[dnthmn2004]

Any advise on drilling and tapping scope mounts? I have a rock solid drill press with vises for it, VERY expensive carbide bits, and a decent tap set.

 

[c3shooter]

Well, not a smith, just an amateur- BUT
Drill press is good- so is a good PADDED vise to hold the receiver in the drill press. Some rifles really need a jig for drilling. Use a punch so bit does not walk. When tapping, use the drill press (unpowered) to hold the tap. Lotsa cutting fluid. Use the right taps (set of 3) when tapping a blind hole- or threads don't go all the way down. Learn several new swear words for when small tap snaps off in the hole. That's all I can think of, except don't try to D&T case hardened!

 

[b00mer]

I cheat... I will get mount where I want it, super glue it before I drill and tap. that way its always in place

 

[CARNUT1100]

When tapping, cut for 1/4 turn, then back off half a turn to clear chips, turn forward 1/2 turn to get where you started, then cut 1/4 turn again etc.
You get in to a swing of it, forward 3/4, backward 1/2 turn.

Doing that I have never broken a tap, although everybody says it is just a matter of time until I do.

Absolutely use a punch to start it off, or it WILL wander.
supergluing the mount is also not a bad idea, use it as a drilling jig. Heat gun or hair dryer will break the superglue after.

 

[c3shooter]

Good points. Would add be sure that where you are drilling is NOT going to be somewhere you should NOT be drilling. Have seen attempts to D&T that drilled thru into chamber, barrel, blocks action, etc etc etc. Basically, a destroyed rifle. And having to learn a new swear word or two.

 

[RePete]

Carbon steel taps are better than HS, because you can fairly easily remove a broken carbon steel tap than an HS tap.