Tang bolt drill jig

[Hatman/2nd line]

I seem to remember in the distant pass that someone had made or bought a jig to help drill the tang/lock bolts, any info out there?
I have a set up on my drill now for doing it but I thought it would be handier to have what I had seen before. It looked like a large "L" shape with another part on top, sort of a "C" with right angles!
Any help would be appreciated, thanks Rich.

 

[sdilts]

Robert Boggs makes these. You can find him on the American Longrifles site.

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Is this what you're thinking off, the DIY version by @Compressorguy ?

1st Model - https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/homemade-pin-drilling-jig.142283/

Improved - https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/improved-homemade-pin-drilling-jig.148784/#post-2097623

 

[James Kibler]

Interestingly enough, I used to use these when building custom rifles, but at some point, I just started to drill from both sides and meet in the middle. A spotter helps with alignment, but isn't necessary. Start slightly smaller than your finished hole. Works well

 

[Compressorguy]

The one above is one I made for the small pins but essentially works the same. Here’s the larger one I made for drilling tang bolts. This one uses a threaded bolt peened in place with a holed drilled through to the other side. Worked perfectly.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Thanks everybody for your help!

 

[longcruise]

If you have a drill press there is a simple jig illustrated in several of the building books.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Compressorguy and flintsmoothy left a real good photos display showing how to make one, I'm going to look into trying that.
Thanks guys!

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Compressorguy and flintsmoothy left a real good photos display showing how to make one, I'm going to look into trying that.
Thanks guys!

Thanks, but all credit goes to @Compressorguy ... as that's his work! I should have clarified that ...

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Interestingly enough, I used to use these when building custom rifles, but at some point, I just started to drill from both sides and meet in the middle. A spotter helps with alignment, but isn't necessary. Start slightly smaller than your finished hole. Works well

Thanks Jim, I did use this method on my drill press but I thought if I had one it could make things less awkward doing it on my drill press. I tried your method of eye balling it but my eyeballs aren't that well aligned! LOL

 

[Sam squanch]

You need a helper if using a center point deal on a drill press. I like the thing I made so I can hold the stock securely in a vise while drilling.

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Exactly my thoughts, I've built a few guns over the years ,some came out ok and some....! I've needed one of these for a long time!

 

[Compressorguy]

Thanks, but all credit goes to @Compressorguy ... as that's his work! I should have clarified that ...

I can’t take all the credit. I did make these two but the idea came from someone here I’m sure!

 

[simonbeans]

A drill press jig. Cheap!

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

I seem to remember in the distant pass that someone had made or bought a jig to help drill the tang/lock bolts, any info out there?
I have a set up on my drill now for doing it but I thought it would be handier to have what I had seen before. It looked like a large "L" shape with another part on top, sort of a "C" with right angles!
Any help would be appreciated, thanks Rich.

This is not the information you are asking for but if you have a drill press table vice, I just place a vertical point in the vice and line it up with the C/L of the chuck. Works well for me.
Larry

 

[Tom A Hawk]

Point to point drilling. This is mounted in my drill press plate.

I use this for barrel and ramrod guide pins.

 

[Rob M.]

Good ideas on here ... As James points out , after a couple dozen you can free hand drill the tang bolt , I go half way from each side with and undersized drill bit , then correct bit to open it up , still half way . I did build a jig like a couple shown here , not same but same concept . Its merely a carriage bolt that I ground to a point ...it is threaded into the base of the drill.press then you align the drill and the point on the bolt , touch em point to.point and tighen down . Again ...undersized drill bit to half way or just barely past , a little from each side ....go slow ....afterwards clean up with 3/16 bit , 8/32 bolt , good to go....The drill guide works good and cheaper than all get out ...

 

[longcruise]

A drill press jig. Cheap!
View attachment 309928

Mine works on that same principle. I don't need a helper. Spot both sides with a punch and set the bottom side punch mark on the bottom pin and line the bit up on the punch mark on the other side. Go slow and when you are near through flip the piece over and finish the hole.

 

[Travler]

Thanks for sharing the tricks!

 

[flatcreek]

I've been using drills a lot as a wood stair and railing builder for 40 years. I've built 2 guns lately and every time I try to freehand a hole I screw up. When I use a jig ( I use the drill press setup, but either will work ) thing go fine. In my opinion either of these are invaluable for gun building.