Started a new curly maple for my F-Class rig UPDATE JAN.10TH, FINISHED PICS

For now I made the notch so the bipod sits flush at the bottom and at the front. I can take it in another 3/8 for sure, however I do not want to go too low and be too high with the bag at the rear.
 
Today I worked on the rear bag. I had a piece of russian birch plywood, 3/4 thick, with laminate. I cutted the piece to fit the bag, installed the insert, cut the bolt that will be the plug, and used an air stapler to attach the bottom to the bag







Then I made myself a funnel using an old 30-06 brass, and a glue bottle. Crude, but it will work.



Here is a lower bag, perfect for my need





Did a bigger hole at the bottom of my base, modified the shape of the base a bit, and applied a finish so it will resist water if there is some rainy days at the range.







Next step will be the bedding of the action, and after that, give a nice shape to that big piece of curly maple
 
Hi all

Rear bag is filled, work great, it sits about 1 inch lower than before, perfect !



Since we are couple of days after x-mas, I will put to good use a gift I received from my parents. The ordered this at Lee Valley, and it will be a nice addition in the garage. From now on all my stocks will have my name on it. Previously I was signing with punched letters.





Up next is the bedding preparation. I used some lamp hardware as pillar, I have done about 6 stocks with this with good results, so why change. Usual pre-bedding procedure, kiwi shoe polish, plumber putty, mix Devcon, apply devcon, insert action, and let cure.





Here is a little trick. Axis use a recoil key inserted into the stock, and then they key enters a notch at the front of the action. This causes some barrel thread to be exposed. I managed to sandwich a regular recoil lug, and I did not want any exposed barrel thread, so I took a candle, and let drop some hot wax in the space. I used this trick before when I bed Lee Enfield rifle, to protect the king screw hole during the bedding.





Some other bedding prep







To make sure all is straight, when I put the stock into the vise I make sure it is level, and when I insert the action with devcon all around the place, I just put the level on the rail. I know we are not suppose to use a clamp like I did, put it is just there to hold it, it did not push devcon out of the stock.





Next time, removing the barreled action from the stock, cleaning the bedding, and probably start to give a shape to the stock.
 
I have been following this thread from the beginning. Excellent planning and workmanship on this build! Shows what knowledgeable man can do with the right tools. I need to build a shop!
 
This morning I de-molded the action. The 2 Ikea pencil are used to fill the void in the magazine area, this way I used less plumber putty.





Next I cleaned up the bedding. Since it was relatively fresh, I was able to use the router to flatten (sp?) the area where the single shot plate will go.





Next I finished the inletting of the trigger guard. I am not able to use the router with my current set-up, and I do appreciate a little hand work from time to time, so out came the chisels



There you go, all the "mechanical" parts are installed, so next step will be to actually give a nice shape to the stock



 
Your quite a craftsman, I've been reading all along on the progress you've made. I'm sure it will be quite a work of art when its finished.
 
Hi all

Thanks for the comments. Today I started to give this piece of wood a nice shape. Started by cutting with the table saw both side of the foreend at an angle, then bandsaw the buttstock.







Then I decided to check where I was regarding weight. I took a luggage scale, hooked it at the ceiling, then I re-assembled all components and let the scale do the talking. F/TR weight is 8.25 kg if my memory is good, so at 8 I am more than ok. Otherwise, the plan was to make the underside of the foreend hollow (like a gutter)





Next came out the angle grinder with 50 grit sandpaper, and the dust started to fly in the shop.







And here I am. Still need to finalize the shape, sand all of it smooth, and apply the finish. But this will be all done in 2014. I think I'll get myself some taller rings also, scope is a bit too close to the barrel as it is, and those are cheap rings anyway.





 
Sanding is almost done. Not a lot to explain, I'll let the pics do the talking.





Then I used the anti-seize trick. I did the bolt handle slot, then I applied anti-seize on the bolt to see where it was touching the wood. I sanded until the bolt was free to move without touching the wood.









And here is where I am this morning, today I will finalize the sanding, and if all goes well apply the first coat of finish

 
I find that aniline dyes really make the grain stand out on curly maple, quartersawn oak and the like. Huge selection of colours too. Nice work.
 
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