Making a barrel inlet tool (questions)

[Shawnba67]

Ok so I have seen these tools that look like a stack of washers on a jack plane body.
I have lathe dont have the $100 to buy one. So Im gonna give it a try.
Couple questions
1. Do the washer thingys move/jiggle or are they fixed rigid to the shaft.
2. What kind of edge do they have? Knife, chishel or just a 90 degee square?
3. Do they vary in diameter such as thinner in front to thicker in back?
4. How far apart is the spacing?

I would also love any insights you may have. In my head Im picturing grooving up a piece of 1" bar stock and having at it. More or less.
Technique for use info also appreciated.
Thanks guys.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

may try buying one off ebay or something. if I remember right they havea sharp edge and like an o ring between em. never actually seen anybody use one but im sure they do somewhere. for a no-mill approach get a long extension, a set of deep sockets and some stick on DA sandpaper from the auto paint supply shop.

 

[carlsbad]

If you don't have a lathe, I wonder how you plan to sharpen the "washers". They are only $30 at brownells.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...tting-tools/barrel-bedding-tool-prod6796.aspx

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Unless you got a lot of time and want to prove to yourself that you can make one $30 is cheap. I bought the largest (3/4" I think) and a 1/2" about 20yrs ago and used them a lot, especially the 3/4". Still work good. Did buy a new set of cutters about 5yrs back but haven't used them. They are harder than one of them wedding things. They have to flex and is why the flat rubber washers, not O rings. Without the rubber I think they would chatter more and it allows all to cut whereas I think just the front would without them? I took it apart to replace them and got the bright idea to see if I could sharpen the old ones a bit. Without the rubber between I strung them on appropriate sized bolt, tightened them together, chucked end in the lathe and while spinning them held 220grit against the face. Reinstalled them on handle and still cutting great 4yrs or so later. Use them on wood, fiberglass, Acraglas and Marine Tex and they work great on all. Wouldn't be without them although I don't do much stock work anymore.

 

[joshb]

Just buy a 1" core box bit for your router.

 

[tac284]

Whole set for sale right here on the sight....


http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/brownells-bedding-tool-set.3950154/

 

[shortgrass]

 

[Shawnba67]

Ok fellas prototype #1
7/16 washers $1.99/lb
1/2-13 all thead
Garden hose washer gaskets $2(i put new ones on my hoses)
2 nuts
Zinch washers down on a bolt put bolt in lathe and turn the whole stack to desired diameter. Then assemble your tool.
This one worked far better than I expected it to. I only had to open channel from heavy varmint to mtu-ish contour. Im pleased with it, and myself. Improvise adapt overcome, and I kept a bit of good ole American do it yourself. Which is far more valuable than modern trends indicate. Thanks guys

 

[spitfire_er]

I've often thought to try this, but right when I needed one, I found a couple at an estate sale. They are old, but work good. I should probably sharpen them though.

 

[Johnny_V]

Ok fellas prototype #1
7/16 washers $1.99/lb
1/2-13 all thead
Garden hose washer gaskets $2(i put new ones on my hoses)
2 nuts
Zinch washers down on a bolt put bolt in lathe and turn the whole stack to desired diameter. Then assemble your tool.
This one worked far better than I expected it to. I only had to open channel from heavy varmint to mtu-ish contour. Im pleased with it, and myself. Improvise adapt overcome, and I kept a bit of good ole American do it yourself. Which is far more valuable than modern trends indicate. Thanks guys

I applaud your efforts, but be very careful when using all thread. Should you slip the least little bit, you'll screw up a barrel channel with the threads.

My personal opinion, buy the correct tool for the job.

 

[shortgrass]

My personal opinion, buy the correct tool for the job.

Where do you suppose new ideas for tools come from? "Buying" everything you might need only enriches the company making them and the seller of those tools. There is absolutely no reason NOT to make some of your own tools, as long as the 'making' is within your capabilities. Making something yourself, that works, just might stimulate you to come up with another solution to another problem. Just make sure the tools you make have a legitimate use and they don't cause more work that was unintended. The only thing I'd suggest to Shawnba67 is to next time, use drill rod and harden your 'washers', they'll last longer. Just my personal opinion. Post Script; There might always to be room to improve on something you have made. Learn from your mistakes or over sights. Those are the 'lessons' you'll remember.

 

[Preacher]

I sharpen mine with plain old 360 grit wet or dry after they are off the handle.
Just push down with your finger and go in a circular motion...