Peening Bolsters??

Michael J. Spangler

Michael J. Spangler

Joined
Oct 8, 2003
Messages
2,181
Is it absolutely nescessary to taper the bolsters prior to peening? i have a few reams but no tapered reamers. i understand the funtion of the tapering but will it work without it? if so are there any precautions i should know of?
 
Try this.....I have a set of the wire drill bits so I have a wide range to choose from. Drill ill your hole to the pin size. Then get the very next size up and drill it the top half of the bolster hole to that dimention. It will be VERY little difference between the bottom hole size (the pin size) and the top of the bolster hole. Also get yourself a 4 pound hammer or more. This will really smash it together! Just be carefull not to ding the bolster too bad. If I told you wrong someone will correct me ;)
 
Me and a pal did a test using a tapered reamer and Goode's suggestion. Couldn't tell the difference once it was done. Heck, you can probably get by with neither if you're 'welding' them together with a 4 pound hammer!

Steve
 
I drill my bolsters with a #30 drill and I don't taper the holes. I use 416 ss for bolsters and guards and 416 ss pins. I cut my pins long enough where I have about an 1/8" or a little less sticking out both sides. I use a hammer to get the pins peened enough so they won't move around, then I use a four pound hammer and beat the hell out of them. I haven't had a pin showing for quite some time now. This is works for me.
 
I use a plain hole not tapered but I start swelling the pin with a small 6 oz hammer and finish the job with a 4 lb hammer. Never had one come loose yet.
 
I also beat the hell out of them, works real well for me. But I am a big fan of the BFH for many different types of problems.
 
ok so what do i do if my bolsters are off by a little? that little bit is making me really mad. is there a way to remove them? or a way to save them?
 
Remove them? He wants to remove them?

At the school of big hammer peening we never considered that someone would ever consider removing them.

Can't be done without sacrificing the bolsters after using a 4 lb hammer.
 
Actually using a small hammer until the pins are swelled enough to hold the bolsters properly in place is to make sure that everything is lined up and tight before the big hammer is used.
 
How much are they off......

HEll, chaulk it up to experience. GEt a file, grind off the small side. File the front so the smooth side of the file wont dig into the blade. HEll...leave the back alone. Just be glad your learning :D Keep your chin up my man.....
 
well i took IG's advice ground off one side of the bolsters... took it apart and started again. beautiful fit now. i'll post pics after the ashokan seminar. thanks guys :cool:
 
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