How to Fabricate a Gun Screw from Drill Rod | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

Published on April 30, 2009
Duration: 1:31

This guide details the process of fabricating a custom gun screw from drill rod, as demonstrated by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA. It covers essential machining steps including turning the rod, cutting threads with a die, shaping and slotting the screw head, and polishing the finished product. The demonstration highlights the necessity of specialized tools and fixtures for precise gunsmithing work.

Quick Summary

Learn to fabricate custom gun screws from drill rod using a lathe and threading die. Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA demonstrates turning the rod, cutting threads, shaping the head, polishing, and slotting for a completed screw.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction: Why Fabricate Gun Screws
  2. 00:18Turning Drill Rod for Screw Head
  3. 00:27Machining for Thread Major Diameter
  4. 00:34Cutting Threads with a Die
  5. 00:50Cutting Off and Shaping the Screw Head
  6. 01:03Polishing and Slotting the Screw Head
  7. 01:14Conclusion: Completed Gun Screw

Frequently Asked Questions

What material is used to fabricate a gun screw in this demonstration?

In this demonstration by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA, a gun screw is fabricated from a piece of drill rod. Drill rod is a common material for making custom metal parts due to its hardness and machinability.

What are the key steps involved in making a gun screw from drill rod?

The key steps include mounting drill rod in a lathe, turning it to the desired head diameter, machining for the thread major diameter, cutting threads with a die, cutting off the screw, shaping the head, polishing, and finally slotting the head.

What tools are essential for fabricating a gun screw like this?

Essential tools include a lathe with a 3-jaw chuck, a threading die, a hacksaw, a lathe file, emery cloth, a mill vise, and a slotting saw. Custom fixtures are also highly recommended for holding the workpiece securely.

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