I've spent close to 30 years in machine shops, the last 15 or so programming CNC machines. Problem is, I haven't had the oportunity to work with a steady rest. My question is about indicating the muzzle end of the barrel when running in a steady rest. Assuming some runout from ID to OD, how do you go about indicating from the bore when it's in the chuck? I have access to a lathe at work, but the headstock is too long to run it with a spider on the rear of the machine. Thinking about doing a little gov. work some weekend.

assuming you have not cut the barrel to final length before chambering, an inch or two of the muzzle end (OD) can be turned concentric to the bore using a live center in the tail stock. All you need to do is to clean up the OD.....

Chuck only that portion in the chuck for chambering and indicate the OD of that portion.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
assuming you have not cut the barrel to final length before chambering, an inch or two of the muzzle end (OD) can be turned concentric to the bore using a live center in the tail stock. All you need to do is to clean up the OD.....

Chuck only that portion in the chuck for chambering and indicate the OD of that portion.

If, on the other hand, you are working with someone elses prechambered barrel, you are better off using a 4 jaw and spider and dialing both ends.

But I agree, when using a steady rest, new, unchambered barrels should be placed on centers, ends trued, and then set up as Yapo mentioned.

Thanks guys, that's about what I thought, just wanted to check with those that had "been there,done that"

quote:

Originally posted by malm:
........and then set up as Yapo mentioned.

Freudian slip??

Unless this is a benchrest gun, you can hold the barrel in a good 3-jaw chuck, a collet, or a 4-jaw and chamber it in the steady.

Kuhnhausen shows that set-up in his Shop Manual for the Mauser.

Clemson