Tube Insert part 2, for Nathan

[ctom]

You got me thinking after your original post Nathan and I came up with what I think you are referring to when you mention a "thicker" tube.

First I made a jig for the drill press to hold a 1/4 X 28 bolt [fine thread like the store insert is threaded] with about 3/8" of threaded portion.

I drilled this using a 1/4" bit then tapping the hole for 1/4"X28 threads. The bolt was then threaded into the hole from the bottom which makes it aligned dead center. Then using a #29 drill bit I drilled a hole about 1/2" deep into the end of the 1/4" bolt and tapped the hole using a 8-32 tap chucked into the drill press. Using an 8-32 bolt about 2 3/4" long I threaded the end into the 1/4" bolt until it snugged up real firm and used some duct tape strips to mark the length or threads for the bolt that goes into the spline and the smaller bolt for the length equal to the factory insert, then cut both off to make the new insert which are shown side by side in a picture. I'll have to add the finished product picture in a second comment following this.

[ctom]

When the new insert was cleaned up a bit I shot a bait using each of the inserts and then did a cross section cut of both so ya'll can see the difference in tube thickness without adding to or deviating from the original bait's dimensions.

Tubes done using the newer insert will be tougher on the hook, meaning they won't tear off as easy. I was able to slip a 1/4 ounce tapered tube jig in the thicker bodied bait with no trouble after giving the jig a little spit. Making the new insert took me maybe an hour but then I had to start from absolute scratch, cutting the metal stock to make the jig, cutting and notching the wood base to hold the metal jig and then all the drilling and tapping. The drill press has been etched as has the wood base so set up in the future will be a snap.

No center punching is required when using a jig like this as once its clamped down and you drill the first hole, the 1/4" one to hold the bolt, everything is centered based on that first drill. Pop the belt off the drill press pulleys and chuck in your taps and have at it. The drill press and taps are a sweet way of doing this. I ran a nut up on the 1/4" bolt and snugged the nut to the underside of the angle iron to keep the bolt from turning as I tapped it.

Anyway....Nathan here's my answer to your needing, or wanting, a thicker bodied tube bait. Enjoy!

[ctom]

I missed this picture, sorry. It shows what the bolt and  screw look like after the drilling and tapping but before the cutting off.

[Nathan77]

Wow that's an awesome idea man! Thanks a lot!!!

[efishnc]

Some pretty fine fabrication skills there, Tom... Carol loaned you her thinking cap for the day?

[Botanophilia]

So, uh, how much do you charge for someone who's not quite this handy/doesn't have a drill press?

[ctom]

You have a pm bud.

[ctom]

Some pretty fine fabrication skills there, Tom... Carol loaned you her thinking cap for the day?

I could have some serious fun if I had a machine shop. lol

I'm a blackpowder shooter and have been playing with a newer semi-smokeless powder called BH209 made by Western Powders of Canada. This new powder burns substantially hotter than blackpowder or any of the current substitutes and has a burn curve that is longer in duration than any of the subs or real blackpowder. The powder's use also requires it being used with a special breech plug that insures consistent ignition. Basically this makes using it hard on the breech-plugs and flame channels of breech-plugs, the extra pressure and added heat erode those areas and eventually make the effectiveness of a new plug have a very limited lifespan, like maybe 300 shots.

I'll be converting the factory original breech plugs for a couple of my guns to shoot this new powder. Drilling and tapping much like what was done to make this insert will be well practiced with the final objective to have a box full of liners for the breech plugs that can be screwed out and replaced every couple hundred of shots at a cost of about .25 cents a liner as opposed to $25.00 to $39.00 dollars each time for a new breech plug capable of handling the powder.

Some things are worth the time investment. Some things are more play. And some things...like this insert....are born because I saw a need for one and because it is something I can do.

Like you efishnc....I work well with my hands and have a very mechanical mind-set.

[efishnc]

I certainly can appreciate all of that... (that's pretty much the way I look at everything in life)... especially since I also am a black powder fan, having three different smoke poles - one traditional, one modern, and one western.  Once again, great insight on the insert!