The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Mericet on August 20, 2011, 01:57:44 PM

Title: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on August 20, 2011, 01:57:44 PM
on the way to my new career.


(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H9wmeCNztHs/Tk_4QQ4LLwI/AAAAAAAAAB4/vdcCzTpYz7M/s912/Action%252520wrench%252520bolts1.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6XcNBHBE_CU/Tk_4RiKTa6I/AAAAAAAAAB8/XvxkJob3-g0/s912/Action%252520wrench%252520bolts2.JPG)
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: alfsauve on August 20, 2011, 03:28:16 PM
That's cool, turning large pieces of metal into smaller ones.  ;)




Artfully of course.

Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: fightingquaker13 on August 20, 2011, 03:30:32 PM
That's cool, turning large pieces of metal into smaller ones.  ;)




Artfully of course.


Here in Florida, our prison system teaches convicts that same skill. Only they use rocks and sledge hammers. ;D
Start offering suppresors and I'll be impressed. ;)
FQ13 who is just kidding, but a bit confused. What are you showing us?
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: Solus on August 20, 2011, 04:18:01 PM
I thought he refinished the floor.... ;D
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: twyacht on August 20, 2011, 04:30:09 PM
I'll take a 24" bull barrel 1:7 twist please... doesn't even have to be fluted,....in 7.62x51/.308...

 ;D
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 20, 2011, 04:53:16 PM
Here in Florida, our prison system teaches convicts that same skill. Only they use rocks and sledge hammers. ;D
Start offering suppresors and I'll be impressed. ;)
FQ13 who is just kidding, but a bit confused. What are you showing us?

He's learning to run a lathe, Turning a diameter, probably +/- .001 tolerance, and a specific length, knurling in the middle, then threading a specific length, or thread count on the other end, also the 2 shafts probably have to be centered and parallel.
Now for my questions.
CNC or manual ?
Are you hand grinding your own tooling ?
Are you learning milling machines, and grinders as well, or just lathes ?
Have you hand filed a 1" cube yet ?
Wait till you make a nut, and a bolt, and they fit, then you will be really proud of yourself.  ;D
Looks like a real good job.
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: Mericet on August 20, 2011, 05:13:53 PM
I forgot to mention what my new career will be. I just started an associates degree in gunsmithing at Montgomery Community College in Troy, NC.

He's learning to run a lathe, Turning a diameter, probably +/- .001 tolerance, and a specific length, knurling in the middle, then threading a specific length, or thread count on the other end, also the 2 shafts probably have to be centered and parallel.
Now for my questions.
CNC or manual ?
Are you hand grinding your own tooling ?
Are you learning milling machines, and grinders as well, or just lathes ?
Have you hand filed a 1" cube yet ?
Wait till you make a nut, and a bolt, and they fit, then you will be really proud of yourself.  ;D
Looks like a real good job.

Correct Tom, learning to use a lathe. Or at least the basics. We will be making a lot of the tools we will need this semester. This project is the bolts for an action wrench. The piece you see will be split in the middle to make the 2 bolts. We are using manual lathes, I am using tools I ground myself (it is actually required as part of the grade). We will also use/learn on mills and grinders including some limited CNC work. The threaded part is 1/2x13 and fits the test nut we are using. And believe me, there is a lot of room for improvement in that piece. Since the course is in gunsmithing, we only learn the machining and welding skills needed to perform the work in the syllabus. I will look into a separate machining course next year.

I'll take a 24" bull barrel 1:7 twist please... doesn't even have to be fluted,....in 7.62x51/.308...

 ;D

In a year or so.  ;D

FQ13 who is just kidding, but a bit confused. What are you showing us?

All answered above fq.  :)

Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 20, 2011, 05:21:34 PM
Cool,
Manual machines are fun, and easier on your nerves to run. if you start to get in trouble, just quit cranking  ;D
CNC is just a different method of getting the crank to turn, but you ALWAYS want to dry run a new set up SLOWLY, before you put in a piece of metal and let her rip.
Another term for a machine crash is "experience".  ;D
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: 2HOW on August 20, 2011, 06:17:10 PM
congrats and GL  ;D
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: BAC on August 20, 2011, 06:54:40 PM
Good luck!
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: Mericet on August 20, 2011, 09:49:05 PM
Thanks everyone. Expect to see more pictures in the coming weeks. ;D
Title: Re: First steps..
Post by: PegLeg45 on August 21, 2011, 02:13:02 PM
Thanks everyone. Expect to see more pictures in the coming weeks. ;D

Cool.........and continued good luck.   :D
 
Nothing like making your own "stuff".......
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: Mericet on August 24, 2011, 09:17:43 PM
Finished the action wrench bolts:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E-UW-Xdfuh4/TlWpkzf21II/AAAAAAAAADo/JrPEhr_7t00/s912/Action%252520wrench%252520bolts3.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T-o_fsqQaRY/TlWphuE6NnI/AAAAAAAAADo/inJiHjQ6SRM/s912/Action%252520wrench%252520bolts4.JPG)

Starting two Mauser bolt mandrels:

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NHWMd5KZFgE/TlWppRKm9VI/AAAAAAAAADo/O5Irw3dIfjo/s912/Mauser%252520bolt%252520mandrel1.JPG)
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 24, 2011, 10:28:59 PM
What are you doing your measuring with ?
Mics or calipers ?
What kind of tolerances ?
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: Pathfinder on August 25, 2011, 06:00:57 AM
Very cool work. One of the big regrets I had about high school was that I followed only the college track, and did not get the "shop" classes I could have had. I had to learn welding and other things on the side - at my own expense as well - as an adult. Never did learn metalworking (other than the welding part).

