Enclosed track router bit?

[arty]

For those out there that have made their own enclosed track guns...where do you find the ball-head router bit to cut the track? I've looked in several search engines with no luck. Also what size (diameter) works for a 5/16" shaft? i.e., how much clearance should I go with?

Thanks for any leads!
Arty

 

[defofthecrown]

Arty, Welcome to the forum. Sorry for the delay, but I've been doing some research and just came up w/ the answer myself. It's called a "rail road bit" and it cuts the circle and the channel on top as well. Look at your finer wood working stores.

Also mcmaster-carr sells UHMW plastic rails in 4' or 5' lengths which Scott Merlo uses for his enclosed tracks. Just make sure to pin it only once or the different expansions rates may crack your gun.

Good luck.

 

[icarus pacific]

Go to Steve Alexander's site, http://spearguns.netfirms.com the bits are available there.

 

[arty]

Thanks guys.

I ended up buying this bit:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=30180&category=1,46168,46173&abspage=1&ccurrency=2&SID=

The toy train track bit is too large for a 3/8" dia. shaft.

Make multiple passes with the 3/8" bit above to get the proper clearance. According to Steve Alexander, the correct clearance is approx. .015".

Arty