Duplicator question

[drewh]

I have an original 40X rimfire stock and I am wondering if there is a way to mirror image it into a left hand version. I suspect it could be digitized and done via CNC, just wondering if there are other options?
Thanks,
Drew

 

[Liven The Dream]

Give Doan Trevor a call !

 

[ebb]

I have tried to eliminate the bolt handle and stock reinforcing bolts on a duplicated stock attempt. I underestimated the amount of pressure the follower would exert on the model. I had used modeling clay with duct tape over it and at squeezed the clay and left a dimple. To change hands you would have to fill the bolt slot and probably hand cut it on the opposite side. It most certainly could be done but use something hard to fill the old slot.

 

[CCM]

Some stock duplicators have a reversing mechanism so they can cut a LH stock from a RH pattern. I don't know how popular they are or who has one though.

 

[tobnpr]

I have tried to eliminate the bolt handle and stock reinforcing bolts on a duplicated stock attempt. I underestimated the amount of pressure the follower would exert on the model. I had used modeling clay with duct tape over it and at squeezed the clay and left a dimple. To change hands you would have to fill the bolt slot and probably hand cut it on the opposite side. It most certainly could be done but use something hard to fill the old slot.

^^^ This.
My duplicator has been disassembled for a few years now- it'll stay that way until such time as I can set up an outdoor space for it...
There may be a few old timers out there still doing this work, if you can find one ask if they have a 40X pattern stock.
Once a pattern stock is cut from an original, it's easily filled/cut/modifed at will using epoxy and fillers (or plain old Bondo) to customize. A pattern stock can be cut from your RH stock, but I don't know of a way to copy it without some cosmetic damage. It's simple enough to remove the recoil pad and screw a block of wood for attachment to the duplicator in its place, but the forend is a different story. I always drilled a hole for the pin that the duplicator uses to hold it and patched it as best I could. I've heard that a block of wood hot-glued to the forend works, but that'll still damage the finish.

 

[shortgrass]

Some stock duplicators have a reversing mechanism so they can cut a LH stock from a RH pattern. I don't know how popular they are or who has one though.

The North Star, made by Terrco, has the reversing (for mirror image) mechanism. I don't think Terrco is making duplicators anymore.

 

[CCM]

The North Star, made by Terrco, has the reversing (for mirror image) mechanism. I don't think Terrco is making duplicators anymore.

That's who I thought made it, but wasn't sure.

 

[ebb]

My duplicator is hung from the rafters, and may never come back down. The stock I mentioned my first was cut on G Mac's many years ago and it wasn't in my shop where I had my tools. The next 3 or 4 were better but I can cut the flat edge at the top of the barrel channel on my jointer and band saw the rest and make one closer to the dimensions I want faster and with less trouble than using a duplicator. But inletting on the mill is the bomb. I bought some cheap carbide router bits and used them instead of mill cutters, and it is way better and quicker than trying to duplicate or hand cut the inlet with chisels and gouges.

 

[shortgrass]

^^^ This.
My duplicator has been disassembled for a few years now- it'll stay that way until such time as I can set up an outdoor space for it...
There may be a few old timers out there still doing this work, if you can find one ask if they have a 40X pattern stock.
Once a pattern stock is cut from an original, it's easily filled/cut/modifed at will using epoxy and fillers (or plain old Bondo) to customize. A pattern stock can be cut from your RH stock, but I don't know of a way to copy it without some cosmetic damage. It's simple enough to remove the recoil pad and screw a block of wood for attachment to the duplicator in its place, but the forend is a different story. I always drilled a hole for the pin that the duplicator uses to hold it and patched it as best I could. I've heard that a block of wood hot-glued to the forend works, but that'll still damage the finish.

There are certainly more than "a few old timers" duplicating gun stocks! A simple internet search will show several preforming duplicating services that have many patterns. They range anywhere from rough to very useable, depending upon the skill of the 'driver'.

 

[drewh]

Thanks for all of the input, I have a couple of leads I am chasing down.
Drew

 

[Seagull]

I have a custom built duplicator here in my man cave in australia. It has a water cooled spindle motor that takes bits up to 1/2" shanks . I do all my inletting on the mill .

 

[shortgrass]

The North Star, made by Terrco, has the reversing (for mirror image) mechanism. I don't think Terrco is making duplicators anymore.

Sonora Custom Gunstocks & Duplicating has and uses a North Star Duplicator. 520-780-0283 http://sonorangunstocks.com/GunstockDuplicating.html

 

[drewh]

Sonora Custom Gunstocks & Duplicating has and uses a North Star Duplicator. 520-780-0283 http://sonorangunstocks.com/GunstockDuplicating.html

Sadly, I spoke to him yesterday, and health issues have caused him to stop taking work.

 

[jds holler]

Sadly, I spoke to him yesterday, and health issues have caused him to stop taking work.

Prolly breathed too much wood dust. jd

 

[Bob3700]

Give Darrell Landolt Stocks ( website) a call. I don’t know what his work load is but he has a duplicator and does outstanding work.

 

[tobnpr]

Prolly breathed too much wood dust. jd

Easy to do with those damn machines...that's why mine is going to be outdoors (but under cover).
If you've never seen them in operation just picture a 3/4 hp router (mine is a custom with TWO routers to cut two at a time) shredding wood everywhere with no containment- and any sort of dust collection is woefully inefficient.

The "fines"- sawdust particles that are so small they remain suspended in the air for hours- is what kills woodworkers and covers everything in the workspace.