Looking forward to seeing the rest of your adventures!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: alfsauve on August 25, 2011, 06:33:11 AM
Mericet,

Despite the kidding you'll receive here, please do continue to show us your projects.  I, for one, find it fascinating and we'll try to encourage you along with the ribbing.

Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: ellis4538 on August 25, 2011, 06:33:54 AM
Nice work...When do you get to file a hunk of steel into a perfect square?  LOL  Supposedly that was what candidates for some of the old line gunmakers had to do!  I'm almost as dangerous with a file as I am with a Dremel!

Richard
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: Solus on August 25, 2011, 07:21:18 AM
Mericet,

Despite the kidding you'll receive here, please do continue to show us your projects.  I, for one, find it fascinating and we'll try to encourage you along with the ribbing.



+100

All of that and I'm impressed reflecting on that your training starts you making the tools you need. 

I guess it is a well known and standard approach, but, really, how much more confidence can you build than knowing you can make any tool you need to get your job done...

Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: PegLeg45 on August 25, 2011, 10:19:18 AM
Very cool, Mericet......you are bringing back all the good memories of machine shop training.   ;)   :D
Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 25, 2011, 10:32:48 AM
Ellis, Filing the 1 inch cube was my first project in Vocational school. What a SOB that was  ;D

Mericet, I can only agree with PegLeg.  When I was learning it was the coolest thing in the world.
When I started working at it it lost its charm since you were only doing one operation over and over instead of going from a chunk of material to a finished part.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: Mericet on August 25, 2011, 08:20:44 PM
What are you doing your measuring with ?
Mics or calipers ?
What kind of tolerances ?

Mostly calipers. Mics on some of the round parts. We are working to .001 on most of the dimensions.

Mericet,

Despite the kidding you'll receive here, please do continue to show us your projects.  I, for one, find it fascinating and we'll try to encourage you along with the ribbing.



Did not see it as ribbing, and I intend to try and post all my tool project for this semester (29 required) and then all my firearm projects after that.

Nice work...When do you get to file a hunk of steel into a perfect square?  LOL  Supposedly that was what candidates for some of the old line gunmakers had to do!  I'm almost as dangerous with a file as I am with a Dremel!

Richard

Did have to do that a long time ago. No time for that in this course. There is a lot of required projects to finish and I want to try a few optional ones as well.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: tombogan03884 on August 25, 2011, 09:21:39 PM
Sounds like a really fun course. I look forward to your future posts.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade. Was First steps..
Post by: Mericet on August 25, 2011, 10:03:21 PM
I am really looking forward to the next two years!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on August 26, 2011, 10:39:43 AM
Some more pictures:

Mauser bolt mandrels. One is slightly longer to act as a heat sink when forging bolts.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bIluC6OqifQ/TlcOAjfgFDI/AAAAAAAAAD8/84OnaHbhd_8/s912/Mauser%252520bolt%252520mandrel2.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-smIRubOiZTg/TlcOCn-ltRI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Jmq8g7WXMAM/s912/Mauser%252520bolt%252520mandrel3.JPG)

Started working on 3 pairs of inletting draw up screws for Mauser, Remington 700 and Winchester 70.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CscPnfnUCvc/TlcODO79jII/AAAAAAAAAEE/soi-fA3ZLIQ/s912/Inletting%252520draw%252520up%252520screws1.JPG)
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: blackwolfe on August 27, 2011, 02:43:45 PM
Mericet, Keep up the good work.  Looking forward to your post as you progress.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on September 03, 2011, 08:58:39 AM
Busy week but here is what I have achieved this week.

I almost finished the inletting draw up screws. All that is left is for me to drill the holes for the handles and the drill and tap for the set screws that will hold the handles in place. I also made the three handles I will need for the Colt crane bushing wrenches I have to make and the handle for the Clymer reamer extension. While I am fairly happy with the finish and overall quality of the work I am doing, I also know I can still improve on it. I do have some concern that I am taking too long to finish my projects because I am trying to make them as good as I can. On to the pictures:

Inletting draw up screws, a pair each for Mauser, Rem 700 and Win 70
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-En-_cPoVHTo/TmIqGM8uwpI/AAAAAAAAAGk/XrG6aeGIWJ0/s912/Inletting%252520draw%252520up%252520screws2.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GFBy82gCbfQ/TmIqIuicTZI/AAAAAAAAAGo/5dDzk6L9JEo/s912/Inletting%252520draw%252520up%252520screws3.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5VIqed0_mcc/TmIqJH9mAxI/AAAAAAAAAGs/rgYfgOrZPBc/s912/Inletting%252520draw%252520up%252520screws4.JPG)

Handles. The larger one is for the Clymer reamer extension:
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aTs9AkXiYxM/TmIqKTGdjJI/AAAAAAAAAGw/cMicN6pf8F4/s912/Handles.JPG)

Finished the week with some range time at the college range shooting my Remington 700 VLS in 308. I realized I need a lot of practice.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on September 03, 2011, 10:31:05 AM
All this has really impressed me.

