Bedding pillar diameters

[jpretle]

Is there a preferred diameter for bedding pillars? 5/8" or 9/16" seems to work quite well.

 

[Clark]

Is there a preferred diameter for bedding pillars? 5/8" or 9/16" seems to work quite well.

I use 1/2" to make my own and then radius the top to fit the receiver with a boring head.

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[Hired Gun]

Nice looking pillar Clark. That rough finish really locks them into the epoxy. Same way we do ours. We also use 1/2" inch in a 9/16" hole. Any bigger and the holes will break out into the inletted portion and end up not fully supported. I can't imagine trying to get a 5/8" pillar in there.

 

[Clark]

I tap the hole in the stock for more grip there.

 

[Hired Gun]

Tapping the stock is a good idea for epoxy to get a good hold too. That hole looks kind of small. You don't try to actually thread the pillar into the stock do you?

 

[Clark]

No.
I pre compress the pillars with screws and narrow washers, put epoxy on the pillars and the holes, and push them in with the receiver, but no bottom metal.