rattle_snake's random shop projects v0.1

[rattle_snake]

More gun goodies came in last week. A folding stock and a molded sight cover for the SKS. A handful of spare magazines for a variety of guns to use at the range. This way I don't have to empty/refill self defense ammo for a given magazine. I organized my overfilled range bag and bought a separate small ammo bag just for ammo. Also picked up some single point slings and some scope lens covers.
My safe is poorly organized so I bought a door organizer and installed it. This gets the pistols and magazines out of the way. Had to cut down the shelf to make room for it. Next step is to remove the center divider and modify the upper rack. This safe really isn't big enough for a double 'U' arrangement of scoped rifles.

Saturday we went out in the boat, to Roosevelt, with 7 teenagers. Got lucky with the weather and lake was smooth all day. Pulled the kids on the toys for hours down the middle of the lake. Long day but nothing broke down and everyone was safe. Ended up buying a few more decent quality adult sized life jackets for all the 'kids'. Digging through all the infant and tiny life jackets made me remember those days of lots of little people on board. Sunday I trimmed mesquite trees in the morning, caught up socially, played some music and smoked some meat.

 

[rattle_snake]

Hacked up the crenulation (?) ring from gun safe to remove the center leg. I guess this is how you market a safe/cabinet to hold 24 long guns when it can't. Even 17 is a stretch. Seems I will find out eventually, even though I need just one more....


The ring is not deep/wide enough for anything with a scope, so kicking around the idea of making a improved version, perhaps out of hardwood or something interesting. Really need that CNC router to make curvy things perfectly curvy. I blame @lilscorpion directly for this as I have had to follow him install his setup complete with dust collection system.

But at least at this point I can access one item without having to take 4 others out first.

 

[ntsqd]

You can gain a lot of room by putting each in a Gun Sock and just deleting those pieces. For what that's worth anyway....

 

[PugetDude]

Hacked up the crenulation (?) ring from gun safe to remove the center leg. I guess this is how you market a safe/cabinet to hold 24 long guns when it can't. Even 17 is a stretch. Seems I will find out eventually, even though I need just one more....


The ring is not deep/wide enough for anything with a scope, so kicking around the idea of making a improved version, perhaps out of hardwood or something interesting. Really need that CNC router to make curvy things perfectly curvy. I blame @lilscorpion directly for this as I have had to follow him install his setup complete with dust collection system.

But at least at this point I can access one item without having to take 4 others out first.

You can gain a lot of room by putting each in a Gun Sock and just deleting those pieces. For what that's worth anyway....

Justin, I have a bunch of leftover gun socks from downsizing when we moved to Arizona. PM me if you're interested.

 

[Mr.zippy]

I use the silicone treated socks. I think it helps with prevention of rust, but it's not real humid in my world.

 

[PugetDude]

I use the silicone treated socks. I think it helps with prevention of rust, but it's not real humid in my world.

Especially when it's -65F with the wind blowing 65 mph...

 

[Mr.zippy]

Especially when it's -65F with the wind blowing 65 mph...

Eh, it's a dry cold though!

 

[PugetDude]

Eh, it's a dry cold though!

Yep. Found 100+ freeze-dried antelope piled up in a box canyon on the ranch one spring after a particularly severe winter. They were trying to get out of the wind, got trapped by drifting snow and all froze to death. It was a gruesome scene, coyotes and vultures were in a frenzy for weeks.

 

[rattle_snake]

You can gain a lot of room by putting each in a Gun Sock and just deleting those pieces. For what that's worth anyway....

Thank you for being an enabler.

Justin, I have a bunch of leftover gun socks from downsizing when we moved to Arizona. PM me if you're interested.

Thanks for the offer, although I'm good on them. Perhaps another member can PM you about them...

Especially when it's -65F with the wind blowing 65 mph...

My dad and I hunted Wyoming a few times, I agree with description. Wind was brutal and never stopped.

 

[rattle_snake]

Made a decision to repaint the 18" sub box, picked some colors. White was somewhat of a placeholder. It didn't fit in with the others, looked like a space ship which wasn't the goal. I think this is a classic case of my impatience, and the resulting extra effort in reworking things. I couldn't pick a color then, so it is what it is. Getting the box down is fairly simple, rope and a winch.


Going to double up the lift points so the rope doesn't interfere with the quick links. It's pretty tight to the ceiling.


This round will be quicker to gratification as most the fabrication is done. I trashed the damaged RGBW LED strips on the top, and will use the 4 pucks from the bottom to replace. The bottom will use a similar set of 8, but with a trim ring of some sort to hide the wiring.

I broke down the enclosure for paint. Evidently it was assembled before the paint was really dry, and pulled chucks out of the MDF where things were fastened. I did some repairs and sanded the whole thing with 220 to help the oil based paint adhere to the latex that is on it now.

 

[rattle_snake]

Used a foam roller to apply 2 coats of red with hardener to speed up dry time.

