How can I go about using an old hard recoil pad as a template to grind a new pad? I have never fit a pad before and I thought it would be a safe way to fit one. What tools would I need to get? I don't have a belt sander but thought I could pick one up at Northern Tool. Thanks.
By the time you buy a belt sander and figure out how to get it done, you'd save a lot of money by having a gunsmith do it for you..
But anyway, using the old one for a template can be done IF you ensure you get the holes exactly lined up to get it 'close'.. Then the rest is done by hand with something between 180-240 grit paper, on the stock where you add a layer of masking tape to prevent accidentally sanding the stock's finish.. I get it 'close' by about .005+ then remove it and finish by hand, checking several times to ensure I'm there..
For a rookie, the hardest part is usually getting the toe at the right angle.. Many times those end up either short or long instead of straight with the stock lines..
Why not just install it and mark where you need to cut it?
I sure would have a gunsmith do it.
I agree, it's not as simple a job as it would seem if you've never done one.
If you insist, one of Brownell's "Kinks" book has a chapter on it (I think, a whole lot of suggestions anyway including one from an uncle) with a lot of suggestions on different techniques. I've done a few and it's still time consuming, messy and somewhat nerve wracking (perfect fit, don't mess up the wood).
What Redneck said, not getting the line right at the tow is easy. Then you buy another pad and try again.
What rifle? Some have pre-fit pads that require little or no grinding otherwise a gunsmith is well worth the cost.