Bolt fluting/engraving CNC Pick Heavy

[sdeering]

Just set up the 10" rotary axis on my old bridgeport series 1 conversion. Runs on Mach3. I was unsure of the bolt hardness so I was running a little on the slow side.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/sdeering/DSC00019.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/sdeering/DSC00026.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/sdeering/DSC00022.jpg
Test run on some aluminum, engraving was ment for 1.25 so it looks a little wide. Will be engraved on a barrel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/sdeering/MVC-014F.jpg
Vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etWwUIy1RUs
Enjoy
Stephen

[RPease]

Just for my own curiousity.........why would one flute a rifle bolt??

1. I can see to reduce weight........although I would guess the weight reduction is minimal (I suppose every little bit helps).

2. Maybe it would help reduce friction between bolt and receiver housing.........but wouldn't it just make a whole lot of pockets for dirt and grit to collect in?

????

[sdeering]

I really don't think there is a physical benefit. Sure looks cool though.
There have been some people in my area that want this done, so I am about to take on some work.
Stephen

[rdesign]

Cool, that really makes me want to get a 4th axis set up on my machine.

[RPease]

I will admit that it looks good. Just wondered about the usefullness of it. Good luck with the projects..........

Regards.............Rodg

[rbertalotto]

A little less weight and a real big "cool" factor............:D

You should offer this service. Many folks would use it.

[rws]

Many people feel a fluted bolt is smoother since it has less drag/surface area. Stolle has been doing it for years a standard practice. Most all the custom actions now have it at least as an option.

Very nice work BTW.

[HTRN]

The reason for bolt fluting, at least on BR actions, is to give any dirt someplace to go, in order to prevent bolt bind. Remember, typical clearance on a benchrest action is in the .001-.0015 range, vs. .008 or so on average for a Remington 700.

Then the high end makers of push feed guns like Lazzeroni started making guns with it, then it became a trend.:D


HTRN

[john917v]

Friction, dirt-channeling, and the bolt-flutes hold grease.

Sdeering, that is some nice work! I'd love to have my 917v bolt fluted.

I'm planning a mag. opening-plug and top-mount brace/scope mount to stiffen the action up a bit on mine.

[sdeering]

Thanks for the replys fellas. I should be getting the first shipment of bolts to flute soon. I have a 6mm barrel being made for a new 6mmBR project. When I get it engraved I will post some picks.
Stephen