First Octagon barrel!

[sstkmkrr]

Have him chamber and head space. Create an index mark at 06:00 (Bottom) of the action. That way it will be out of sight when in the stock. Reference the index mark to Paul that it's at 06:00 (Bottom) he can then cut flats so that top and bottom are perfectly flat at right angle to your action once Barrel is re-index for head space!

All best from here my friend! Good luck with your project, and let us see some pictures when it's finished. It will be a thing of beauty I'm sure!

Steve M.
sstkmkrr

 

[NorCalMikie]

In my case, my pre threaded/chambered and mounted bull barrels are from Savage actions. Head space set then barrel top/center marked. THAT'S the top for the first flat cut.
Still curious about the CM verses SS differences.
Any other type action would "also" have to have the barrel chambered and head space set then marked if you want the flats in a certain position??
If you didn't care where the flats came out, no problem.

 

[epc308]

How cool is that!!
Not too long ago, I was thinking of the same thing. Can't remember what it was going on but it was gunna be VERY cool.
I think Green Mountain does octagon barrels but not in the preferred caliber of my choice. Now the wheels are turning "again".

GM barrels are actually pretty good. Too bad they don't have your caliber.

 

[epc308]

View attachment 1254947Got a request from a customer to see if I could machine his barrel to an Octagon shape. Came out pretty good for the first attempt.

Paul

Very nice work! What did you cut it on/with? Did you also polish it, or is that mill finish? I've never machined one from round to octagon, but I've fit probably 2 dozen octagon barrels over the years, or removed them to drill for liners.

 

[ohiofarmer]

Paul, very nice work as many have already said! Any issue, as asked, about doing this to a cut-rifled Krieger CM barrel? Or, does cutting CM compared to stainless change all of your speeds, feed, etc.?

 

[boltfluter]

Paul, very nice work as many have already said! Any issue, as asked, about doing this to a cut-rifled Krieger CM barrel? Or, does cutting CM compared to stainless change all of your speeds, feed, etc.?

CM is a totally different beast as far as the quality of the finish I can get. It just does not machine the same. The finish will be presentable, just not the gleaming finish I can get with 416 stainless.

Paul

 

[boltfluter]

Just an FYI for all the guys considering doing this, I can machine the barrel with action attached. No extra charge, and a piece of cake on my end. This way the flutes will be timed perfectly to the action. I cannot stress enough how convenient this is for your poor gunsmith! Lol!

Paul

 

[NorCalMikie]

Have seen LOTS of Black Powder Octagon barrels in Chrome Molly with a polished blued finish that were VERY presentable. Looking like "no worries" to me.
I think I just answered a bunch of my own questions.

 

[boltfluter]

Very nice work! What did you cut it on/with? Did you also polish it, or is that mill finish? I've never machined one from round to octagon, but I've fit probably 2 dozen octagon barrels over the years, or removed them to drill for liners.

Epc308,

I do all my work on a Haas TM1 with a 4th axis. My own custom fixturing to do this type of work. It has been a great little machine! I never have to polish any barrels after machining. This is straight from the mill. Thanks for asking.

Paul

 

[NorCalMikie]

Just an FYI for all the guys considering doing this, I can machine the barrel with action attached. No extra charge, and a piece of cake on my end. This way the flutes will be timed perfectly to the action. I cannot stress enough how convenient this is for your poor gunsmith! Lol!

Paul

Just in case no one has told you today, you are THE MAN!! You're good. You're REALLY good.
No telling how many minds have been eased by the fact that you can do the flats with the action still attached. No gunsmith turnaround wait time.
I can just see all those stocks propped up in the corners now.
No bar hopping for you for a while. I think you just re invented the wheel.

 

[boltfluter]

Just in case no one has told you today, you are THE MAN!! You're good. You're REALLY good.
No telling how many minds have been eased by the fact that you can do the flats with the action still attached. No gunsmith turnaround wait time.
I can just see all those stocks propped up in the corners now.
No bar hopping for you for a while. I think you just re invented the wheel.

Mike,

Thanks for the kind words, I really do enjoy my work and am very fortunate to be able to work from home. I do not take this for granted. I do every job to the best of my ability.

Paul

 

[epc308]

Epc308,

I do all my work on a Haas TM1 with a 4th axis. My own custom fixturing to do this type of work. It has been a great little machine! I never have to polish any barrels after machining. This is straight from the mill. Thanks for asking.

Paul

Boltfluter,
That’s one amazing finish. I know a bit a bit about fixturing and rigidity is key on any part, especially on long skinny parts like a barrel. Do you make multiple passes on all the flats to reduce the chance of having it spring into a banana? How long does it take?
Very well done sir. I am impressed.
Richard

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Looks very nice, Paul!

 

[boltfluter]

Boltfluter,
That’s one amazing finish. I know a bit a bit about fixturing and rigidity is key on any part, especially on long skinny parts like a barrel. Do you make multiple passes on all the flats to reduce the chance of having it spring into a banana? How long does it take?
Very well done sir. I am impressed.
Richard

epc308,

Yes, I make multiple passes using flood coolant to keep barrel and cutter cool. Time depends on many things.....barrel diameter, length, feed rate etc,etc.

Paul

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Heck, for years I thought what everybody else called a pipe wrench was a “Stillson Wrench”.

That’s what my Dad called it.

Same Here!
We finally acquired a set of aluminum Stillson’s, that seemed like a godsend on the working with sucker rods on the windmill wells.

 

[epc308]

Have seen LOTS of Black Powder Octagon barrels in Chrome Molly with a polished blued finish that were VERY presentable. Looking like "no worries" to me.
I think I just answered a bunch of my own questions.

MIke- I’ve worked on my share of octagonal CM barrels both new and used. Best finish comes after draw filing followed by longitudinal polish work. Keeping the flats flat and the corners sharp is key as your eye is going to be focused for the entire length of the top 3 flats. Like prep for a fine paint job, the metalwork is paramount as all flaws are magnified once the finish goes on.

 

[Preacher]

I just may need one of them to match my old Marlin 22.......

 

[NorCalMikie]

Best finish comes after draw filing followed by longitudinal polish work. Keeping the flats flat and the corners sharp is key as your eye is going to be focused for the entire length of the top 3 flats.

The question about the difference between SS and CH?
If anyone has done any BP rifle building/shooting, CM seems to be the material of choice for barrels. Barrel finish? Fine Crocus cloth wrapped around as file with lots of oil will get a polished finish.

 

[NorCalMikie]

So, it looks like there "may" be an issue about barrel length and being able to mount it in the machines to cut the flats?? We're working on that.
I like/prefer 20" and 22" long barrels for my small calibers rigs but, my 24" long 6.8 SPC or 26" long 22BR may be a candidate.

The latest:
Looks like my "20 TCM" Wildcat barrel @ 21 1/2" long is too short to fit the machines for the "Octagon" treatment BUT, my 26" long 22 BR SS straight pipe isn't and it's in the works. Waiting patiently.
And when it gets back, my 6.8 SPC SS Pac Nor straight pipe will get the same treatment.