Not just your work, Mericet, but the whole concept of creating what you need from a piece of metal.....like Tom said he so liked to do...before he got into "production work".

We need a machine shop in the corner where we can all come to learn and watch this.  We can call it our "Rehabilitation Thearpy"...only thing is that we'd have to put up a turnstile and take numbers to get into the corner....
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: BAC on September 03, 2011, 10:35:58 AM
I am so jealous that you get to learn this.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Pathfinder on September 03, 2011, 12:26:43 PM
All this has really impressed me.

Not just your work, Mericet, but the whole concept of creating what you need from a piece of metal.....like Tom said he so liked to do...before he got into "production work".

We need a machine shop in the corner where we can all come to learn and watch this.  We can call it our "Rehabilitation Thearpy"...only thing is that we'd have to put up a turnstile and take numbers to get into the corner....

I don't know, I really hated "thearpy" last time I was in it!  ;D


I am so jealous that you get to learn this.

Amen to that brother. Wish I had an opportunity to get into this, but the new job is taking all my free time, and the lengthy unemployment took all my money!  :o  ::)
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on September 03, 2011, 01:14:30 PM
I don't know, I really hated "thearpy" last time I was in it!  ;D


Amen to that brother. Wish I had an opportunity to get into this, but the new job is taking all my free time, and the lengthy unemployment took all my money!  :o  ::)

And this one will be tougher since we will have to leave the refreshments out of the shop.   But look at the bright side.  It will really cut down on our bar bills.....
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on September 14, 2011, 10:21:58 PM
I have been busy working and need to update this thread with some new pictures! I am doing some mill projects now so I need to focus (unsuccessfully at times) a little differently now.

Finished these on the lathe:
Inletting guide screws. One pair each for Mauser, Remington 700 and Winchester 70. The slots for the screwdriver is hand cut with a hack saw.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tVSlFnQe1jw/TnFnqvpqmMI/AAAAAAAAAHk/l7i5cJlgGXw/s800/Inletting%252520guide%252520screws%2525201.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eMk2Mm9B_Zk/TnFnrs856oI/AAAAAAAAAHo/G67A5dTWoZk/s800/Inletting%252520guide%252520screws%2525202.JPG)

Did some more work on the action wrench (bolts were done earlier):
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zg8myqA-xL0/TnFnf_42T6I/AAAAAAAAAHM/x8vCWkGJnmk/s800/Action%252520wrench%2525201.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RWk1Kv8bLvo/TnFnhewXh3I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/fVtO9DQBiGg/s800/Action%252520wrench%2525202.JPG)

Not too happy about the mistake on this one. Fed the mill in the wrong direction. I will leave it for now and might remake this if time allows.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-142ccmGObz4/TnFnh3vzJTI/AAAAAAAAAHU/meP7Bo54Sgg/s800/Action%252520wrench%2525203.JPG)

Started this today. Bolt bending block. Cut to size, clamped and .703 hole drilled followed by a step to 0.8125.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UmlCeFYJYRs/TnFnl9Z1DiI/AAAAAAAAAHY/giaFyv-CQr0/s800/Bolt%252520bending%252520block%2525201.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-389HP2x6Khc/TnFnnp2vTtI/AAAAAAAAAHc/EH2bEgMdb0E/s800/Bolt%252520bending%252520block%252520%2525202.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nB4jWXDaZYc/TnFnnxuwjoI/AAAAAAAAAHg/co69JjtFmuo/s800/Bolt%252520bending%252520block%252520%2525203.JPG)

I should be able to finish this project tomorrow.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 14, 2011, 11:29:31 PM
Mericet, you didn't feed the mill the wrong direction, "You cut a clearance slot"  ;D
It's all in how you present it.  ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on September 15, 2011, 04:47:33 PM
I will try that Tom. But my grade depends on how the instructor marks it!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Majer on September 15, 2011, 06:15:26 PM
Just dovetail it and press a piece of brass into it for your initials, it's now an ID plate.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Pathfinder on September 15, 2011, 07:56:51 PM
Just dovetail it and press a piece of brass into it for your initials, it's now an ID plate.

Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 ;)
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on September 22, 2011, 10:59:49 PM
I like that idea Majer!


Have been so busy that I have not even been posting or taking pictures. Quite a few and some grades on them as well.

