Likely final update on this project: After nearly a month, the shooting saddle finally made it's way from China.... not sure I would have bought it from the manufacturer if I had known it would be on the proverbial slow boat... But the finished result seems just about perfect to me (and easily modified when imperfections become apparent).

The butt of the gun (scrap stock in the picture) is clamped securely into the shooting saddle, which is connected to the tripod leveling base that is connected to the headstock. The tripod leveling base can then be loosened to adjust the angle so the the head of the stock lines up easily with the tailstock cup. The tailstock slides on the bed and is locked into place with the locking knob on the tenon. At this point, the stock is 'between centers' functionally.

The tension on the spin can be adjusted by the tightening screw on the tripod leveling base (obscured by the tightening handle on the saddle in this photo).

The short block of oak in the middle of bed is simply inserted wherever I want to clamp the cradle in the bench vise. This means the cradle should be able to accommodate work as short as a forearm and as long as a rifle stock.

I'm happy to post more pictures and videos for those who are interested. I can also send links to the components if anyone wants them.

[Linked Image from i.ibb.co]



Video Links (what happened to embedded video?)--

Removing Stock from Cradle

and

Stock in cradle rotating

Last edited by Woodreaux; 03/15/25 05:52 PM.
Jim