Bolt Handle Turning Jig

[Rustystud]

I have made the attached Bolt handle turning jig for Fred Grant.

This Jig is more universal than my personal Jig. his jig will work on left or right bolt handles.

Nat Lambeth

[eww1350]

How about a photo of the jig with a bolt mounted in it..?

[PEI Rob]

Nat, I made one last week by first boring a .706" hole for the body section, drilling and tapping for screws, then cutting it apart and shaping. I looked at Mike Bryants pics which gave me the idea to build one. My angle was off and the whole thing is junk according to what I had in mind. I learned a few things though. I'll refinish the bolt handle tomorrow if I can and post a pic.

[Rustystud]

Rob
This is a picture of my first bolt handle turning jig. It did not allow for angle adjustment. I have modified it to being flat now and not round as in this picture. I could not take any pictures of the new jig with a bolt in it because it has been shipped to the customer.
Nat Lambeth

[PEI Rob]

Thanks Nat, I'm sure you saved me some grief, I'll make the next one flat.

[PEI Rob]

I really hate most knob installs I see, they have big gaps on the top and bottom because the knob threads are 5/16 and the handle is only 1/4. You can see in the 3rd pic there would be a gap if a 5/16 knob is threaded on. The first two pics are of the knob I just did. Some of the original knob was used so the new one could be blended in. It isn't perfectly centered height wise but I like how it turned out. It sure would have been a lot easier with a good jig.

[Dennis Sorensen]

I only do a few by hand and reshape the handle above the knob. I have seen all kinds of ugly jobs out there...

[ultramagmed]

Nat, check your P.M.'s.

Thanks,
Med.

[Rustystud]

I have made several of these jig for others. Fred Grant post here maybe he will chime in about his bolt handle turning jig. They are dangerous as your bolt is spinning around in your lathe. They take several hours to make and most would consider them cost prohibitive. They will pay for themself rather quickly.

I have sent you a pm back. If you don't get it you can e-mail me directly nlambeth@embarqmail.com or call me at 919 556-0554 or 919 662-6848.

Nat Lambeth

[Mike Bryant]

Originally Posted by PEI Rob

I really hate most knob installs I see, they have big gaps on the top and bottom because the knob threads are 5/16 and the handle is only 1/4.

It's pretty easy to break off a 5/16" threaded bolt handle. Remington bolt handles can be brittle when they are turned down and threaded. Opening up the bolt knob to 3/8" and threading the bolt handle for a 3/8" fine thread will make a stronger bolt knob. Maybe not as pretty as a 1/4" thread, but less likely to break than either of the smaller threads.

[Mike Bryant]

Originally Posted by Rustystud

...They are dangerous as your bolt is spinning around in your lathe. ...Nat Lambeth

You certainly need to keep your hands, body parts and any other bits of clothing away from the spinning bolt body. The jig does make it quick and easy to install bolt knobs. It's much easier than turning it down in a mill with a boring head and threading it with a die.

[Butch Lambert]

Why would anybody put one of those god awful shift knobs on their bolt?
Butch

[Rustystud]

Butch:

Did you forget to take your be nice pill yesterday?

We live in America, the land of freedom and choice.

Not everyone can afford a custom engraved bolt handle.

This gives them some flexibility and individuality.

Someone told me you can't make a silk purse form a sows ear.

This can come pretty close.

Hope you are well, the rut is going in full force and I need to be in the woods.

Have a great day

Nat

[Wayne Shaw]

Originally Posted by Butch Lambert

Why would anybody put one of those god awful shift knobs on their bolt?
Butch

Butch,

If you look at some of the sniper forums, a bolt knob is right up there with God. It doesn't matter how it shoots, but that knob is a biggie.

[Big Al]

The guy that puts other people's money in his pocket for the work they want, should learn to keep his mouth shut about individual taste (just don't put your name on the work). If that's what the customer wants and it is not dangerous, I say go for it. Just learn to be happy with the extra money in your jeans and the thought you don't have anything that looks that bad on your own rifles.