Burnside tumbler.

[ian45662]

So I got this burnside. It needs a new tumbler. I ordered one from The rifle shop. It is a cast so it will need a little file work and it will need to be drilled and taped for the hammer screw. Anyone have any idea what the thread pitch on that would be?

[B-Davis]

Maybe try going to gunbroker.com There have been several burnside parts for sale there recently. I know a tumbler was listed there last week.
Bryan Davis

[ian45662]

I have been prowling the auction sites. Cant seem to turn anything up on those. I know the screw is not 8 32 maybe 5 40 or 6 40

[Carolina Reb]

You will probably have to drill and tap the tumbler anyway, so make it a standard size.

[ian45662]

What hammer screw can I use that has standard thread?

[Carolina Reb]

Pick up a 6-32 or 8-32 hex head bolt and rework the head to match a round slot head tumbler screw. It's not hard to do with a dremel grinder (just make sure you have no loose powder under the work bench). You might want to pick up three or four bolts if you haven't done it before, just in case. You can cut the screwdriver slot with a fine tooth hacksaw blade. When you have it looking right, heat it up with a propane torch until it turns blue and drop it in oil. It will have a nice fire blue finish.

[Muley Gil]

You can also use what I term "the poor man's lathe". Take your portable drill and secure it in your vise, with the jaws parallel to the floor. Gentley chuck the bolt in the drill and turn the drill on. Use a file to shape the bolt head into a proper dome or filister head gun screw. Polish with sandpaper and blue (if desired).