Cutting in a grease hole

[Terry Cheek]

I will be starting my Kibler SMR soon. I would like to add a grease hole. Actually a Gillispie-style oval shape. I'm looking for suggestions on proven methods of laying out and cutting the grease hole in?

Terry

[Ken G]

Terry,

You would probably get a better response in the Gunbuilding section.  I think you can change it or maybe a moderator will change it.  Grease hole...........Use a forstner bit for the hole.  Use a gouge chisel to relieve one side.  Smooth with sandpaper.  Congrats on the Kibler kit. 

Ken

[Tim Crosby]

 Moved TC

[Terry Cheek]

Thanks for moving this to the appropriate group. I get using the Forstner bit but I don't like having the impression in the bottom and I really want to dish or bowl the internal shape of the grease hole. Loosely following the Gillispie school.

[jsb30]

Ball end milling cutter

[WadePatton]

I gouged mine out because I also don't care for the impressions left by drill bits, Forstner or otherwise. A spoon bit would be perfect, but I don't have any of those at this point. I only have a few gouges, so I made what I had work.

Then later I realized so long as there's grease in the hole, no one can see the bottom of it. So there's that. Mine is "sealed" with beeswax (same as the stock) and always full of grease, as well as some lint, twigs, dander...

[wapiti22]

What is a “grease hole” and why do I need or want one?  Asking for a friend!!

[T.C.Albert]

I think others have laid the oval-ish style out by tracing around a spoon if I recall correctly. At least thats the shape I think you are referring to.
Tim A

[rennikselum]

Used a spoon for the pattern on my Kibler, then used a rounded gouge to cut the hole.

Jeff

[Terry Cheek]

Good idea, I will remember that. Thanks for sharing.

[Terry Cheek]

What is a “grease hole” and why do I need or want one?  Asking for a friend!!

A grease hole is a hole that is carved into the side of the stock instead of using a patch box. Appalachian folks considered patch boxes as an unnecessary expense. Some of the original SMRs in Western NC and E Tennessee had them. Some contemporary builders like myself choose to add them to their SMR build the be more period correct. Just like a feather hole.

[wapiti22]

Thanks for the info. I really do enjoy learning about these Guns!

But, … what’s a “feather hole”??

[davebozell]

I used a 3/4” spoon bit for mine.  Start out at 90 degrees to the stock, and then angle it so that the bit is nearly pointed at the lock.  Spoon bits were made to change direction in a situation like this.  The bottom of the hole is smooth and round.  Part of the trick is actually going deep enough with the bit.  You want to go deep enough so that the bit stays in the original hole while it is rotated to create the teardrop effect.  If it’s not deep enough, the bit will escape from the hole and scar the surface of the stock.  A 3/4” bit should be about 3/4” deep when the turn is started.

[WadePatton]

I think others have laid the oval-ish style out by tracing around a spoon if I recall correctly. At least thats the shape I think you are referring to.
Tim A

I was referring to a spoon bit, which makes  a round hole. They are old-fashioned and have their trade-offs. Methinks one of their advantages is drilling into un-plumbed surfaces.  Oh wait--Dave said similar just above.  The other thing I like about spoon bits is the lack of a "tip hole" in the bottom of your drilling.

My grease hole is round, and made with gouges.