but I thought there might have been an easier (and safer) way.

Originally Posted by Caroline S

Thanks Joe for the link to the Featherweight 221 Factory. I guess, as I spent way too much time there this morning. I have been so busy canning and doing yard work that my case project is on hold for a short while. I wish I could be three people instead of one.

It don't work, you'd just be three times as busy and get three times less rest.

Joe