Finding top dead centre?

[gstprecision]

Just curious how you guys mark top dead centre when installing a muzzlebrake?

I normally use a string through the aft scope base screw hole. I line up all the hole with the string and mark TDC on a piece of masking tape before removing the barrel.

Today I used a magnetic laser level shooting a straight line attached (to a metal piece) above the barrelled action. Lined up everything ( the 4 base screw holes) then marked the front on the masking tape.

I am sure there is many ways of doing this, just trying to figure out what works best.

GST

 

[Dave Tooley]

What works best is what works for you. They are never perfectly aligned so I pretty much eye ball it stopping just short as it will rotate a little further with removal.

 

[bill larson]

Tdc

I use base holes..... on top of action,or edge find off intregal rail.
bill

 

[rputzbach]

centering head

This tool works good. Just level the base and then use this tool to mark top dead center. There are ones like this that are cheaper in price.
https://clmi.us/product/miracle-point-magnetic-base-centering-head

 

[Fussy1]

Clamp action to a 90* angle plate(Mauser), or v-block on its side(Rem.), place on surface plate. Use height gauge to find the center of the muzzle; scribe inconspicuous TDC line on the end of the barrel. Many ways to do it. Depends upon what you consider to be the rifle's baseline, and/or what tools you have on hand.
F1

 

[gstprecision]

Thanks guys, lots of good info.

 

[brickeyee]

How accurate do you need to be?
https://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-H2940-Round-Center-Finder/dp/B0000DD4BS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489610627&sr=8-1&keywords=center+finder+for+round+stock

I have an even fancier one but both work very well.

You can also square up a vertical surface and use a dial indicator.

The problem is often finding a vertical surface ti indicate from.

 

[msalm]

http://www.toolfetch.com/l-s-starre...rm=681-36080&gclid=CMeCp5bx7tICFcO3wAode4EPBA

This is what I use. Doesn't matter what angle the action is at, but you will figure out how many degrees shy of that the brake needs to be to index properly when snugged.

 

[gstprecision]

Lots of different technique, very interesting.

 

[JerrySharrett]

Use a Linwood Harrell brake that has its holes in a spiral. Orientation is not critical.

.

 

[Greg Walley]

Scribe a line

Install barrel on action and put Dykem at the breech and muzzle. Use a square to scribe a line at TDC. Remove barrel and mount between centers in the lathe. Put a spring-loaded scribe in the tool post, align with the scribed line at the breech - move carriage to the muzzle and scribe the alignment line.