Cutting and Crowning a short barrel

[LVLAaron]

If its a rem or rem clone... I'll crack the barrel off. One problem always creates another.

For an old battle rifle like this... between centers or hacksaw and crowning tool aren't bad ideas.

 

[xr650rRider]

A steady rest seems like an obvious answer until somebody brings in something cerakoted that they don't want marked up.

There are alternative methods.

 

[Ksracer]

There are alternative methods.
View attachment 1402164

Nice. That's the solution I've been thinking of also. I just need to decide if I want to do enough oddball stuff to justify it.

 

[Fuj]

Anybody ever heard of a steady rest? Lots of ways to do this job.

I've done a few that way. In my very early days, I had a South Bend
you could'nt get bull barrels thru the head stock.

 

[shortgrass]

Guys, it is the price the gunsmith would have to charge for doing that job. He'd have to charge for barrel removal. Using the steady may damage the finish on a vintage arm. He only uses hand tools if it is profitable to own them and there is no other way. These are only the "may-bes" as to why the gunsmith said 'no, he couldn't do it'. As a 'working' 'smith, I don't want every job that comes through my door or rings my phone. If I don't have the tools, chances are I don't want to buy them for one job,, I'd have to charge for those tools. If I can see it's going to what most consider a 'simple' job into more, I need to charge my hourly shop rate of $70/hr for it and that 'simple job' can get quit expensive. If I have to discount price my work, I may as well be working on some of my own projects (which I have many). Not all jobs that come through a gunsmiths door are worth doing.

 

[boltfluter]

There really are not that many "true gunsmiths " left in this day and age. Meaning the guy that can literally work on most anything firearms wise and do a very good job. If he needs an obsolete spring he simply makes one, that kind of stuff. Most of us, and I am not a gunsmith by any means, are very specialized in what we do. If someone is not enthusiastic about a job you have, find someone else, and everyone will be happier in the end. I turn down a few jobs most every week that I can do, but just do not enjoy doing. It is usually best for both parties involved.
Paul

 

[Walt Krafft]

I don't take every job that someone wants done, maybe turn away more than I take. But, I always explain why to the customer. Could be time, cost, lack of experience, or just something I don't want to do. I also try to steer them to someone who will do it, or to the info so they can do it themselves. As an example, glass bedding, my ocd kicks in and it takes me way longer to do than makes sense for somebody to pay me.

 

[DaveTooley]

Over the years I've taken on some strange work. Most of the time I knew going in it wasn't going to be money maker. More of a learning-character building exercise.

But I slowly very slowly learned. It's OK to say NO.

 

[tobnpr]

Well... Don't tell anyone... but it's a 2 inch bore... who says you have to remove the action?

Take a look at the action...

 

[Terry]

View attachment 1402026

Fantastic!

 

[rickiesrevenge]

There are alternative methods.
View attachment 1402164

Is there a bearing on the other side that we cannot see?

 

[xr650rRider]

Is there a bearing on the other side that we cannot see?

Yes, pressed in.


Several split bushings for different diameter barrels

 

[boltfluter]

Yes, pressed in.
View attachment 1402408

Several split bushings for different diameter barrels
View attachment 1402416

Good fixtures, as pictured, are really what separates the good results from the very best of results. Fixturing, is really what makes or breaks you, or your company, and separates you from the competition. You are only limited by your imagination, creativity, and determination in the machining world. At least in my personal experience. That's what makes it such a fascinating field and why I enjoy it so much! Carry on men.
Paul

 

[xr650rRider]

It's far from perfect. I've done a couple of Encore barrels using it. Turn a new center in a 3 jaw, then driving barrel with a dog. Keeping the compression on the center while fiddling with the spider in the bearing-steady dialing it in, is a little fidgety. You can get things started using a center in tailstock but it's after you remove that support for final dial-in, you have to keep compression back toward the spindle. Have to take light cuts. Better than a steady rest and definitely better than using an annular cutter and a die to thread a muzzle that's too short to fit in a lathe.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Yes, pressed in.
View attachment 1402408

Several split bushings for different diameter barrels
View attachment 1402416

I made one very similar. I did make mine so I can move the bearing to indicate it in, and then indicate the barrel in.

 

[Terry]

View attachment 1402026

I want one!

 

[LVLAaron]

Easy enough to make.

Start here:

 

[boltfluter]

Easy enough to make.

Start here:
View attachment 1402552

Now that is a mighty chunk of material! Lol!
Paul

 

[LVLAaron]

Now that is a mighty chunk of material! Lol!
Paul

I wish I had a picture of the birds nest of chips that came out of it. I think it was 3 full trash bags.

 

[ridgeway]

Make it out of carbon steel...you will thank me later