First, I have completed the action wrench. Final grade is a 96:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rs4kVOH8q_c/TnqMALKEXWI/AAAAAAAAAIc/tPAfcC4JFw0/s912/Action%252520wrench%2525204.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DtQutiqG2fQ/TnqMFTIbxVI/AAAAAAAAAIg/dHhEeu4Ul8A/s912/Action%252520wrench%2525205.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NFij0AmuYc0/TnqMNc9jYdI/AAAAAAAAAIs/UMhqXOf_Ii0/s912/Action%252520wrench%2525206.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0bZDmjLGStg/TnqMeorIeTI/AAAAAAAAAI0/qLgONG8TO6Y/s912/Action%252520wrench%2525207.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uC-AqbzFpA8/TnqMkkL2CyI/AAAAAAAAAI4/AdNXfcIX_pw/s912/Action%252520wrench%252520complete.JPG)

To maximize my time in class, I have started to bring the projects home and doing some finishing work on them here. The spare bedroom is now a photo studio. And a study, bedroom, workshop, reloading bench among other things.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on September 22, 2011, 11:00:44 PM
Next is the bolt bending block. Also completed and a grade of 93:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CCvM7eOwxHw/TnqMpc377wI/AAAAAAAAAI8/viN1ZC28r8M/s912/Bolt%252520bending%252520block%2525204.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-scx2QYZB4OY/TnqM7Ty4thI/AAAAAAAAAJA/nAD3QeAhs3I/s912/Bolt%252520bending%252520block%2525205.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YUPYNnxfu8s/TnqNCNuPeGI/AAAAAAAAAJE/CkTYhdZ-7jo/s912/Bolt%252520bending%252520block%2525206.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pFmOTsY5oIQ/TnqNGQmiPmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Nh0WGHdfp-4/s912/Bolt%252520bending%252520block%2525207.JPG)


The two Mauser bolt mandrels and the inletting guide screws were also graded at 93. Those pictures were posted earlier.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on September 22, 2011, 11:01:44 PM
I have completed the inletting draw screws. I have unfortunately not taken the final product picture, but here is a teaser:

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-11m7n1bLRPg/TnqNeO3JlfI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/08dgd1s4ZLE/s912/Inletting%252520draw%252520up%252520screws%2525205.JPG)

Side view of a clymer reamer extension:

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LmLSIN9-r8I/TnqNcdS69cI/AAAAAAAAAJM/IPk_N0suL1g/s912/Clymer%252520Reamer%252520extension.JPG)

Started working on a Mauser receiver facing mandrel. It is also complete (but no pictures yet) and a grade of 93:

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WFp5r_PTwu0/TnqNgB0f3eI/AAAAAAAAAJU/udFuWd858zU/s912/Mauser%252520receiver%252520facing%252520mandrel%2525201.JPG)
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 22, 2011, 11:46:26 PM
Looks great ! It seems you avoided the normal beginners mistake of getting way to aggressive on the knurling.
Yours looks good, the first time I knurled a handle it was sharp enough to remove flesh when you used it  ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on September 23, 2011, 08:17:11 AM
Nice grades  :D  I think your work looks great too....but I'm just fascinated by the proces.

Like your new photo studio also.....much better lighting with the cloth background.

I do look forward to seeing a post by you, so keep it up and thanks.

Take care
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: PegLeg45 on September 23, 2011, 12:45:55 PM
Looks great ! It seems you avoided the normal beginners mistake of getting way to aggressive on the knurling.
Yours looks good, the first time I knurled a handle it was sharp enough to remove flesh when you used it  ;D

Nice grades  :D  I think your work looks great too....but I'm just fascinated by the proces.

Like your new photo studio also.....much better lighting with the cloth background.

I do look forward to seeing a post by you, so keep it up and thanks.

Take care


They said it best.

Keep up the great work!!!!!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on September 23, 2011, 01:22:40 PM
Thanks everyone. The knurling on the handle is pretty sharp. I had to run the knurling tool over that piece twice. I managed to mangle two acid brushes on the first attempt while oiling the tool (and being stupid about the way I was doing it). I will have a chance to do some more knurling early next week. I hope to pull that off in one pass.

I do know there is still room for a lot of improvement. I guess it is better to work those things out on tools rather than the rifles I will start building next semester!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 23, 2011, 02:14:01 PM
Thanks everyone. The knurling on the handle is pretty sharp. I had to run the knurling tool over that piece twice. I managed to mangle two acid brushes on the first attempt while oiling the tool (and being stupid about the way I was doing it). I will have a chance to do some more knurling early next week. I hope to pull that off in one pass.

I do know there is still room for a lot of improvement. I guess it is better to work those things out on tools rather than the rifles I will start building next semester!


Ummm, Yeah.      ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: PegLeg45 on September 23, 2011, 03:25:59 PM
I guess it is better to work those things out on tools rather than the rifles I will start building next semester!

One of the best shooting and most accurate riles I've ever shot was a "reject" or "practice" gun that a former co-worker made when he first got into the gunsmithing business.  ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 02, 2011, 12:44:22 PM
Picture time again!

