Another ramrod question

[Eric Krewson]

How do you guys trim the excess wood to fit a ramrod tip on you ramrods?

I have chucked up the brass tip and spun it on but with this method the cut is often off center or crooked.

I have thought about making a steel plate with progressively smaller holes to take the rod tip from 3/8" to 5/16" but don't know exactly what drill bits to use and my selection is limited.  

[PPatch]

I measure using the cap allowing for the depth minus the threaded part. I then cut around the circumference with an e-xacto knife and use a chisel to remove wood until I need resort to a regular file to smooth things. Once she is fitted, and it is a tight fit, I epoxy it on then drill and install a brass brad.

dave

[flehto]

I do the same, except I use a steel, peened  cross pin....Fred

[Long Ears]

Lathe works great for me. Bob

[frogwalking]

I measure the required length and diameter of the portion that fits into the ramrod tip.  Wrap masking tape around my ramrod to establish the shoulder location.  Cut into the ramrod all around with a modeler's razor saw, then remove most of the wood with a coarse file, cutting back to the saw-cut with a knife.  I always install the tip before cutting the ramrod to final length.  This way, if the tip installation is not to my liking, I can do it again.  Don't forget to pin the tip in place.

[longcruise]

I mark the extent of the reduction and then file the area to be reduced to an octagonal shape and then gradually take the high points down until the tip will slide on.  Then epoxy with a pin.  I do a metal range rod the same way but usually solder instead of epoxy.

[Herb]

A tubing cutting tool works well.  The  kind you cut copper tubing with.  I adjust mine to cut part way to depth, move over 1/8", screw the cutting blade down to contact, make another cut, and so on.  Thus all the cuts are concentric to the rod.  I then use a double cut file to cut flats to depth, and finally round off.  Then the tip can be run on with a drill, glued and pinned.

[Keb]

I mark where I want the cut on the rod and score it with a brake line cutting tool. I then shave the rod to accept the tip. Glue & pin.

[Pete G.]

I too use a tubing cutter. Herb's idea of cutting multiple grooves is something I had not thought of before. Even old guys can learn stuff here.