Tracking base for Lead Sled plus modifications
Aug 16, 2009 19:16:11 GMT -5
Post by Richard on Aug 16, 2009 19:16:11 GMT -5
A week or two ago, in another members post, I did an explanation of how to stabilize that rear leg on the Lead Sled DFT. Also a springy thing I was working on to help keep the base in place.
A brief explanation on the stabilizer for the leg. Take two washers that are just slightly smaller than the bolt in the leg. Hand file to hole (or use a lathe if you have one) to jjjjjjuuuuussst fit the bolt. Epoxy one of the top and one on the bottom. It will take that wiggle out of the leg. I think the pictures show it pretty well. The springy thing ( see picture) is working out fairly well so far. My only problem is that upon recoil, the legs, if there is too much tension on the spring, want to move sideways. So this led to my newest "brainstorm" A non-skid base to keep the sled tracking front to rear while still using the spring. I probably "over-engineered it" But one thing led to the next and I kept adding more bracing since the 1/4" plywood I used had a slight bow to the bottom. The first center brace improved it, but I did not put enough tension on it when I clamped and glued it. I therefore added the side pieces and put a lot of bend in it. I finally got flat
In reality, I should have just used a piece of 3/4" plywood and be done with it. I did not, however, want to raise the sled up any higher than I had to since it is too high to start with. At least the type of shooting I normally do with my pedestal rests. As you can see, the idea is to keep the sled on track so you don't have to do a lot of re-adjusting to get back on your target. I'm hopeful the anti-skid rubber I contact cemented to the bottom, plus the weight of the rest , rifle and 16 lb. shot bag will keep the base from moving. If not, I can still "C" clamp it to our concrete benches. I have not tried it yet, but will do so this Tuesday.
Richard
(and yes, that is Cheverolet Orange engine paint
)
A brief explanation on the stabilizer for the leg. Take two washers that are just slightly smaller than the bolt in the leg. Hand file to hole (or use a lathe if you have one) to jjjjjjuuuuussst fit the bolt. Epoxy one of the top and one on the bottom. It will take that wiggle out of the leg. I think the pictures show it pretty well. The springy thing ( see picture) is working out fairly well so far. My only problem is that upon recoil, the legs, if there is too much tension on the spring, want to move sideways. So this led to my newest "brainstorm" A non-skid base to keep the sled tracking front to rear while still using the spring. I probably "over-engineered it" But one thing led to the next and I kept adding more bracing since the 1/4" plywood I used had a slight bow to the bottom. The first center brace improved it, but I did not put enough tension on it when I clamped and glued it. I therefore added the side pieces and put a lot of bend in it. I finally got flat
In reality, I should have just used a piece of 3/4" plywood and be done with it. I did not, however, want to raise the sled up any higher than I had to since it is too high to start with. At least the type of shooting I normally do with my pedestal rests. As you can see, the idea is to keep the sled on track so you don't have to do a lot of re-adjusting to get back on your target. I'm hopeful the anti-skid rubber I contact cemented to the bottom, plus the weight of the rest , rifle and 16 lb. shot bag will keep the base from moving. If not, I can still "C" clamp it to our concrete benches. I have not tried it yet, but will do so this Tuesday.Richard
(and yes, that is Cheverolet Orange engine paint
)
. I tried removing the 16 lb. shot bag but it appeared to let the sled jump more with just the spring. Next week I am going to just use the shot and not the spring. It definitely makes it simple to get the sled right back on target. Overall, I am giving it a 98% improvement over not having a base. So, pretty pleased.
