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Posted: 10/25/2008 5:42:43 AM EDT
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Got an AR barrel I want to turn down under the handguards. Ideally I should turn it between centers. Whats the next most accurate way to do it? 1- Barrel extension in the chuck and muzzle in a live center. 2- Or grip the gas block area in the chuck and have the barrel extension in a live center. The later would be more rigid. Thanks for the advice. |
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For fast and pretty accurate, you can grab it in a chuck (collet is way better) close to where you are turning, leaving the shortest end to fit a live center. This will minimize flex and the need to use a follow rest. Grabbing both ends between centers will force you to use a follow rest or take super light cuts, but even with super light cuts, you may get chatter and the finish will suffer. efxguy |
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Chucking the muzzle in a live center and holding the barrel extension in a chuck is the worst idea. The barrel is not rigid enough to cut without chatter, assuming you are not using a following rest or a steady rest (ideal), and 3 jaw chucks are not very concentric. I would chuck the barrel extension in a collet and use a steady rest where needed, moving it as needed around under the handguard area to finish cuts under the handguard. That way, you are not damaging a finish forward of the handguard and not touching the muzzle. |
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