This is a short video showing the speed and ease of fluting with the new system.

The process of fluting a barrel is dependent on a number of factors. The first is the tool design. So far we have use 4 different types of fluting tools. All of them have had minor dimensional changes.

The second is pressure. We [...]]]> Here is a short video about fluting the VG1-5 barrel.

The process of fluting a barrel is dependent on a number of factors. The first is the tool design. So far we have use 4 different types of fluting tools. All of them have had minor dimensional changes.

The second is pressure. We have pressed the flutes at 1300, 1000 and 800 psi. This factor changes as to the type of steel used in the barrels and the sharpness of the tool.

Third is the material and heat treat of the fluting tool. The first 4 tools were made of O-1. The truth is that this not a satisfactory material. With the suggestion of John D., a friend of gun lab, we will be changing the material to D-2 with a correct  heat treat.

In upcoming video’s I will go over the changes to the tool design and why. I will also show the chamber castings of the fluted chamber as the cases after firing using different flute designs and depths. There will be a lot more on fluting in the future.

We have made a number of changes to the fluting press to correct some of its short comings.

Here is a video of those changes.

Now on to the [...]]]> When we last attempted to flute the chamber of the VG1-5 we had some movement in the press itself causing the fluting tool to snap.

We have made a number of changes to the fluting press to correct some of its short comings.

Here is a video of those changes.

Now on to the pictures.

I have a short video of it operating.

The next step is to finish attaching the dro. then to fluting barrels

As for myself The day off was perfect. I was able to get [...]]]> Here at gun Lab a terrific day was had. My wife cooked an outstanding meal using her new and almost completed kitchen. There was ham,turkey,stuffing,potatoes,and all the necessary fixings to go with them. Friends and family were her to enjoy the meal.

As for myself The day off was perfect. I was able to get the fluting press working, I have completed the first few ops on making the stocks for the VG1-5 using my new router table and the chamber issue with the Vg1-5 barrel was solved. A really good day.

I hope all of you enjoyed the day as much as I did.

Here is a close up of the mounting [...]]]> I was really hoping to have a video of it working with this post. That being said we are actually very close. All the hydraulic fitting and control circuits are completed. The digital read out in almost completed. Here is a quick video of our progress.

Here is a close up of the mounting bracket and flow control valve on the fluting press.

And a pictures of everything hooked up and ready to go.

The new fittings will be here tomorrow and I hope to have it up and running by next Saturday.

I have an DRO from the router machine that I took [...]]]> In the last post you saw how we are coming along with the hydraulic forging press. Most of the work is now complete on it and I am trying to finish up the fluting press. Axel mad a lock nut for the tool holder.

I have an DRO from the router machine that I took apart.

I am working on a mounting system to allow the accurate measurement of the depth of the flute cut.

To allow a slow control cut of the flutes a throttle valve is being installed.

The real issue today was how to mount the throttle valve and piping hook ups. I think the answer might be uni-strut.
This was an idea that came from Axel and I will try and get this working this week.

I am thinking that if I mill a little out from the uni-strut and weld on a base I can mount the throttle valve this way.

The reason for the concern on mounting the throttle valve is the stress that the quick disconnects will have on the system.

With the hard piping completed all the old hoses were [...]]]> Part of this last weekend was spent working on the hydraulic forging press and the fluting machine for the VG1-5. I started by threading all or at least most of the 3/4 high pressure hydraulic piping necessary. This is a video for the project.

With the hard piping completed all the old hoses were removed and new ones ordered. The pipe supports were also ordered and the throttling valve for the fluting press. Hope to have it together this weekend.

The new vent installed and the gas forges in place. The forging press needs to be moved about 4 feet to the [...]]]> I was able to clean up part of the fab shop today. I am hoping to get the gas forge up and running shortly. Just a couple of pictures of the forge area.

The new vent installed and the gas forges in place. The forging press needs to be moved about 4 feet to the east.

The mechanical hammer I built a couple of years ago. The return spring broke this weekend and now something else to fix.

One of two leg vises

My old anvil that I got from a dumpster. One day I hope to find one in better condition. A project in the near future to build a better stand for it.