Finished the Mauser receiver facing mandrel. I received a grade of 93.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mg2t1VayN00/ToiVdhqFx4I/AAAAAAAAAKc/v_SQewxYhas/s912/Mauser%252520receiver%252520facing%252520mandrel%2525203.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uBiKM7iMLUI/ToiVcpbIGAI/AAAAAAAAAKY/ilZ8tSkC4Gc/s912/Mauser%252520receiver%252520facing%252520mandrel%2525202.JPG)

Finished a shotgun magazine dent remover in 12 gauge. The grade for this one was 95.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UMLxl0HEUxo/ToiVfuvlsfI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ORbyinBqgB4/s912/Shotgun%252520Magazine%252520Dent%252520Remover%25252012ga%2525201.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zOGYDuEfnxQ/ToiViLwaMYI/AAAAAAAAAKk/7ovWbMd3Jyo/s912/Shotgun%252520Magazine%252520Dent%252520Remover%25252012ga%2525202.JPG)

Finished the inletting draw up screws as well. Grade was a 93.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C6LvADhKUyU/ToiVTAuclpI/AAAAAAAAAKU/k9Y6UKecY-s/s912/Inletting%252520draw%252520up%252520screws%2525206.JPG)


Started work on the barrel dent removers in 12, 16 and 20 gauge. This is the start of the anvils.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZMNrUhsilDw/ToiWoAq__dI/AAAAAAAAAKs/P3J2Lxqj4Yk/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover_anvils%2525201.JPG)

Started to buy items needed for my projects next semester when we will start working on firearms. First project is a Mauser action rifle that will be done in .257 Roberts with a wood stock. The donor rifle have been sourced and the barrel (with the others I need) will be purchased next week. Got in on a group buy for a FN SPR action with detachable box magazine. This will be chambered in .204 Ruger with a composite stock. I am still looking for an action for the last rifle project (either a Savage or Remington 700) that will be done as a scout style rifle. Most likely I will do this one in .308 and use a laminate stock.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 02, 2011, 02:34:06 PM
Are the calibers assigned or your choices ?

Good grades  ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 02, 2011, 02:58:14 PM
Are the calibers assigned or your choices ?

Good grades  ;D

Thanks Tom. The calibers are my choice and, in a way the actions. The requirement is for one Mauser action but as these are becoming scarce, we can also do any flat bottom receiver. The first rifle I am intending as an all round hunting rifle that will be pleasant to shoot, hence the 257 Roberts. The FN action we got a really good deal on and will become a sniper style rifle for my wife. Since the scout rifles is popular at the moment I decided to do one of those. In keeping with Col. Jeff Cooper's concept of the scout I will most likely leave that in .308.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 02, 2011, 03:01:34 PM
So basically you are going to build your most purpose bolt action battery while you can write it off on taxes.
Wise man  ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 02, 2011, 03:24:42 PM
Have not thought about it in that way! I am also considering making the scout in 7mm-08. That will make it a little easier for recoil shy people to shoot. I already have a Rem 700 VLS in .308 anyway.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: twyacht on October 02, 2011, 06:20:25 PM
Very nice Mericet, if by chance a Model 98 Mauser bolt schematic comes to your inbox,....well... ::)
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on October 02, 2011, 07:14:48 PM
Impressed again.  With your grades and just the whole process again.

BTW, what is the difference between a 95 and a 93?  too many tool marks?  Final finish or a bit off in a dimension?  And what would take a 95 to 100?

Thanks again for the progress report and the pictures.

Take care.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 02, 2011, 08:21:05 PM
Impressed again.  With your grades and just the whole process again.

BTW, what is the difference between a 95 and a 93?  too many tool marks?  Final finish or a bit off in a dimension?  And what would take a 95 to 100?

Thanks again for the progress report and the pictures.

Take care.

Finish and dimensions not quite close enough is the most likely causes. As long as I can keep it there, I am happy. I think 100's is quite elusive in the course at this time. I have yet to see one of my fellow students get one. I have seen worse grades though.

I hope this translates into really good firearms coming of my bench in the future.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on October 03, 2011, 08:40:24 AM
Finish and dimensions not quite close enough is the most likely causes. As long as I can keep it there, I am happy. I think 100's is quite elusive in the course at this time. I have yet to see one of my fellow students get one. I have seen worse grades though.

I hope this translates into really good firearms coming of my bench in the future.

I think it will, Mericet.  You have the desire, you work hard at it and you get the grades to prove you can do the work.   
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 03, 2011, 08:37:03 PM
Thanks Solus. I do try and hold myself to a high standard. I can find many things in all my projects so far that could be better.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on October 04, 2011, 07:42:03 AM
Thanks Solus. I do try and hold myself to a high standard. I can find many things in all my projects so far that could be better.

To be expected...if you could do it perfect, you wouldn't be in the class.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 04, 2011, 10:17:27 AM
Scotch brite  and emery cloth are your friends    ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 04, 2011, 08:56:28 PM
Used an oxy-acetylene torch for the first time today since (I think) 1981. Had to do the top piece of the handle and fix the round nut I made to the handle.This is a barrel dent remover for shotguns in 12,16 and 20 gauge.

