Gunsmithing Custom FF tubes

[Texasshooter30]

Home made FF tube

I am trying to do something like this but I dont want to drill and tap through the barrel nut, I did that and was not too successful. Looking for a better idea on how to attach the tube to the barrel nut.
Any Ideas?

 

[Wintermute]

Re: Custom FF tubes

Buy a barrel nut from a free float system that is more compatible with attaching something to it. Although honestly, freefloat non-railed forends aren't all that expensive...why not just buy one?

--Wintermute

 

[Texasshooter30]

Re: Custom FF tubes

Not happy with the OD of the ones you buy, they are two inch OD. I want at least 2 1/4" OD to clear a few piston systems inside there. I already own three tubes and two of those barrel nuts. I think i will try to have an adapter turned on a lath to thread the thing on there but I run into some issued with how thin the thing gets. Maybe an adapter cut to replace the delta ring on a standard barrel nut. Just thinking here.

 

[Wintermute]

Re: Custom FF tubes

in that case I'd do this:

<ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]get the tube you're going to use[*]mic the internal diameter of the tube[*]mic the external diameter of your barrel nut[*]use a piece of solid aluminum bar which is internally bored to the OD of the barrel nut and externally cut to the ID of the tube you're using.[*]mill or hand cut a slot or drill a hole all the way through that piece so that it will line up properly and allow your piston rod to clear through to the upper receiver.[*]drill and tap for four (or more) set screws through the piece so that it can be tightened in place to the stock barrel nut (slightly dimpling the barrel nut where the set screws will probably be a good idea).[*]drill and tap for four or more screws to run through your tube into that block in order to attach the tube to the block.[*]drill matching holes through the tube.[*]make sure you use lock-tite on all screws and set screws.[/list]
--Wintermute

 

[Wintermute]

Re: Custom FF tubes

of course, if you have a lathe, just use an aftermarket barrel nut and thread a block to fit that barrel nut, then connect the tube to that block.

--Wintermute

 

[Texasshooter30]

Re: Custom FF tubes

It is turning out,,, more and more that I will need a CNC for my job. Still looken though.

 

[Wintermute]

Re: Custom FF tubes

shouldn't need a CNC. It's all basic round work and threading. Any decent machinist without palsy and with a good manual lathe should be able to knock that out for you in no time at all.

--Wintermute

 

[skinnj1]

Re: Custom FF tubes

You do not need cnc , lok at my home made billet thread for an example. I made my barrel nut out of ss and made my tube out of al. Hardest thing to do without dro's would makeing all of the gas tube alingment holes if you do not trim/shim barrel nut to index. I made mine with 27 index holes if I remember right, google search for a bolt hole calculator, measure radius and that will calculate coordinates for holes.How are you attaching tube to nuts threads, socket head capscrews....? What tools do you have?

 

[2156SMK]

Re: Custom FF tubes

I have a 2.5" or 3" diameter freefloat tube and barrel nut around here somethere that I made years ago.
It was made with 1/4" wall aluminum tubing.
I eventually turned it down to 1/8" wall.

It was not hard if you have a tooled-up lathe and know how to use it.

 

[Mike_R]

Re: Custom FF tubes

EGW makes a 2.25 inch handguard. I think WOA does too. I know you were looking at a custom solution- but if you don't have the means to make what you want those might work, I don't know about internal clearance on those. You might have to contact them to find out the ID of their tubes.