Free floating barrels?

[gobigorgohome]

What is the tool called that you use to cut a barrel channel to free float it? I believe it has 2 handles and what looks like a bunch of sharp washers on it. Also, where can I find one? Thanks.

 

[hunter5425]

Is this what you mean. ht tp://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/stock-work-finishing/stock-making-hand-tools/barrel-channel-cutting-tools/barrel-bedding-tool-prod6796.aspx

 

[1-trident-1]

pricey tool, good if you do stocks, but for one relief, a dowel and sandpaper works.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

Am I wrong for using my dremel?? I know it's not a perfect arc, but it works.

-J.

 

[2tall2]

In the past I have used a deep 3/8 drive socket with coarse sand paper wrapped around it. Was looking at those Brownells tools too, but kinda pricey if you are only doing a stock once in a while. And then, what size do you get?

 

[Archer Sam]

I also use the socket and sand papet method for the few free floats I do. If you want really course sand paper buy the sheets for hardwood floor drum sanders. They go all the way down to 40 grit and it's pretty tough paper.
Scott...

 

[Travis Bickle]

Jesus man, sand it with some paper and any hard cylinder shaped object of the aproximate right diameter.
Or use a dremel. I did both for my 700 stock.
That's a lof money for a tool you'll probably use only once.

 

[nomad 68]

I glued sand paper of various grits on a 3/4" dowel and worked by hand on one project. Dremeled with a round stone on the other.

 

[BCRider]

Am I wrong for using my dremel?? I know it's not a perfect arc, but it works.

-J.

It'll work if used with care of course. Hell, anything will work if used with care.

Usually we're only removing a small amount. We're only looking to take out enough to let something similar to the thickness of a business card slide through the resulting gap. Sandpapers around a deep socket works just fine, is a LOT easier to use with a high degree of control and doesn't take all that long.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

Ok, point taken.

Is it bad to remove a mm too much??

 

[jsquig]

it ends up being about looks more than anything, once there is enough clearance.

I don't think "Too much" is a concern until you've taken off so much that the stock begins to weaken/lose integrity, or it looks like junk.

 

[4freek]

I just did this using a deep socket and sandpaper on a 700 BDL.
It certainly was touching the barrel at the front stock pad.
After removing it I got a very slight improvement at 100 yards.

Now I'm going to move on to bedding the rest in.

 

[Gunneegoogoo]

I hear you. I burred a bit, then checked, burred-checked, burred checked. I was burring leadshot laden epoxy, so sandpaper would've take a while!!

-J.

 

[Ian Robertson]

You can use a set of sanding drums, make a handle and work them back and forth, not going round.