Gun stocks

[lilricky2]

I am starting a Gunsmithing business and I an considering making grip panels and stocks. I am a one man operation so I would most definately have to go with a cnc setup. I have my own lathe and an Enco cnc mill conversion. I am learning the cnc end slowly but surely. My question is this, what type of router and associated software would be the best place to start? If I can, I will try to include some pictures of what I am trying to accomplish.

Rick

[Regnar]

The AK's Buttstock and pistol grip are pretty easy to do. Some software that can help you out is Cut3d and Meshcam. Both are realively cheap and work well with great support. The 1911 grips are alittle more difficult because of the checkering along a curve. You will not be able to have nice checkers unless you get a 4 axis. I know GripUs is on the vectric forum often he is someone that you should get in contact with. Here is some of his work http://www.gripus.com/

[lilricky2]

His stuff is outstanding. I'm not really wanting to compete on the high end or ornate woodwork. I just want to make affordable, clean lookining U.S. made parts. My focus is the metal work. I'll get in touch with him, though.

I take it, that it's really just a matter of software? Would a 3 axis machine work on the AK parts or am I pretty much relegated to looking at 4 axis machines?

Rick

[Regnar]

Software and Jigs. Dont quote me but I think they made ak buttstocks with a duplicating router. Did one side flipped it over and did the otherside. You would be doing the same thing just on a cnc. The only thing that I dont see you doing with the cnc is the Cleaning Kit Storage area and the pistol grip mounting hole. Otherwise find a 3d image and have fun. GripUs has some superb work but I think that is the level you would need to be at to come ahead at the end. Even with the cnc you are looking at 3-4 hours of your time to make one buttstock. You can pick up laminated stocks for 15dollars and Hardwoods in the 30-40 range. Something to keep in mind when you start to market/invest into this.

[lilricky2]

Ouch. Didn't realize it would be that time consuming. I may have to rethink this one. I'm offering AR15, AK47, Rem 700, 1911, Glock and S&W revolver work. I am already expriencing a backlog of deer rifles and shotguns. I may not have time to pursue this. I was hoping a cnc router would reduce the time requirements drastically.

Rick

[turmite]

I might be of help with some of this, but considering I do gun stocks full time for a living (if you consider poverty a living....... ), I of course will not be able to reveal too much.

Attached is a photo of one of my Benchrest stocks that is made from a balsawood/carbon fiber system. This stock was carved in 1.5 hrs on the outside and about 30 minutes for the inletting. Now keep in mind, that should you decide to go to cnc carving you will still need sanding. I discovered that I could use a very fine tool path and still have the same amount of sanding as I did if I used a more coarse tool path. It was faster for me to sand the little extra on the coarse tool path than to let the machine carve it.

I can also tell you that unless you have extensive experience with 3d modeling and cam work, or you have deep pockets, that this will not be a pleasant experience. I have tried hiring modelers, doing it myself, and having a fella here on the zone to laser scan some of my pistol grips. The easiest is of course the scanning, but the files created are so large I cannot use them with my pc system, which by today's standard is a dinasour. I guess that I will need a 3-4 thousand $$ pc to be able to work these files and several more I will need to add.

Mike



ps.......now there is always the option of buying an existing business!

[lilricky2]

Very cool! I would certainly not ask anyone to give away any proprietary information. Especially if it is their living, and trust me I understand completely about the impoverished aspect. What you see above is all I'm really looking to do, plus the AK hand guards of course. A wooden AR15 stock set might be interesting. The metal crafts are what I enjoy. I don't mind sanding, most of the 1911 work I do is hand fitting. Like I said, I'm just looking to make a few clean parts to finish off my builds and they are a small part of the work I'm getting. I am still unsure as to whether it's even worth pursuing. I might be better off to contract someone like me to cut them to my specs.

Rick

[turmite]

You mean like these!

It sounds like to me you need a small duplicator rather than cnc. Trust me when I tell you this. The second largest business mistake I made was to sell all my manual duplication equipment to force myself to go to all cnc! Bad...bad, did I mention BAD mistake! I have lost thousands in sales because of it, and at a time those thousands would sure have come in handy.

I'm getting ready to build me another good duplicator. I have a small 4 spindle that would require more hand work than say a Northstar or Don Allen, but it would get you started. It needs to be cleaned up and re-adjusted. If you are interested pm me.

Mike