 

[rattle_snake]

Cut 6" off the length of the ports to make it look better. This raises the box resonant frequency a few Hz and the -3db as well. The energy is same so the peak of the response is a bit higher SPL. Thin wall pipe didn't look manly enough so sleeved with 4" ABS with a slice removed for friction fit. Glued and painted the pipe.

 

[rattle_snake]

Box going back together. Sealed the port tubing from the inside for a clean look and the ability to remove easily.


Wasn't happy with the exposed wiring on the baffle so built an overlay to cover it up, with light pucks recessed.




Used the overlay as a template to place the LED pucks. Bundled up the wiring.


Used some nuts as spacers to evenly space the overlay from the baffle.


Added a 2nd set of lift points to make hanging the beast easier. One for lift rope and the other for the quick links. Went up quick and easy with truck winch. Now it looks like a part of the rest of the system.


The original set of four LED pucks was not enough light. Eight is much improved. The set of four went to the top.

 

[rattle_snake]

I bought a cheap set of wireless microphones to replace the mixer and corded versions. Built some mic holders on the side of the little guitar amp. Repurposed the 110v power from the mixer to a USB jack for charging the microphones.

 

[rattle_snake]

I bought a $10 molded rubber cover for a popular red dot scope. I have a cheap knockoff, and the cover fit poorly. I heated it up and was able to get it to fit better, but ended up with a small tear. It's just a dust cover for the safe, and now it at least stays on so good enough.
I have a 2nd red dot on another rifle and wasn't that happy with molded cover, so tried a $10 Neoprene sock style. It was too long, so I cut it up to fit better and enlarged the opening. Not prefect either, but just a dust cover for storage.

 

[Mr.zippy]

That speaker looks so much better in red! Nice work!

 

[WoodsTruck]

High power ultrasonic tool cleaner...

 

[rattle_snake]

That speaker looks so much better in red! Nice work!

Thanks! I think so too.

High power ultrasonic tool cleaner...

Sometimes I'm the tool, sometimes the nut.

 

[rattle_snake]

Puttering on some home organization. I'm a fairly OCD/clean freak type, but I did have one area to pile random and depressing ****, top of gun safe. With safe organized, I went through the stuff. Organized my hunting gear, and bought some more. Added a short shelf above safe to continue the existing. Added hangers for guitar and rifle bags to get them off the floor. Built some master bath cabinet door storage boxes, and ordered some drawer type organizers for the same. Building a cowboy boot rack to free up some closet space. Plan to upgrade the lighting in the closet as well.

 

[rattle_snake]

6x cowboy boot rack out of random scraps.

 

[rattle_snake]

3rd round of safe key hangers and upper shelf modifications. Added two motion lights, one on safe roof and the other on the bottom of shelf.


Abandoned the particle board barrel ring and made deeper version out of oak. Fitment is OK, could have done better. Made some adjustments to it already.

 

[rattle_snake]

I converted both .22 rifles to quick connect style sling mounts. Now all wooden stock long guns use same style and can share any of the slings I have. The Mossberg 346BA had a unique detachable system using 2 fasteners. I deleted one hole and filled with sawdust/glue, came out nice. Put standard QC studs in, had to re-thread forward as it is also barrel strap fastener.

Both 22s have peep sights, and although I don't mind them, I would like a scope on one. The older Remington model 34-P has no provisions for a scope mount. It's possible to tap receiver and use a slightly different model base, however the Mossberg 346 has a 3/8 dovetail so doing it. I mocked up an old scope and confirmed I needed offset rings to get proper eye relief distance. Ordered some nice BKL rings and another Vortex crossfire II in 2-7x32 rimfire model. Looking forward to plinking with it.

 

[Mr.zippy]

I use BKL rings on a couple of 17's we have. They work great!

 

[rattle_snake]

I added a medium current (15A) charge circuit to the old ford. It has a fair amount of parasitic draw from aftermarket junk like door locks. I bought a 2 pin SAE 12g fused pigtail, but ended up cutting off fuse and using one of the prewired fuses in the secondary fuse block.


Now can access/charge without opening hood. I converted my 2/10/15 amp charger to use same SAE plug as the float chargers. Everything is interchangeable.

 

[ntsqd]

That insert looks nice! If you line the edge of those notches with some soft leather or similar it will be kinder to the barrels. I would not use suede.
I'm glad that I'm not too enabling......

I've been looking for a medium current 12VDC 2P connector like those used by Victron and Noco, hopefully in a bulkhead, but haven't found them other than on pigtails or adapters from Noco, and at an excessive price. Starting to think in terms of Power Poles from PowerWerx. If the SAE connectors came in a modular form instead of solely pigtails I could be tempted.

 

[Bob Heine]

If the SAE connectors came in a modular form instead of solely pigtails I could be tempted.

@ntsqd, I currently have a pigtail zip tied to the grille but I found a modular one that should mount nicely behind the bars and hopefully solid enough to make connecting easy.

