Made a jig for turning Remington Bolt Handles

[Rustystud]

I made a jig for turning Remington 700 bolt handles for installing tactical bolt handles. He is and example of a Badger bolt Knob installed.

 

[bhawks]

Let's see a picture of the jig.

Bill

 

[FALPhil]

Ditto.

 

[Rustystud]

When I get back home. I post a picture or two of the jig.
Rustystud

 

[butchlambert]

Nat,
That would be a great idea.We might want to copy it.
Butch

 

[techshooter]

Not trying to upstage Nat, or hijack the thread, but made one as well for the same use. You can see it here, at the end of the slide show. Looking forward to see Nat's version. This one was a bit of a detail job to make, especially getting the bolt handle axis aligned correctly when milling the slots. I tend to make things overly complicated, so any ideas that are simpler to build would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

 

[rayjay]

I faked it with the milling machine, bench grinder, files and a thread die. My favorite bolt handle is the straight one from PTG so I made the threads on this 700 bolt handle at right angles to the bolt body. The std 700 bolt handle sweep back is only about 1/2 the thickness of the bolt handle root so it works out fine.

One thing to watch out for; when grinding the thread relief at the top of the thread I got a little deep and there was a void in the bolt handle !! Now I am afraid that the threaded area will eventually break off.

 

[Rustystud]

Butch and others:

Here are some pictures of my crude bolt handle turning jig.
This jig allows for both coaxial and concentric alignment. The next to last picture is a locking set screw so one can center the bolt handle in two directions. The hold down straps are .500 thick and secure the bolt very well. It was very scary the first time I turned on the lathe. The bolt spins around and could easily break your arm if it were to hit it. Chris Your jig is much more finished than mine. I took my idea from Mike Bryant's jig and took it just a little further. I wish I had looked at your jig before I made mine. I felt the whole thing needed to be very rigid with that bolt sticking out. I thought about making a side support for the bolt body but it has been unessarry.
Rustystud

 

[SPM]

Hey that looks great Nate, SPM

 

[TRECustom]

Nate and techshooter, thanks to both of you for sharing. Good stuff!

Tom

 

[techshooter]

Nat:

That looks excellent! Yours has some definite advantages: Steel construction, and a true round channel for the bolt body to ride in. I was too lazy to bore the hole, so I went with a straight end mill approach, and counted on stout clamping. I too was a bit nervous about that nun-chuck swinging around, but as you found, no issues, and the turning process went very smooth, very fast. I used carbide tooling as the bolt handle steel was very hard, at least on the surface.

Cheers,

 

[bhawks]

Thanks all for sharing. If ya think the remington handles are hard, wait 'til you try cutting on a savage handle.

Bill

P.S.
anybody care to whip up another jig for me

 

[rayjay]

Bill,
Grind off the outer hardened surface and the Savage handle will turn just fine.

Ray

 

[Rustystud]

I have had no problems turning Savage Bolt handles. The problem lies in their core. Sometimes there is a perosity bubble. I have another jig for doing Savage bolt handles.
Rustystud

 

[bhawks]

I have noticed that as well. Probably half of the factory Savage handles that I have turned have contained voids. I assume as a result of the casting process. It sure would be nice if someone made a pre-threaded Savage handle like the PTG Remington handles,hint, hint).

Bill

 

[Rustystud]

The Bee has been put in Dave Kiffs ear.
Rustystud