GUNSMITHING ODDS AND ENDS:#7 - MACHINE "BED HEADS" PILLARS TO LENGTH
All "Bed Heads" pillars for M-70 Winchester are longer than necessary, to allow custom fitting for each rifle.
NOTE: This same process also applies when it is necessary to shorten the Remington M-700 ADL front pillar to fit a custom stock, or a custom front guard screw escutcheon.Just remember, this time it is the LOWER end of the pillar that gets trimmed.
PICTURE #1
Picture #1 shows a dial indicator being used to measure the length being trimmed from a pillar.
If you have a lathe, you will of course, use it to trim these pillars to length.
PICTURE #2
If you do not have a lathe however, you can still do a very nice job of machining these pillars to length, and square, to match the flat bottom of the M-70 receiver.
This set-up requires a drill press with some type of adjustable quill stop, a drill press vise with 1 "prismatic" jaw to locate the pillar vertically, and a 1/2" counterbore with a 5/16" pilot.
PICTURE #3
The "Bed Heads" pillar ID is reamed to .312 (5/16"). This reamed hole provides an accurate fit for the Teflon sleeves during the pillar installation process.
It also provides an accurate fit for the 5/16" (.312") pilot on the end of the counterbore.
These counterbores and pilots are available from MSC and other industrial tool suppliers.
Interchangeable Pilot Counterbore3 Flute1/2" diameter7/16" Shank3/16" Pilot ShankMSC part # for USA made tool 08812323
Interchangeable Pilot3/16" Shank5/16" Pilot ShankMSC part # for USA made tool 78904208
PICTURE #4
The counterbore pilot has been lowered into the pillar's ID.
Turn the drill press on and continue to lower the quill until the stop has been reached.
PICTURE #5
In Picture #5, the pillar has been cut to length.
The accurate fit between the pillar ID and the counterbore pilot has made it possible to achieve a nice smooth finish on the end of this pillar.
All that is necessary now is to de-burr the outside edge.
Remember Ernie's Rule:For the least amount of stress in your action, build your action's foundation while using the least amount of force!