Using a router?

[Trapper]

I know we've had some talk on using a router to cut the barrel channel on a stock blank but I was wondering if there are bits to cut the octagon channel or do we have to make them. I was also told that someone had made a hand plane that would cut the octagon flats. I normally cut the flats with a chisel and a file as per Mr. Alexander. I like the idea of the hand plane with different sized cutting blades. I'm just looking at alternatives. Thanks guys
Trapper

 

[Roy]

If the blank is straight/square enough I will use a router to do the initial cut for a barrel.. Normally I will take it to the maximum depth of the most narrow section of the barrel (swamped barrel). If its a straight Oct I will do the entire depth and the side flats.. Either way I normally go in with chisels and scrapers after that.

 

[rmcmaster]

I'm just starting on a rebuild of a rifle I made 25-30 years ago. Just got the barrel close to inletted using Roy's method. I started out with saw and chisels per Alexander's method. Used the router to make sure side flats were straight and square. I'm just a beginner at this and by no means an expert. You experienced guys will be hearing more questions from me.

 

[tecum-tha]

With a straight barrel you can use a 1/4" parallel routing bit for most barrels. The gunstock blank should be straight and have a square surface. Take a look into that thread and the pictures and you see how I do it. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/227860/tp/3/
I used a 90° triangle bit to do about 90 percent of the diagonal sides. I then scrape the rest. Just measure real close using a digital caliber and double measure.. :thumbsup:

 

Gunline makes barrel bedding tool in octagon and round, like this: Bedding tools. I usually router the bulk of the channel out and then use these tools to take it down the rest of the way. Files and chisels to get the final fit.

C

 

[jtmattison]

Gunline makes barrel bedding tool in octagon and round, like this: Bedding tools. I usually router the bulk of the channel out and then use these tools to take it down the rest of the way. Files and chisels to get the final fit.

C

Thanks for posting that. I didn't see a 15/16" tool.



HD

 

[davy]

Nice work & images Tecum tha! :thumbsup:

Davy

 

[tecum-tha]

Thanks Davy,
more to come with the ongoing project..

 

[bingo1952]

I did all sorts of searching and did not find very much in the way of octagon cutters. I made mine from mild and case hardened in Kasenit. I put it in a container and let it soak for about a half hour in a forge. Here a few pics of a forearm I am working and the cutter. I didn't use the cutter in a router but used a milling machine because I had access to it. I would guess if this was used in a router mutiple depth passes would have to be made.

This one will cut a 1-1/8" channel.
I am not a professional photographer just in case you can't tell. :surrender:

 

[TinStar]

I sent out an e-mail yesterday in regards to a source for these router bits. Should I get a reply I'll post it.

TinStar
Soli Deo Gloria!

 

[fort fireman]

Midway USA sells barrel bedding tools for octagon barrels. Go to the website and type in barrel bedding tools in the search bar. They're around 30 bucks.

 

[bingo1952]

Thanks, it will be interesting to see what they have available.