Handle pictures with close ups of the brazing. Of course, I cleaned these up a little.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2hVPjbnnf6M/Touxeb37m9I/AAAAAAAAAME/FdWzKLqk5rw/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover%252520handle%2525203.JPG)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jHADnz_Uzrk/TouxWezBVwI/AAAAAAAAAL8/4O0yxTs8FZU/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover%252520handle%2525201.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nHa7TLJ8Z1U/TouxdnWCbmI/AAAAAAAAAMA/qdQYi51xbSs/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover%252520handle%2525202.JPG)

The only thing left is to cut the anvils. Here is some pictures from start to finish. I did polish the anvils as well. Not to remove the tool marks, but to ensure there were no sharp edges on them. These pictures also show the top cross piece and the round nut that is shown on the threaded part of the handle.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZMNrUhsilDw/ToiWoAq__dI/AAAAAAAAAKs/P3J2Lxqj4Yk/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover_anvils%2525201.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-I_0kHjPN3G4/Topog4F-lQI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6vRid0oIAXk/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover_anvils%2525202.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t584hM9EfN8/TopoiyDbtTI/AAAAAAAAALU/EtaI82S1--w/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover_anvils%2525203.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_YpBZ8mY7k/TouxVxN0tnI/AAAAAAAAAL4/bzZPeNBHJcA/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover%252520anvils%2525204.JPG)

Last picture shows the anvils with the 20 gauge anvil on the handle.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8D2gT9TPJCo/TouxUpVsk1I/AAAAAAAAAL0/xY5ud8XmlDY/s912/Barrel%252520dent%252520remover%2525201.JPG)
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: alfsauve on October 05, 2011, 07:28:05 AM
This is all very very cool Mericet.   Congratulations on your grades.  Please keep sharing you projects with us.   I'm learning a lot about the process of becoming a gunsmith and a tiny bit about machining as well.

How good a price did you get on the SPR actions?  You may not want to answer, cause what I'm thinking is some people might want to put an order in now, before you become the next Les Baer.

Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on October 05, 2011, 07:58:43 AM
Forgive me if I'm asking ignorant questions....

But, is the nut brazed in place and acting as a stop for the anvils? (it appears as if it might be brazed in the close up)  It looks as if there will be part of the handle extending past the end of the anvil if the anvil is snugged to the nut?  Or does the nut spin down to the top of the anvil and hold it like a lock nut?

Thanks for the answer and the update/photos.

Take care and keep them coming.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 05, 2011, 08:05:18 PM
Forgive me if I'm asking ignorant questions....

But, is the nut brazed in place and acting as a stop for the anvils? (it appears as if it might be brazed in the close up)  It looks as if there will be part of the handle extending past the end of the anvil if the anvil is snugged to the nut?  Or does the nut spin down to the top of the anvil and hold it like a lock nut?

Thanks for the answer and the update/photos.

Take care and keep them coming.

The nut is indeed brazed in place. The anvils still need to be cut at about a 20 degree angle. The one side of the anvil is threaded and allows the anvils to expand as you tighten the handle.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 05, 2011, 08:06:36 PM
This is all very very cool Mericet.   Congratulations on your grades.  Please keep sharing you projects with us.   I'm learning a lot about the process of becoming a gunsmith and a tiny bit about machining as well.

How good a price did you get on the SPR actions?  You may not want to answer, cause what I'm thinking is some people might want to put an order in now, before you become the next Les Baer.



We got them for $250.  ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 05, 2011, 08:59:29 PM
Started working on some Colt crane bushing wrenches today. There is still some mill work left on them. Also started some barrel bushings but they are still far from done.

Colt crane bushing wrenches. L-R, for Official Police, Colt Positive and Colt New Service:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AemGfOTNoHc/To0FXJmmRII/AAAAAAAAAMo/XSGGdxMS-6c/s912/Colt%252520crane%252520bushing%252520wrench%2525202.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bx_hyI6wCz4/To0FXJLdh2I/AAAAAAAAAMs/BULTb-vdT1I/s912/Colt%252520crane%252520bushing%252520wrench%2525203.JPG)

Really pleased with the sizing on this one:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aGPEFjZjX30/To0FW3L37-I/AAAAAAAAAMk/A6U-H3xPvfA/s912/Colt%252520crane%252520bushing%252520wrench%2525201.JPG)

 ;D ;D ;D


It is also strange how people we meet sometimes make differences in our lives. I met 2 guys in Charlotte at the NRA show in 2010. One of them is now in class with me, the other just finished his course. I bumped into him at a function on campus today. He mentioned that he has a real nice light colored walnut needed for our 2-piece stock project next semester and that I can have it for a good price.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Timothy on October 05, 2011, 09:06:57 PM
Come on man, good to the 100,000th is just bragging dude!

I have no idea what these tools do but I can appreciate close tolerance!

