making my own pillars

[angus-5024]

I have already glass bedded my Remington 700 XCR but would like to pillar bed it as well. This rifle is a "poor mans" project so I was woundering if I could make my own pillars with limited equipment or if I just gotta order them. I was thinking that alluminum arrow shafts would work maybe? let me know. Thanks

Jordan

 

[J E Custom]

I have already glass bedded my Remington 700 XCR but would like to pillar bed it as well. This rifle is a "poor mans" project so I was woundering if I could make my own pillars with limited equipment or if I just gotta order them. I was thinking that alluminum arrow shafts would work maybe? let me know. Thanks

Jordan

Jordan.

Aluminum arrow shafts are to thin, But if you can drill a straight hole you can get a piece of
1/2'' aluminum round stock drill the stock with a 1/2" drill and then cut the Pillars to length , Then drill a 5/16"or larger hole in the round bar pieces and rough up the outside to help the
Epoxy grip the aluminum.

After making the pillars apply the epoxy to the stock and the pillar and install by twisting them
into place.

Be sure and tape the stock in the area your working to prevent epoxy from ruining the finish.

Pillars should be installed before bedding so after the pillars are installed skim bedding will
be nessary.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Joel Russo]

I make my own pillars also.
If you look around, you can buy .5" aluminum rod with the hole already drilled. Just make sure after you are finished with your bedding job, you open the hole so that there is no contact with the action screws.

 

[BigDaddy0381]

You can also use the widow crank handles used to roll out mobile home windows. The center hole needs to be drilled out a little but they work great.

 

[vintec]

You can buy them from this link.

McMaster-Carr

 

[angus-5024]

Thanks guys. I think I'll try to get my hands on some 1/2" stock. If i can find some with the hole pre-drilled I will. So with a 5/8 hole through the aluminum I am assuming that the action screw doesnt touch the aluminum? I would have thought that the aluminum would be drilled/tapped for the action screw threads. I guess that being threaded it could put stress on the action.

Next question. what is the best way to cut/size the aluminum. Do I use bedding compound to glue in the pillars or a 2 part epoxy?

 

[Joel Russo]

The action screw should not touch the pillar. Measure the screw dia and open the pillar hole accordingly.
If you have access to a lathe or milling machine, you can cut the pillars with those.
Use bedding compound or epoxy to set the pillars first. On a BDL style stock, I leave them a little long. I then use the mill to get the exact fit with the bottom metal.

 

[deerkiller]

angus,
If you cover postage & a beer or two I'll turn a couple of pillars for you.
Just tell me what you want, length, ID & OD.

dk

 

[Joel Russo]

angus,
If you cover postage & a beer or two I'll turn a couple of pillars for you.
dk

Now that's a gracious offer.

 

[angus-5024]

that is very generous. I'll measure them up as soon as I can, but Im new to this so it may take a couple days. Would the easiest way to measure be to just remove the stock and stick a piece of wire or something up so it is past the inletting about 1/64 on the reciever side and the bottom metal side? or is this not accurate enough? Thank you very much deer killer, I am astounded yet again at the generousity of fellow shooters. and thanks to all you guys that are kind enough to lend some wisdom to a new tinkerer.

 

[Boss Hoss]

Would never use metal---my Smith uses G10. He is one of the best builders and a HOF shooter as well but to each his own.

 

[specweldtom]

BH, what is G10? If it's better, I want to try it.

Thanks, Tom

 

[deerkiller]

BH, what is G10? If it's better, I want to try it.

Thanks, Tom

G10 Tubes and G10 Tubing | JJ Orly.
$10 per ft.
40 ft minimum.
I suppose it can be found in smaller amounts.

dk

 

[Boss Hoss]

The last time I bought some for my Smith I believe it was 20 feet. Had it delivered to him because he had run out and needed some to build my rifle that was in process.

G10 is very stable in with respect to the change in temperature and when accuracy is important the expansion rate of the pillar is a consideration. I know it is a fine point and gets it's application originally from glued in bench rest actions. Has to do with the heating and the heating of the action and its effect on the pillars during this process and the commesurate expansion against the action. Most Smiths do not understand the relationship however, my sporters are built to the same standards as my competition rifles --- they are just lighter for the most part, have the port on the right side and are repeaters LOL..