Slotting pin lugs

[TDM]

I have also heard that a jeweler’s saw comes in handy for slotting lugs..

SMO, you saw my other post about slotting lugs today and what a miserable experience I thought it was! I used my jeweler’s saw and averaged 5 blade breaks per lug! I was cussing up a storm trying to fit the blades through the hole and hook it back up. It wasn’t until I was putting up my tools that I realized I’d been using the lightest blades I had. If I’d been paying attention (or could see better) I could have used a heavier blade and probably had an easier time. I just don’t use that saw much. Live and learn.

 

[SDSmlf]

Apparently I have underestimated the ease and simplicity of rat-tailed files and their use.

 

[TDM]

Apparently I have underestimated the ease and simplicity of rat-tailed files and their use.

I used those too, still a pain in the _SS as far as I’m concerned.

 

[Darkhorse]

SMO, My lugs are made of soft steel. My pins are made of drill rod. They are harder, I haven't even had one to bend yet. Before and behind the lug is a long stretch of tough maple which keeps the pin from breaking, though I'm sure eventually the pins will split out the maple.
I'm sure drilling the holes oversize would not allow the barrel to move freely for any distance.
To slot I first drill a series of holes in the lug, they I use a metal cutting end mill in one of my reciprocating hand tools (dremel) to open up the slot. I finish with my swiss files.
Lastly I coat the end grain at the end (breech) of my barrel channel with accra gel. This gives the barrel something solid to push against.
When metal gets hot it expands. That is why we need to slot those holes.

 

[Eric Krewson]

I use a cheap 1/6" diamond bit in a Dremel, slotting a lug is about a 3 second job.

I think I bought this whole set for $6 or $7; I use the one on the far left for slotting lugs.

 

[Red Owl]

It seems to me that the wood in the stock is weak and thin, the important thing is the depth of the slot to insure the the two (barrel and stock are snug, so a slot that allows only horizontal shifts due to a hot barrel, etc.