Opening garand bolt face without annealing

45flaco · January 19, 2021, 12:21 PM

Hey guys.
Trying to open up the bolt face on a garand bolt without annealing it, as that would require putting it back through heat treat again.
Tried a lathe, but since the bolt face ring is interrupted, it just chipped the carbide inserts without ever cutting. Since it's a hardened part, I'm guessing that HSS won't even touch it.
Even tried putting it on the mill and using an end mill. Same thing.
Anyone got ideas? I don't mind experimenting, I started with a formerly welded bolt, knowing I'll likely screw it up.
Or, even someone that could do this?
Needing it opened for a 0.532 case rim.
Thanks!

Bart B. · January 19, 2021, 12:37 PM

What cartridge do you want to use?

HiBC · January 19, 2021, 04:23 PM

I'll stay away from whether its a good idea. I have a hard time thinking the en block clip will work,but thats not the question.
I'll assume you are as familiar with carbide grades and speeds,feeds,and rigidity as I am.Which is nothing special!!)

If I had that problem,before I retired I'd just use the Handsfedt sinker EDM ,spin up a graphite electrode and burn it.

If carbide won't work, IMO,EDM is usually the the easiest answer if is available.

Lacking that, a tool post grinder in a lathe is another choice.

Lacking that,I might rig a fresh,unworn air die grinder or foredom handpiece in a lathe boring bar holder There are Borazon Carbide burrs that are used in a jig grinder. Or,if you go easy,a mounted stone might work, Diamond dress it in place,don't push it too hard. It just MIGHT work

(or not !!!)

tango1niner · January 19, 2021, 05:17 PM

I don't have a tool post grinder for my little 10" lathe, wish I did. I fabbed a holder for a dremel type grinder for the lathe and use mounted abrasives. I dress wheel with a diamond just like the big boys and just go slow. Works for me...

**44 AMP** · January 19, 2021, 05:43 PM

Some years ago, there was someone who, if you sent them your Garand and enough money, they would send you back your Garand in .458 Win Mag. With a 4 shot enbloc clip.

Never saw any detailed reviews of the work, and I doubt they did very many, but it appears it was mechanically possible.

Haven't seen any of those ads in ages, don't think there's anyone currently doing that kind of work.

Bart B. · January 19, 2021, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiBC

I'll stay away from whether its a good idea. I have a hard time thinking the en block clip will work,but thats not the question.

If he's wanting to use a 30 caliber belted magnum, the barrel's gas port may be too big.

January 19, 2021, 12:21 PM	#1
45flaco Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2017 Posts: 134	Opening garand bolt face without annealing Hey guys. Trying to open up the bolt face on a garand bolt without annealing it, as that would require putting it back through heat treat again. Tried a lathe, but since the bolt face ring is interrupted, it just chipped the carbide inserts without ever cutting. Since it's a hardened part, I'm guessing that HSS won't even touch it. Even tried putting it on the mill and using an end mill. Same thing. Anyone got ideas? I don't mind experimenting, I started with a formerly welded bolt, knowing I'll likely screw it up. Or, even someone that could do this? Needing it opened for a 0.532 case rim. Thanks!

January 19, 2021, 05:43 PM	#5
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 30,276	Some years ago, there was someone who, if you sent them your Garand and enough money, they would send you back your Garand in .458 Win Mag. With a 4 shot enbloc clip. Never saw any detailed reviews of the work, and I doubt they did very many, but it appears it was mechanically possible. Haven't seen any of those ads in ages, don't think there's anyone currently doing that kind of work. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

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January 19, 2021, 12:37 PM	#2
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	What cartridge do you want to use?

January 19, 2021, 04:23 PM	#3
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,350	I'll stay away from whether its a good idea. I have a hard time thinking the en block clip will work,but thats not the question. I'll assume you are as familiar with carbide grades and speeds,feeds,and rigidity as I am.Which is nothing special!!) If I had that problem,before I retired I'd just use the Handsfedt sinker EDM ,spin up a graphite electrode and burn it. If carbide won't work, IMO,EDM is usually the the easiest answer if is available. Lacking that, a tool post grinder in a lathe is another choice. Lacking that,I might rig a fresh,unworn air die grinder or foredom handpiece in a lathe boring bar holder There are Borazon Carbide burrs that are used in a jig grinder. Or,if you go easy,a mounted stone might work, Diamond dress it in place,don't push it too hard. It just MIGHT work (or not !!!)

January 19, 2021, 05:17 PM	#4
tango1niner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2009 Location: NY Posts: 321	I don't have a tool post grinder for my little 10" lathe, wish I did. I fabbed a holder for a dremel type grinder for the lathe and use mounted abrasives. I dress wheel with a diamond just like the big boys and just go slow. Works for me...