Stretching the stock

[Michael Bodner]

Winter project - Time to put that Smoothbore together... I'll be needing to stretch the stock.

Original gun, replacement forearm.

Can anyone recommend any YouTube videos, etc that shows how to do this? Yup, I know... Drill it, put in some dowels, and glue it. But I want to make the joint more than just glue/epoxy. So how to shape both ends of the wood so they join up evenly and use dowels/pins for extra strength, not the make up the entire joint.

Thanks in advance.

-Boots

[John Bly]

Bootsie, Here is how I do it. It takes a little longer than drilling a few small dowell holes but it is a joint that is sturdy and will not fall apart. It is a mortice and tenon joint. It doesn't matter which is on which piece. I like the tenon about 1 1/2" long. Here's how to prep the joint:

[John Bly]

Here's how it should fit up before epoxying everything in place:

[John Bly]

I use Brownells Acraglas original for the epoxy. Add some of the fiber glass to impart more strength. It acts like whiskers in whiskered ceramics. I assemble it with the barrel and ramrod in place. This assures it will all fit together and work properly when finished. Be sure to coat the barrel and ramrod with a release agent. Johnson's paste wax works well. Here's a pic of the completed joint:

[Ben Nevlezer]

Thanks for sharing that with us John.
So do you make the complete joint first and then glass bed after the joint has cured or if you were bedding the entire stock would you do so at the same time?

[John Bly]

I do the joint 1st because I don't try to fit the band at the time I assemble it all. I fit the bands after joining it all together and then glass bed it when it is all done except for the finish on the stock.

[Michael Bodner]

Thanks John! It definitely looks very strong. I also appreciate the specifics of the products you use. For a complete neophyte like myself, the details are what makes this learning experience much easier...

-Boots

[Lou Lou Lou]

Impressive joinery

[John Bly]

If you have one that has already been done with a butt joint(end grain to end grain) you can cut it out and fit a 3rd piece in the mortice to reinforce and strengthen the joint. It should be at least 2 1/2" long or longer with half of it on each side of the joint. I've repaired a few this way. Picture taken with my phone and e-mailed to myself so quality is not the best:

[fuddster]

Thanks John! It definitely looks very strong. I also appreciate the specifics of the products you use. For a complete neophyte like myself, the details are what makes this learning experience much easier...

-Boots

I agree with Boots...very informative, and timely. I've got a N1861 Springfield that I'm hoping to bring back to life. 10455
Stock was cut down just above the bottom band and barrel shortened by 10 inches. The barrel is with Bob Hoyt now getting relined and stretched.