All,

I have a semi-inletted blank that I need to enlarge the holes for the action screws on. So, I was wondering, is there a prefered amount of clearance? the action screws are .250 in diameter and I have drills in 1/64 and 1/32 increments. My thought was to go 1/32 over, but I was hoping for some input from the stockmaking experts out there!

Any input appreciated!!

Bob

I don't claim to be an "expert", but I will chime in until one shows up. Most of the experts, however, won't have worked from a "semi-inlet" recently.

You might want to wait until after you fit the metal to the wood to drill out the holes. I use stockmakers screws to keep the receiver aligned while inletting. The tighter the holes are, the better the alignment. Just a thought.

As for the size, I would say 1/16" oversized would be fine IF the holes are on centerline and spaced correctly. They often are not. Good luck.

You should wait until all of your stock work is completed, just short of glassbedding, before you open the screws holes up. You don't want a bind between the screws and wood, but a 9/32 would be plenty. Besides, drilling into wood will open the hole up further than 9/32 anyway. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it didn't jump to 19/64 before you were through. Whatever you do, don't do this by hand. Set this up in a milling machine, or top quality drill press with a solid vise with soft jaws, and some shop rags (clean of course) for protection on the wood.

Good Luck

As for the proper progress I agree with Mike. What we do is to get the action set then make up the pillars. I have .080 wall thinkness 1/4 i.d. tubing that I use over the screws inside the pillar. Whew.... that comes out as some jipresh, but that is how we go with wood. I you don't want to pillar bed do as Mike said, that will work as well. With a glass stock we don't pillar bed. Just glass in then set about a .150 clearance.
Thanks,
Ed