Well done!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 05, 2011, 09:09:43 PM
I love it when my dimensions are dead on  ;D
Fowler makes good stuff, my Mics are a mix of Fowler and Starrett, my depth mics are Fowler.
(Not digital though, I'm old school.  ;D bought them here and there from old timers. )
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Timothy on October 05, 2011, 09:12:32 PM
I meant the tools your making, not the tools to inspect/measure BTW.

I have a nice bunch of mics and verniers from my father that are a mix of older Lufkin and Starrett as well.  I've given a few away to people I respected and kept the rest.  None of them are digital though.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 05, 2011, 09:18:34 PM
I meant the tools your making, not the tools to inspect/measure BTW.

I have a nice bunch of mics and verniers from my father that are a mix of older Lufkin and Starrett as well.  I've given a few away to people I respected and kept the rest.  None of them are digital though.

To be honest, I only know they are for Colt revolvers! But then, that is the reason I am in school. I will find out soon enough.

I can almost not use the older non-metric mics, verniers etc. as my background was always in metric stuff. That is why I always buy the digital units.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: MikeBjerum on October 05, 2011, 09:24:54 PM
I had one semester of metal shop in high school and loved it.  A lot has changed since then, and I still drool when I'm around the tools.  I have a friend and his sons that have a fair amount of equipment and make parts to repair their farm field equipment, and I love to sit at my gunsmith's and watch him work.  You just make me want it all the more!

Great job, and thanks for the updates!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 05, 2011, 09:29:09 PM
Inch standard here, vernier scale no problem. I can use metric, but start mixing them up and I run into grief  ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on October 06, 2011, 08:54:48 AM
The nut is indeed brazed in place. The anvils still need to be cut at about a 20 degree angle. The one side of the anvil is threaded and allows the anvils to expand as you tighten the handle.

Ahhhh....I think....   The process would be to put the anvil on the handle, position it so the dent is above it then tighten the handle to expand the anvil and pop out the dent?

Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Solus on October 06, 2011, 09:13:06 AM
M58...  I took one term of Metal Shop when I was in Jr. High.   I know things have changed.  I hear you don't have to keep pumping the bellows anymore?   ;D ;D

Mericet.  I just thiink it is so valuable that you are learning by making the tools you will need for the job.  But I realize you can't make one of everything you will need.   The Crane Bushing Wrenches for Colt aren't likely to work on S&W.   

Will you be able to make those you need for S&W, Ruger and others with the knowledge and experience you have learned?

I guess there would be spec sheets for all of these types of tools and you could do so if you have access to the required machinery?

Also, like Timothy, I only have an idea of what the tools do by their names.  Wouldn't mind a bit if you had time and wished to give us a brief description.

But we can do research on our own.  I found this liink for Colt Crane Bushing Tool - description really makes it use pretty clear if you have ever seen a swing out cylinder revolver.

Fits over ejector rod and down into the cylinder to reach and remove the Crane Bushing from Colt revolvers. Fits Colt Python, Trooper, Officers' Model, Official Police, Marshall, Cobra, Agent, Police Positive, Detective Special and Pocket Positive. Mfg: Brownells SPECS: Steel, hardened and drawn. Body is 1-3/8" (3.5cm) long, .316 in (8.03mm) diameter. Handle is 2" (5.1cm) long.

http://combatrifle.net/bro/shop/P-238863/Brownells_Colt_Crane_Bushing_Tool.html


And Thanks again...you show off  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 06, 2011, 09:53:53 AM
Not to mention a hell of a lot cheaper than having to buy the tools.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 06, 2011, 09:58:26 PM
Good point, I will try and add some explanation of how the tools will be used when I post them Solus.

It certainly helps us out if we do not have to buy all the tools as well Tom. It's expensive enough already!

The dent removers do work that way but I believe we also have to tap the outside of the barrel with a hammer as we push them. a little like auto body work.

We are taking a short midterm break (I can hardly believe that!) so there will be a short break in pictures.

Spoke with someone I know on a different forum today (he is a gunsmith) and he was generous enough to gift me a large enough piece of wood to do a stock for one of the bolt action rifles I am building!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: PegLeg45 on October 07, 2011, 09:53:57 AM
The dent removers do work that way but I believe we also have to tap the outside of the barrel with a hammer as we push them. a little like auto body work.

I believe that is how they work also......similar to a hammer and dolly.

Spoke with someone I know on a different forum today (he is a gunsmith) and he was generous enough to gift me a large enough piece of wood to do a stock for one of the bolt action rifles I am building!

Very cool!!


This is a great chronicle on the intricacies of gunsmithing, thanks!!!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 07, 2011, 10:57:16 AM
Reminds me of why I enjoyed Voc. school so much.
There is a satisfaction in going from a chunk of metal to a finished tool that you just can't find in a production enviroment where you repeat the same operation over and over.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 15, 2011, 11:36:10 AM
OK, no pictures from this week. I am busy making some barrel bushings which is in essence a round piece of steel with a big hole in the middle. Of course, some of these are easy as there is no taper on the hole. However, four of these do need a tapered hole. These are 1.3, 2.5, 2.95 and 3.1 degrees. Takes some time to setup and adjust the boring bar for these. I finished the tapered holes and am happy that I got most of them within .002" of the target. We were allowed to do these to .005".

