Barrel Inletting Bits

[xx54]

This is for you guys who inlet your barrels with a router. I have been using a 1/2" 90 degree V groove router bit which are about 2 5/8" long for most of my barrel inletting. These carbide bits are costing me about $11.00 each with free shipping. I have searched the world over for a 7/16" v groove bit with no avail. I could regrind 1/2" down to 7/16" but they don't seem to cut as good. I have contacted MLCS Woodworking and talked to John the bit tech. He informed me that if he had enough request they would start producing this size. My question is to you guys do you think this would work for you? If so, contact John at MLCS at 1-800-533-9298. I made a bet with him that he could sell 20 the first day. Please reply to this post and let me know how many of you would be interested in a 7/16" router bit. What is the most common size bit that you all use? I think it would be an asset for barrel inletting

[alacran]

I use a combination of bits. I use a 1/2 inch pattern bit with the ball bearing collar on top and a !/2 V groove with a ball bearing collar on top.
I first use the flat cutting pattern bit. I take that down to the bottom of the vertical flat. I then switch to the router with the V bit pattern bit. They will cut whatever your pattern dictates. Where do you get the bits for $11.00. Are those 1/2 or 1/4 inch shanks? I would be interested on a 7/16 if it had an accompanying 7/16 ball bearing patterning collar on top.

[mtlonghunter]

You don't need a 7/16 bit . Just grind the tip of your half inch off to the width of your flats.

[xx54]

alacran MLCS sells  both 1/4''and 1/2'' in.  shank bits. As for the 7/16'' od bearing I am looking for that also. I have not found one yet. I don't use a a bearing on the bit but I do on the tracer. call John at the phone number I listed for MLCS. and tell him you would like to see MLCS start making a 7/16 bit.

[Scota4570]

If you are going to try this be sure to use temporary metal rails for the collar to ride against and prevent running out the side. 

[alacran]

If you are going to try this be sure to use temporary metal rails for the collar to ride against and prevent running out the side.

I'm not sure what you mean. I use patterns made out of Baltic birch and cherry. They are the exact shape of barrel. there is nowhere for the bit to run but in thee pattern.

[sdilts]

How about some pictures of your routing setup. A tutorial maybe.

[xx54]

My barrel inletting jig is currently being modified for the third time . I usually do the complete barrel channel with one bit what ever the profile  octagon to round takes two bits and a little more time.swamped and straight only one bit.But the  7/16'' bit has the exact profile to do 7/8'' barrel. 7/16''+7/16=7/8      3/8''+3/8''=3/4'witch would be good for 13/16.  I clean up the bottom flat with a 1/4'' straight bit.                             

[Scota4570]

One way to use a router to inlet a barrel is to use metal rail screwed to the stock blank.  They are curved inward to match the barrel contour and secured in place with screws.  The router is run inside the temporary rails with a collar.  I see not reason hardwood rails would not work too. 

[xx54]

I saw that before hard to do on 2'' blank

[Bob Roller]

As is known,I make FEW rifles but did inlet with my milling machine running full speed which is only
3200RPM and a "Speedbor" drill ground to the octagon shape needed. The last one was a 1"
in a black walnut half stock.
Bob Roller