Homemade custom bolt knob for hunting rifle!

Striker said:
looks great..can you post a pic of the whole rifle? question..how deep into the handle does the bolt handle go? Any concerns about the wood cracking with use?
Click to expand...

I don't have any concerns with the wood cracking: The wood used was well dried and the CA glue finish (including a couple of drops inside the hole that screws onto the bolt threading) seals the wood against humidity changes.

Also, the CA glue finish will also protect the wood against various chemicals and scratches.

Unfortunately, the rifle is undergoing a MAJOR refit at the moment hehe. I've slimed down the fore-end, installed an african blackwood tip, removed the old varnish, installed a grind-to-fit buttpad...still need to bed, install my new trigger and finish it. I could take a pic, but I'm afraid it wouldn't it justice just yet!
 
Nice, I wouldn't have thought of a wooden bolt handle. I have thought of making a small foundry, melting some scrap brass into a mold of the bolt handle. This idea first came to me while enjoying a humorous episode of Man Lab that featured a homemade foundry - the most difficult part it seems then, is making a mold.
 
huntingfish said:
I don't have any concerns with the wood cracking: The wood used was well dried and the CA glue finish (including a couple of drops inside the hole that screws onto the bolt threading) seals the wood against humidity changes.

Also, the CA glue finish will also protect the wood against various chemicals and scratches.

Unfortunately, the rifle is undergoing a MAJOR refit at the moment hehe. I've slimed down the fore-end, installed an african blackwood tip, removed the old varnish, installed a grind-to-fit buttpad...still need to bed, install my new trigger and finish it. I could take a pic, but I'm afraid it wouldn't it justice just yet!
Click to expand...

can't wait to see pics of it finished.
 
New Camper said:
Nice, I wouldn't have thought of a wooden bolt handle. I have thought of making a small foundry, melting some scrap brass into a mold of the bolt handle. This idea first came to me while enjoying a humorous episode of Man Lab that featured a homemade foundry - the most difficult part it seems then, is making a mold.
Click to expand...

New camper, I've seen someone create a mold by using bedding techniques: Take the piece of metal you want to copy, wax it up and them put epoxy over it. Remove hardened epoxy and know you have your mold. Your mileage might vary though and I must say I've never actually tried it. I saw it on instructables.com, replicating a fire-mode selection switch of some gun.

Fish
 
Striker said:
can't wait to see pics of it finished.
Click to expand...

Not done yet...

Before:
DSC_7072.JPG


Now so far:
DSC_0625.JPG


Grinded to fit, but I haven't installed it yet since I have yet to finish the stock:
DSC_0631.JPG
 
huntingfish said:
New camper, I've seen someone create a mold by using bedding techniques: Take the piece of metal you want to copy, wax it up and them put epoxy over it. Remove hardened epoxy and know you have your mold. Your mileage might vary though and I must say I've never actually tried it. I saw it on instructables.com, replicating a fire-mode selection switch of some gun.

Fish
Click to expand...

Thank you: Do you remember if the epoxy could withstand the 1700 degree farenheit temperature required to melt brass? As with a sand mold that I'd likely resort to otherwise, it's fine if it only works once. I thought I'd have to put a longer bolt handle on my T3 after the new, much larger stock was fitted, but the original stainless knob is more than adequate unless boxing gloves are worn. Brass would look lovely and using a plate for the grip bottom as well would be unique.

Beautiful work on the stock!
 
Well, here's what it will "almost" look like. I just applied the pore filler and it darkens the wood a bit. So it should give a decent idea of what the bolt will look like on the finished rifle.

DSC_1391.JPG
 
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