My new Savage bolt knob jig

[gotcha]

Nice looking work Scott ! Now if you could just design tooling to convert Savage/ Stevens bolts to incorporate Sako/ M-16 type extractors. Hmmmmmm Bet you wouldn't have any trouble selling the tooling ;)

[axaviere]

i bet that jig would sell well. i agree with everyone else, great idea, nice execution

and that thread on the hide was deleted because someone linked a .gov photo in their signature and it was causing a pop up login screen when people got to the thread

[mscott71]

I might just build an extra jig or 2 to see if there is any interest. I don't think selling a couple of those would break any forum rules.

[KURT L]

what would you charge for the jig ;D

[mscott71]

I listed a jig in the classifieds to see if anyone really wants one.

[rinodods]

Honestly you don't need an FFL or manufacturors license to make parts like bolt handles, triggers, or other mods. You just can't install them on the "firearm". If the part isn't regulated by the ATF they don't care. If you needed a license to make a part then everybody who sold them would need one as well. You just can't take a firearm into your possession to install the mod. Now that does not speak to business concerns. There could be some liability involved and you might be required to get a business license depending on your local law or sales volume. If you were doing a lot of this it might be worth looking into something like an LLC to protect your personal assets. That of course is all up to you. Love the jig and the outcome you are getting. As a complete unit those have come out really clean. Great job!

[parkj5]

I would love to have one of the bolts from the last photo..

[stomp442]

Me too those are really nice. Fantastic work.

[txbdyguard]

Ok donors of bolts for said projects do they get a discount?

[mscott71]

Here's a pic of one on a stainless handle uncoated. The stock handle and tape measure are for reference.


http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h270/mscott_photos/bolt%20knobs/silverknob003.jpg

[thomae]

I have a 7x10 (7x12?) mini lathe. Do you think that is big enough to work on a bolt handle...or do you think I would need a larger (i.e. more rigid) lathe?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[mscott71]

I have a 7x10 (7x12?) mini lathe. Do you think that is big enough to work on a bolt handle...or do you think I would need a larger (i.e. more rigid) lathe?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

I can't answer that as I've never owned or operated any other lathe besides the one I have now. I'm guessing you'd be fine, but maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in.

[bootsmcguire]

It really should be, but without seeing your set up in person, I will say that i usually keep my cut depth on the lighter side when using those mini-lathes.

[mike82352]

Nice looking fixture. What RPM do you turn at?
It looks like I just found me another project.
Is it made with mild steel or something that can be heat treated. I love making any kind of useful gadgets.
Thanks.

[mscott71]

Nice looking fixture. What RPM do you turn at?
It looks like I just found me another project.
Is it made with mild steel or something that can be heat treated. I love making any kind of useful gadgets.
Thanks.

I made it from a piece of 1" mild steel, but it wouldn't matter. The angle is 11 degrees. I don't know what RPM it's turning at. I bought an old South Bend lathe last year and started playing. Those details like RPMs, SFPM, and feed rates are still beyond me. I just know how to make bolt knobs and install muzzle brakes ;D

[mike82352]

I got me a jig made and turned my first bolt. Works really well, Thank you for the idea.
I did not realize how hard these handles are? It was some slow cutting until I got past the hardend part.

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o486/mike82352/bolthandle.jpg
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o486/mike82352/boltjig.jpg

[anotherred]

I have a 7x10 (7x12?) mini lathe. Do you think that is big enough to work on a bolt handle...or do you think I would need a larger (i.e. more rigid) lathe?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

I got the 7x10 and plan on trying this some time.

[mike82352]

Make sure you have carbide tooling, as these bolts are hard!!!! The center of the bolt is softer, but that outside portion is tuff. It will also be easier to dial in with a 4 jaw chuck. Other then taking it slow ,you should be able to do this. I think the next one I do, I will grind it down before I chuck it in the lathe, just to get past the case hardened portion.

[mscott71]

It helps to gring the outer layer down on a belt sander or with a grinder. The polished blue ones seem to be the hardest coating to get through. Be prepared to find air pockets inside as well!

[mscott71]

Here's a few more of mine.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h270/mscott_photos/bolt%20knobs/coatedknobs001.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h270/mscott_photos/bolt%20knobs/rails005.jpg