Cutting dovetails for tennons.

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Try to make your hacksaw cuts the same depth. It will probably work best to scribe a line to the proper depth prior to cutting. Take your time cutting and keep checking on both sides to make sure you stop just when you reach the scribed line. If you can't see well, use magnification such as an optivisor.
 
Alright guys, I just noticed something with pins for attaching the barrel. I know a lot of you just buy pin stock, but the Scots-Irish in me has me looking to alternatives. I work as a lumber sales man, and on every job I visit there's usually partial racks of framing nails lying about everywhere. I grabbed a few from several different jobs. What I realized is that the wire size listed on the box is slightly off, but if you switch your digital calipers to Metric you'll find that 3"x.131 nails are actually 3.2mm and the 3"x.120 nails are actually 2.8mm
I've found a 10 packs of 3.2 mm , and 2.8mm drill bits for sale for around $5 @delivered. Far less than what the hardware store charges for 1/8" stock. I had thought about using 1/8" or 3/32" welding rods, but my welder is in storage 40 miles away.
 
Hi,
I urge you not to use any metal that is soft like nails and welding rod because the ends risk getting mushroomed when tapped in and out. The next time you remove the pin, it chips out wood. Use spring stock for pins that will be removed. Harden and temper them. They won't mushroom or deform and the heat treating will reduce risk of corrosion. Cheap nails are OK for ramrod pipe pins although hardened and tempered spring stock is better because it resists rust. Trying to save a tiny bit of money on cheap pins may cost you big later on.

dave
 


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