Ramrod pipe holding tool

[David Rase]

Thought I would try out my new camera so since I was in the middle of making ramrod pipes for an underhammer pistol, I took a couple of pictures to show you what I use to hold my pipes while filing and polishing. 

The 2 photos are pretty self explanatory.  Using a piece of 5/16" round stock approximately 8" long, I drill a #35 hole about 2 1/2" deep.  #35 is the tap drill size for a 6/32 screw.  Next I make a cut about 1" in from the end at an angle.  I then clearance drill this cut off piece for the 6-32 socket head cap screw.  Tap the threads on the long end of the rod using a 6-32 tap.  I use both a taper and a bottom tap.  Slide the socket head cap screw through the end piece and then thread it into the main body. 

If you leave the cap screw loose, you can rotate the thimble or pipe while filing.  If you snug it up it holds the pipe firmly while you file or polish. 

You can do the same thing on a 3/8" rod for 3/8" pipes.  I used an 8-32 socket head cap screw for the 3/8" version.
David

[Robert Wolfe]

Slick. Thanks for posting.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I made up one of these mandrels and they work very well.

But at the risk of sounding like a prick, Dave's drill numbers are not correct.

 6 x 32 tpi ...tap drill #35, clearance drill #29 (depending on the screw's OD)
 8 x 32 tpi ...tap drill #29, clearance drill #22            "
10 x 32 tpi...tap drill #21, clearance drill #10            "

Nice photos by the way!

[David Rase]

I made up one of these mandrels and they work very well.

But at the risk of sounding like a prick, Dave's drill numbers are not correct.

 6 x 32 tpi ...tap drill #35, clearance drill #29 (depending on the screw's OD)
 8 x 32 tpi ...tap drill #29, clearance drill #22            "
10 x 32 tpi...tap drill #21, clearance drill #10            "

Nice photos by the way!

Taylor,
Thanks for the proof read.  I made the necessary corrections.  I know better as I tap a lot of 6-32 threads.   
David

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

David:  I've done the same thing when expounding on patch/ball/bore fit, getting my math incorrect and having someone set me straight.

[thimble rig]

That's ok guys I just blame it on old age.he he.

[Birddog6]

Dave,

  If ya grind a flat on each side of your rod, it makes it much easier to hold the rod in the
vice & keep it from slipping down when you are filing & sanding the pipes.

  I turn my pipe holders out of 5/8" dia bar stock.  Whether turned to a accommodate a 5/16" or 3/8"pipe, having the large 5/8" dia end piece about 5-6" long with a flat ground on each side holds quite well in the vice when filing or sanding the pipes. 

Keith Lisle

[davec2]

I make them now out of hex brass.  Gives me six flats to hold in the vise.