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Gunsmithing Bedding: Have I got the right areas to bed, mask, rough? (Pics)

RmeJu

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 23, 2019
156
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Getting ready to do my first bedding job, and took a pic of where I think I'm supposed to bed (and rough out beforehand) in green vs. where I'm supposed to mask, in red.

My questions are:

1. Have I got those areas right (esp. no bedding in front of the recoil lug?

2. Do I actually need to rough out the green areas, or can I just bed as is. I'd prefer not to rough out the stock if I don't have to.

For reference, the stock is a McMillan A6

1581364348713_image001.png
 
You always must remove enough material to make room for adequate depth of epoxy so it doesn't crack- in all areas where it is to be placed. Make sure the pillars are proud- the receiver must rest on them, and you need to make sure you remove enough material around them so that you get adequate epoxy depth. Be sure to take a cotton swab, and generously swab the insides of the pillars with release agent/wax.

You don't need to try to not get epoxy in front of the lug- but you do want to create clearance on the front and sides, to facilitate removal.
Two layers of tape front and sides, trim with razor knife.

Cotton swabs dipped in denatured alcohol makes for neat cleanup at the receiver/stock juncture.
 
You always must remove enough material to make room for adequate depth of epoxy so it doesn't crack

What's "adequate depth?" Just roughing it out a little bit, or is there a desired minimum?

Make sure the pillars are proud- the receiver must rest on them, and you need to make sure you remove enough material around them so that you get adequate epoxy depth.

I'd be doing this free hand with a dremel. Is there a good way to rough out the area surrounding the pillars without damaging them? Or is it just better to avoid power tools in this area?

Show results when finished.

Will do, although it might be a minute. I want to make sure I do this right.