So I've been cutting my teeth on running the lathe and such. Been threading cold rolled steel for practice and have graduated to some old barrels donated by friends.
I'm almost ready to tackle my first real project by installing a Badger FTE muzzle brake on one of my rifles. My practice cuts and threads have turned out fairly well and I think I am ready to chuck up for real. I have one question and one concern I would appreciate feedback on before I start.
Question- The FTE has a factory bore of 0.250". I can not find a boring bar small enough to open this up to .308; I've searched MSC and Enco. How does one go about this? Do I custom grind a tool point to fit inside? I don't mind buying a tool but am a little lost on what to purchase.
Concern- I am using an Aloris HSS threading tool and have tried various RPM's for threading. I am achieving good thread dimensions but only a so so finish on the cut threads. The tool is sharp and I have finished up with a brass wire wheel. Somehow the "pretty threads" I see are still illuding me. The fit up of my threads feels good and I expect that they are fully functional but the surface finish is bothering me. Any advice on RPM/tool choice etc for improving the surface appearance of my finished threads?
Thanks.
<span style="font-style: italic">On edit yes we have established that I am a dumbass; at least I can proceed with my learning now. When one searches for indexable boring bars only indexable products appear, imagine that. Indexable boring bars are size limited due to the insert. Regular boring bars can be purchased in tiny sizes. Time to work up another MSC order. Thanks for the heads up!</span>
I'm almost ready to tackle my first real project by installing a Badger FTE muzzle brake on one of my rifles. My practice cuts and threads have turned out fairly well and I think I am ready to chuck up for real. I have one question and one concern I would appreciate feedback on before I start.
Question- The FTE has a factory bore of 0.250". I can not find a boring bar small enough to open this up to .308; I've searched MSC and Enco. How does one go about this? Do I custom grind a tool point to fit inside? I don't mind buying a tool but am a little lost on what to purchase.
Concern- I am using an Aloris HSS threading tool and have tried various RPM's for threading. I am achieving good thread dimensions but only a so so finish on the cut threads. The tool is sharp and I have finished up with a brass wire wheel. Somehow the "pretty threads" I see are still illuding me. The fit up of my threads feels good and I expect that they are fully functional but the surface finish is bothering me. Any advice on RPM/tool choice etc for improving the surface appearance of my finished threads?
Thanks.
<span style="font-style: italic">On edit yes we have established that I am a dumbass; at least I can proceed with my learning now. When one searches for indexable boring bars only indexable products appear, imagine that. Indexable boring bars are size limited due to the insert. Regular boring bars can be purchased in tiny sizes. Time to work up another MSC order. Thanks for the heads up!</span>
