How do you cut your barrel channels? All by hand? A jig with a router? Any good tutorials on the subject? Chime in please!
Lots of ways to do that chore. Here is what I do: If the barrel is parallel, tapered or swamp, I take out the most I can with a router. Parallel you can totally fit with the router. (less tang of course) Taper takes more passes with a totally different set up because the cut is tapered left to right as well as up and down. Swamp, I route the thinnest dimension of the barrel full length and then hog the rest out with chisel and scraper. Never did octagon to round.
Larry
Are you referring to swamp or taper barrels? Are you referring to parallel barrels?I clamp the barrel on the flat planed stock. Then I glue with cheap school glue two “ runners” or rails, down each side of the barrel. Held with clamps to fit the barrel contour closely. Let dry for a few days, then cut a groove inside the rails with my handsaw with no set in the teeth. When that’s done, I chisel off the wooden rails , then carefully use my router to remove the bulk of the wood. Finish up with gouges by hand. I hope this makes sense....
I disagree! Not all newbie gun builders are inexperienced power tool people. If a builder has power tool expertise and no gun building experience, the barrel channel is a cakewalk. I am not referring to swamps.Power tools and barrel channels! A risky combination for the new builder.
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