"So, Lou, how desperate are you to save an SMLE front handguard?"

[louthepou]

Some dude: "So, Lou, how desperate are you to save an SMLE front handguard?"

Me:

 

[Magellann]

Why not, I'd do the same. I'm sure it will be almost perfect when your done.

 

[Jay]

That pic screams DEDICATION!!!

Looking forward to the 'after' pic!

Cheers
Jay

 

[mcminn]

If you don't have at least 8 clamps in your gun room, you give up too easily.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Did the one on my SVT, fibreglass on the inside.

Grizz

 

[XRCD011]

Great picture Lou, if I may make a suggestion is get some good stout, heavy, belt leather saves leaving tool marks and provides a better grip surface between clamp and surface.

 

[louthepou]

Great picture Lou, if I may make a suggestion is get some good stout, heavy, belt leather saves leaving tool marks and provides a better grip surface between clamp and surface.

You know what, i never thought about that, and (ashamed to say), now that you mention it, I remember that i have read that long time ago so - it shall be done next time, I promise!!!

 

[louthepou]

If you don't have at least 8 clamps in your gun room, you give up too easily.

I think this will be my new favorite saying.

 

[XRCD011]

You know what, i never thought about that, and (ashamed to say), now that you mention it, I remember that i have read that long time ago so - it shall be done next time, I promise!!!

I have a container of random sizes from postage stamp size and up. There is a leather and craft shop at Heron and Bank called Zelikovitz that sells scrap leather that is heavy duty and oh so handy for this kind of work .

 

[VanIsleCam]

Right on - looking forward to some un-clamped pics in due course.

 

[Sniper_485]

Any tips on how to get a twist out of an SMLE front stock? Right ear of the sight protector nearly touches the right edge of the front sight base, I'd say about 1/16''-1/8'' clearance.

 

[PinkyPlinker]

Great picture Lou, if I may make a suggestion is get some good stout, heavy, belt leather saves leaving tool marks and provides a better grip surface between clamp and surface.

Thank you, now I know why I was saving my old belts!

 

[Kevt28]

Nice work as always Lou.

 

[anglia2]

I think this will be my new favorite saying.

I have about 20 lol . I've also made jigs to line up handguards while they're being clamped , it makes it a lot easier ............ I never give up on a salvageable handguard .

 

[leebuilder]

Surgical tubing is your friend !!!!!!
Get er done

 

[Sea Monkey]

Surgical tubing and leather bits - great suggestions.

 

[silverfoxdj]

Lets see those pics when your done Lou..good effort

 

[louthepou]

Here it is. Happy to report, the operation went well. that broken piece was completely separated, the break started at the middle band groove.

 

[C.308]

I took a welding course years ago and part of the fee included this sweet leather welding jacket. Well, i dont really weld, so now when I need a strip of leather I just steal a strip from the sleeve. Works very well.

Also, nice job on the repair!

 

[rustypage]

Post pics when done!