Jeweling job

[jim21]

I looked on auction arms and on gunbroker.The gunsmith is addvertiseing a Jeweling job for bolt actions
for around $60,I think thats pretty high price.I have around 25 boltactions I would like to get jewelled.
I also would like to get the boltactions eitch with the caliber on them.Does anyone know a gunsmith
that is reasonable with their prices?
I know I'm probly in the wrong forum.

[Nobade]

If you have that many why don't you build a jig and do them yourself? The investment in tooling would more than pay for itself. Not to sound flippant, but $60 only is about 45-50 minutes of shop time. If you can do one properly in less time than that you're a mighty skilled craftsman. No offense intended here, just something to think about before complaining about the price of other's work.

[gunnut69]

I have to agree with nobade. Jeweling is a fairly easy task as the jig provides the skill to some extent but it does take time. There's lots and lots of swirls on a bolt. Also I would not etch the calibers on the action. It should already be stamped on the barrels. If not the proper place for it is the barrel. Usually the smith that installs the barrel stamps the caliber. We used to have a local jeweler who would engrave the caliber and whatever else we wished for a very nominal fee. They use a pantograph like machine and it take little time.. Be certain to ask about this before hauling a gun into a jewelers place of business!!!

[rockbilly]

It can be done fairly cheap.   All you need is a drill press, a machineist vice and indexing fixture.  I did a couple of then using this methos and they turned out great.  For polishing the I used valve grinding compound and 3/8 inch round felt tips that could be screwed onto the shaft that was chucked into the drill.  You can get a fixture from Brownell or Midway.

If you plan to do this, I advise you to do a little experimenting on something before starting on the bolts.  As as stated above, it takes time to do a good job, but it also takes practice.

[Dee]

If you really want to get cheap use a pencil with an eraser. Put the valve grinding compound on the eraser and lock it in to a drill chuck. Yes, it actually works.

[glshop20]

I agree totally with Dee.  I have done a number of bolts with abrasive points used for jewelery work and erasers also.  Find a good way to hold the bolt securely  and use an electric hand drill.  Practice on scrap first and with a little practice you can do a good job reasonably quick.

[koginam]

$60.00 isn't bad for a jeweling job but i can see where doing as many as you have would cost a buck or two. Do it your self is a great way to put a personal touch to your guns. I am having several bolts spiral fluted for about the same prise as your jeweling.