How to chuck a bolt to be refaced?

[JesseL]

And don't say just wind up and throw it

I'm trying to figure out how you're supposed to get a bolt chucked in a lathe to be refaced or have the bolt face enlarged. Seems like the handle being in the way presents a major obstacle. The only think I can think of is to make a mandrel that would fit down the center of the bolt and spin it while most of the bolt is spuportted by a steady rest. How do the professional gunsmiths handle this?

 

[mrmeval]

Um Brownells.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/catsearch.aspx?c=1340&p=4810

 

[Third_Rail]

Usually, if the bolt is being refaced you're going to be replacing the bolt handle.

If not, what kind of bolt is it - I'm guessing not a MN or SMLE, since those can be disassembled.

 

[JesseL]

It's an '03 Sprinfield bolt. The handle has already been bent for scope clearance. I need to open it up to magnum dimensions.

As an alternative to using the lathe I considered using the rotary table on the milling machine to do the cut. Bad idea?

 

[ogree]

steady rest

 

[medmo]

Steady rest, dial indicator and 4 jaw chuck.... plus patience. Using a center in the tailstock lined up with the firing pin hole will help get you started to dialing it in.

 

[JesseL]

Did it!

Thanks for all the help.

Next question, how do you usually enlarge the space where the cartridge slides up the bolt face and into position?

 

[redneckrepairs]

JesseL can you put knurlers on that steady rest and get custom jewling at the same time ??? ( i know i am bad ) and btw thanks for the pics