Build it yourself....Priceless

[customcutter]

Thanks Richard, the in-laws actually live in Samson, Al. So we get up there a couple of times a year. Unfortunately, it usually around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or during turkey season. I know the season opens on the 15th a Tuesday I think. Maybe I could catch you a day or two or three before. Only hunted quail once with dogs, over 40 years ago. It was a lot of fun.

Ken

[usmc1371]

We're u using oil or cutting fluid. Oversized on the major diameter just file down the crest and cut the minor to nominal.

[customcutter]

Tapmatic Tricut cutting fluid made by LPS. It's what I use when tapping, and was handy. HSS and 70RPM, cutter 60*, releived 5*+ on leading edge, 5*- on trailing edge. Compound set on 29.5*. The thread was rough when I was feeding with the compound, I watched Tom'sTechniques on Youtube and he starts off feeding with the compound, and the last few cuts he feeds with the cross feed. I tried it, and cut the best threads I've ever cut.

[customcutter]

I was back in the shop weekend before last. All I can say is you will never appreciate how small the Grendel brass is until you try turning a chamber.

That's right i thought i still had at least 1/4" left to cut and I was a few tenths too deep. So I had to cut everything off again and start over. Good practice for my new threading technique. I got it threaded, started clambering again, but this time I was checking early and frequently.

[customcutter]

I only hand tightened the barrel ext for now, but head spaced so that the bolt would close on the go gouge but not on the go gouge with a piece of .002" scotch tape on the back of it. I know it will compress when I torque it down, and Bill A. said the headspace will likely loosen up even more for the first 50 rounds. I can always lengthen the chamber by hand if needed after torqueing. Here are a few more pics of the barrel in the lathe and the ER40 collect holder. Note, it is holding the section turned down to .980", when I indicated the bore in with the 4 jaw. I feel safer with the collets,than I do with a 100lb 4jaw chuck at 700rpm. I took 1 pic taking light cuts on the 1.2 inch barrel, but soon realized I needed to set up the steady follower rest. Sorry no pics of that, but it keeps the work from bowing out from the pressure put on the material by the cutter.

The last pic is the profiled 18in barrel. I still need to drill the gas port and install the barrel extension. I may decide to sandblast it as well. I bought a cabinet last week.

As you can see in the last pic, it has already drawn first blood. LOL

Edit. I knicked the back of my hand on the HSS insert when removing the barrel after putting the 11*crown on the muzzle, nothing serious.

[customcutter]

I just wanted to give a shout out to ricsmall. He's given me a lot of help, encouragement, and knowledge. It's always good to have someone in your corner that knows what they are doing, and he's been a big help along the way. Thanks Richard.

Ken

[Drift]

Merry Christmas CC. I am impressed! Please remember to wear your ear plugs when working with the heavy machinery.

[ricsmall]

Just glad to help when I can Ken. Barrel looks good BTW.

Richard

[am4966]

Nice job CC and here is another reason why this place is so great. The members are here since we all love the Grendel and we all will offer a lending hand if ones needed.

Looking forward to your finished product