DIY ramrod thinning/tapering/sanding 'lathe'

[Flint62Smoothie]

The ramrod provided with my Kibler Colonial rifle kit was oversized. Now I have one of the tapering tools you pull it through, where I've made French-type ramrods of a bulbous 1/2" to 5/8" on one end for 4-5" (pouce), sweeping down to a nominal 3/8" rod, and tapering to 5/16"at the entry. But in this case, a fast sanding would do it.

Since I already had the compression clamp and cordless drill already handy, here's the jig I setup outside on the deck railing in but minutes.

The large clamp holds the drill and the smaller one clamps the trigger ... just be sure to turn the work into you. If needed, a small ramrod tip or a headless machine bolt can be held in the chuck.

Hmmmmmm, how to hold the other end so it doesn't whip around on a 48" length rod? A quick look in the tool shed found a plastic rake with a tapered socket - PERFECT! The dog's squishy ball just held the rake piece in place, as supported by the weight of the available planter.

Does it get any simpler? Done in minutes ... ! Gotta LOVE ol' Rube Goldberg!

 

[Rifleman1776]

Good idea. I have clumsily held both the drill, rod and sandpaper at the same time.

 

[Brokennock]

The ramrod provided with my Kibler Colonial rifle kit was oversized. Now I have one of the tapering tools you pull it through, where I've made French-type ramrods of a bulbous 1/2" to 5/8" on one end for 4-5" (pouce), sweeping down to a nominal 3/8" rod, and tapering to 5/16"at the entry. But in this case, a fast sanding would do it.

Since I already had the compression clamp and cordless drill already handy, here's the jig I setup outside on the deck railing in but minutes.

View attachment 147278

The large clamp holds the drill and the smaller one clamps the trigger ... just be sure to turn the work into you. If needed, a small ramrod tip or a headless machine bolt can be held in the chuck.

View attachment 147279

Hmmmmmm, how to hold the other end so it doesn't whip around on a 48" length rod? A quick look in the tool shed found a plastic rake with a tapered socket - PERFECT! The dog's squishy ball just held the rake piece in place, as supported by the weight of the available planter.

View attachment 147280

Does it get any simpler? Done in minutes ... ! Gotta LOVE ol' Rube Goldberg!

Great improvisation.

Would like to see your "pull through" set up for making fowler rods with bulbous ends, if you don't mind.

 

[ohio ramrod]

If it works, use it!

 

[Flint62Smoothie]

Good idea. I have clumsily held both the drill, rod and sandpaper at the same time.

… my arms aren’t THAT long! Maybe I could do a 36” ramrod, LOL!

 

[akroguy]

What does your dog think about you takin' his ball?!

Git'r done...STAT....else face surprises on the carpet!

Love the creativity.

 

[Colonial Boy]

Improvisation is the hallmark of genius, and I’ve taken note!!

 

[ZUG]

LOVE IT ----

 

[FlinterNick]

I use dowel cutters, basically large pencil sharpeners. I start with 7/16ths at the tip and work my way down to 5/16 at the skinny ends.

 

[Polecat_Tom]

That is much simpler that the way I was doing it. Thank you for sharing.

 

[oldwood]

For years , just been holding the r/r in the chuck of an electric drill , and running the drill motor w/one hand , and holding coarse sand paper in the other. Turn on the drill motor , with your thumb. Sweep the sand paper along the r/r , and keep a r/r thimble on hand to check the diameter. as you reduce the rod. It goes quickly , so check frequently. When the correct size is reached , simply cut the end off , where the chuck bit into the new rod, install the rod tip. Have made hundreds like this , quick and easy ..........oldwood