I did purchase a set of carbide cutting tools last week. Love them so far!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 15, 2011, 02:33:09 PM
OK, no pictures from this week. I am busy making some barrel bushings which is in essence a round piece of steel with a big hole in the middle. Of course, some of these are easy as there is no taper on the hole. However, four of these do need a tapered hole. These are 1.3, 2.5, 2.95 and 3.1 degrees. Takes some time to setup and adjust the boring bar for these. I finished the tapered holes and am happy that I got most of them within .002" of the target. We were allowed to do these to .005".

I did purchase a set of carbide cutting tools last week. Love them so far!

That's darn good.
When I was at T/C there was one hole on the Black powder barrels , and one hole on the Contender and Encore receivers that was +/- .001, everything else was +/- .005  or more.
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 28, 2011, 03:09:36 PM
Time for some picture updates:

First some barrel spinner mandrels. I have finished two of the three parts. I hope to finish this next week:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zcWTCLpsFLs/ToponENUSbI/AAAAAAAAAN0/xt45B1zdTis/s912/Barrel%252520spinner%252520mandrel%2525202.JPG)

Complete:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x7_LamvHAA8/Tqr_lAjxdCI/AAAAAAAAAPo/4oWPPb3g3Ls/s912/Barrel%252520spinner%252520mandrel%2525203.JPG)

The part that still needs to be finished:
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D-Leek3Mm-k/TopokNxKTII/AAAAAAAAANw/qOK6Lp6u_FY/s912/Barrel%252520spinner%252520mandrel%2525201.JPG)

I started these a while ago but had to wait for the bearings. More on these and their construction when I finish them and get my grade.

Next is a burnishing reamer for .22. The main part is made out of drill rod and turned down on the tip. The tip is then heated to red hot, quenched, cleaned and then heated to a straw color. This last part is very easy to get wrong as we use oxy-acetylene to heat it. Just a little too much heat and you have to start all over again. It took me four tries to get it right. I was a little aggressive in the cleaning (using sandpaper) after each failed attempt and managed to get the tip just a little undersized. After getting the tip to a straw color, the tip was ground down on a surface grinder. The handle is cold rolled steel and is secured to the reamer with a set screw.

Still, my grade was a 97 so I am happy!

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ILTftQn3gkk/Tqr80N7TxUI/AAAAAAAAAOg/pYWWQs7AvgI/s912/Burnishing%252520reamer%252520.22%2525201.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zq3UIXji2Nk/Tqr80YAHUuI/AAAAAAAAAOk/6BQZL-6uCg8/s912/Burnishing%252520reamer%252520.22%2525202.JPG)

I also finished the Clymer reamer extension. Made out of cold rolled steel with the previous picture showing the detail on the tip. Not much to this one. Hole drilled in the tip for the reamer to fit in. Handle fitted and secured with a set screw.

Final grade: 96

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2B7vjcHbn4s/Tqr8t8VSROI/AAAAAAAAAOY/k3k3B_Efxb0/s912/Clymer%252520Reamer%252520extension%2525202.JPG)

And last but not least, a barrel vice. Made out of 2x1.5" cold rolled steel, this is a hunk of metal! Fairly simple project as it was mostly drilling holes on a mill. Of course the bolt holes had to be tapped (16x.2mm). The two parts were then assembled with a .125 shim between them. You really have to crank the bolts down for this one! After that, the front hole was step drilled on a lathe and finished by boring it out to 1.75". I changed to a carbide boring bar during the process as I was getting a lot of chatter from the HSS bar I was using. Once I removed the chatter marks, I was slightly over size but it is not critical in this project.

Final grade: 97. The instructor commented on how well I removed all the burrs and sharp edges from the pieces.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FaWmtwYbYbQ/Tqr82ITNWnI/AAAAAAAAAOw/TR0hZoWF1ZI/s912/Barrel%252520vise.JPG)
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: PegLeg45 on October 28, 2011, 04:09:47 PM
Quote
Final grade: 97. The instructor commented on how well I removed all the burrs and sharp edges from the pieces.

Very cool.
Attention to detail is the key, and you seem to have a firm handle on that, and the instructor appears to have taken notice. I have no doubt that it will carry over to your gun-making process as well.

Great job!!!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: Mericet on October 28, 2011, 04:18:52 PM
Very cool.
Attention to detail is the key, and you seem to have a firm handle on that, and the instructor appears to have taken notice. I have no doubt that it will carry over to your gun-making process as well.

Great job!!!

Thanks! I also did not want to cut myself on some of those pieces!
Title: Re: Tools of the trade.
Post by: tombogan03884 on October 28, 2011, 05:00:59 PM
Nice work, I like the looks of the actions in the other thread you started as well.