I just ordered a pair of these.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083R93SLW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ntsqd]

The SAE connectors are simple and effective, but they're all (that I've seen anyway) molded connectors which forces a splice in the wires if I want to use tinned strand marine grade wire for the bulk of the circuit. I'd rather not have any splices in the wires. I've looked at some of the Automation type connectors out there, like the M8 and M12 series, but even their 'power' connector wire gauges aren't large enough. The Power Poles are a bit clunky, but they meet my needs better than most.

 

[rattle_snake]

I have same feeling on the SAE, no way to build custom. Can't remove/swap pins. I have found ways to avoid splices in most all the places I use them.

 

[rattle_snake]

Knob broke off repop window crank. Used a 308WIN casing as it fit, but is too long. rotates smooth though. Plan to go back and do both in 44 Mag. Play around with ways to neck down case and secure.

 

[rattle_snake]

The old Ford is a camper special. It came with badge bases but was missing the lettering. Couldn't find replacements so welded holes up. Now there are adhesive repops so I put some on.
Also put some engine displacement badges on , '466'. Font/style isn't quite right, don't seem to fit with 1972 theme. Maybe wrong placement. I dunno.

 

[PugetDude]

Knob broke off repop window crank. Used a 308WIN casing as it fit, but is too long. rotates smooth though. Plan to go back and do both in 44 Mag. Play around with ways to neck down case and secure.

I have a craftsman lathe in the Classifieds.... spinform them.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

How about a 300BLK? Shorter case, necked down for a similar .30cal bullet.

 

[ntsqd]

How small do you need the .44 Mag case mouths to be? Might see if you can scare up some 7mmBR or 6BR cases as those are basically .308Win X 1.5" long (instead of the std 2.015" long) necked down to 7mm and 6mm respectively. .30BR exists, but I don't know that anyone ever made brass head-stamped that way.

When the .30 Carb exists already I've never understood the reason for the .300BLK.....

 

[rattle_snake]

I have a craftsman lathe in the Classifieds.... spinform them.

That was my plan, already have a lathe. Guess a guy could have two lathes though.

How about a 300BLK? Shorter case, necked down for a similar .30cal bullet.

I was looking for a large diameter also, the 300blk is fairly small. I have some 7.62x39 in steel that fit, but not as cool as brass.
comparison to original knob

How small do you need the .44 Mag case mouths to be? Might see if you can scare up some 7mmBR or 6BR cases as those are basically .308Win X 1.5" long (instead of the std 2.015" long) necked down to 7mm and 6mm respectively. .30BR exists, but I don't know that anyone ever made brass head-stamped that way.

When the .30 Carb exists already I've never understood the reason for the .300BLK.....

Around .350" but I can drill some more if needed.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

When the .30 Carb exists already I've never understood the reason for the .300BLK.....

Compatibility with the AR-15 platform would be my 1st guess. Decent ballistics, quiet, etc. Wildcatters are always going to come up with something new to shoot out of a platform. The 6mm and 6.5mm game continues to evolve. I shot some 6 ARC stuff that was impressive at long range.

M1 Carbines are cool for sure, but its basically a magnum pistol round.




Justin, what's the diameter of the OE knob? If you want something bigger, what about a 50cal brass casing? You could knock the primer out and make it screw to the handle.

 

[PugetDude]

Compatibility with the AR-15 platform would be my 1st guess. Decent ballistics, quiet, etc. Wildcatters are always going to come up with something new to shoot out of a platform. The 6mm and 6.5mm game continues to evolve. I shot some 6 ARC stuff that was impressive at long range.

M1 Carbines are cool for sure, but its basically a magnum pistol round.




Justin, what's the diameter of the OE knob? If you want something bigger, what about a 50cal brass casing? You could knock the primer out and make it screw to the handle.

I might have some .450#2 Nitro Express cases...

 

[ntsqd]

Compatibility with the AR-15 platform would be my 1st guess. Decent ballistics, quiet, etc. Wildcatters are always going to come up with something new to shoot out of a platform. The 6mm and 6.5mm game continues to evolve. I shot some 6 ARC stuff that was impressive at long range.

M1 Carbines are cool for sure, but its basically a magnum pistol round.

Only because it's loaded that way. Load it with heavies and I'll venture that the .300 BLK has nothing on it. Already operates at rifle pressures, is only .018" smaller at the rim - so it will function with a std. AR bolt.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Only because it's loaded that way. Load it with heavies and I'll venture that the .300 BLK has nothing on it. Already operates at rifle pressures, is only .018" smaller at the rim - so it will function with a std. AR bolt.

It would be fun to test. 300blk is generally faster and heavier as designed. I wouldn't want to be in front of either when fired!

 

[ntsqd]

No, me either.

I can tell you that those .30 Carbine Blackhawks have an epic fireball at the muzzle. Don't let one off at night if standing near a cliff. Someone I know did that, and I.... er, I mean he was blinded so badly he had to sit down where he stood.

 

[rattle_snake]

replaced the buttstock collar with an ambidextrous 3/8" QD version on both ARs. The 10 needed some modifications due to larger bolt/receiver diameter. Now these two and the SKS can share single point slings.