Originally posted by Old Griz
Interesting.... I would guess if you made it in the traditional style it might even weigh a bit less than the bloodwood...
Have you considered offering drilled blanks for sale... I would guess some of the guys here might be interested...
Also when you drill the blanks.. do you drill them to take the tubes or drill them to just press fit the parts...
Tom,
This was the first closed end Baron that I have done in the Aluminum. You are right, it would likely be about the same weight with the fitting on the end.
On these, I usually drill the aluminum to the ID of the brass tubes so that they are not necessary. I like to save my expensive brad point bits for the wood and plastics and I don't have any cobalt or titanium bits in the correct sizes. The Baron top cap is an 11mm ID and a 23/64" for the lower barrel. Normally, the parts press fit nicely into the aluminum. On this one for some reason, two of the fittings neede a small drop of thin CA. They were snug, but not quite tight enough.
I would be willing to make some of the blanks for folks here. What sizes would be prefered? Cigar, Baron? I am telling you though, if you guys have a Supernova or similar with the pin jaws, and a jacobs chuck for your tailstock, drilling these is really a piece of cake. I put a couple layers of shop towel on the lathe bed, and use a little WD-40 or thread cutting oil. Then I face the ends on the lathe at the same time.
Cheers,
Fangar