Project to organize/maximize my safe

[dogcaller]

I bought my safe at age 22 or so, owning a couple of handguns and ~5 long arms. I bought big, sure that I'd never be able to fill it, so I dedicated ~1/3 of the safe to shelf space. Fact forward 25 years and here I am with more guns than safe. I ran across these organizers on Amazon but wasn't convinced the juice was worth the squeeze. They look both expensive (for what it is) and pretty bendy. Then I ran across this tutorial for a much-improved DIY version.

I purchased all of the supplies, but I can't drill out the washers as shown in the instructions--they just won't dish out in the "countersunk" manner shown in the instructions--and you need to get them flush with the washer so the adhesive/velcro will stick. I was trying to do it with a drill and vise (as shown) and it was not even close... So I broke down and bought a portable drill press from Harbor Freight, confident that would do the trick. No joy. Still nothing but ruined drill bits.

So, it's true that I'm not Mr. Handyman, but I'm also not completely useless, and this project seemed well within my abilities. Any suggestions? What am i doing wrong?

Edited to say: Not sure why the links aren't working. Here they are again, and if needed you can cut/paste:

1st link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/GunSto...6-49FDD686DA42

2nd link: https://www.instructables.com/Gun-Safe-Firearm-Support-System/

[Little Dutch]

The link didn’t post.

[ray1970]

I know a guy that uses those things. It?s a pain getting things in and out but he definitely has a bunch of long guns packed in his safe.

I have more money than free time so I would just buy them rather than make them.

[dogcaller]

I know a guy that uses those things. It?s a pain getting things in and out but he definitely has a bunch of long guns packed in his safe.

I have more money than free time so I would just buy them rather than make them.

I understand that. I'm in the same spot, but I kind of like having a project to work on--especially if I think it'll be an improvement on the original.

[Wulf202]

So you need to bevel a hole in a washer?

Buy a dremel. Grind the inside edge at an angle and the way around.

[dogcaller]

So you need to bevel a hole in a washer?

Buy a dremel. Grind the inside edge at an angle and the way around.

I have a Dremel. What would you suggest grinding it with--is there a particular grinding bit you would suggest? It will be able to grind down a washer that a drill press with a drill bit couldn't cut? Is there such a thing as washers with softer steel? I need a ~2" OD washer with an ID of .25 - .30". I haven't been able to find a beveled washer with a large enough OD.

Maybe the real question is--Is there not a simple way to use a drill bit to bevel these out...?

[buffalobo]

I have a Dremel. What would you suggest grinding it with--is there a particular grinding bit you would suggest? It will be able to grind down a washer that a drill press with a drill bit couldn't cut? Is there such a thing as washers with softer steel? I need a ~2" OD washer with an ID of .25 - .30". I haven't been able to find a beveled washer with a large enough OD.

Maybe the real question is--Is there not a simple way to use a drill bit to bevel these out...?

Not a simple or easy way to use drill bit to make a countersink in washer. Almost impossible to "hold" washer while being drilled by hand or on drill press.

I have made aluminium washers by drawing them on 1/8"(x whatever width you need to get washer size) thick material, use counter sink bit to make center hole and bevel, then use hole saw to cut out washer.

[dogcaller]

Not a simple or easy way to use drill bit to make a countersink in washer. Almost impossible to "hold" washer while being drilled by hand or on drill press.

I have made aluminum washers by drawing them on 1/8"(x whatever width you need to get washer size) thick material, use counter sink bit to make center hole and bevel, then use hole saw to cut out washer.

Believe it or not, holding the washer isn't the problem. I have an attachment on my press that holds it perfectly still, but the drill bits barely make a dent, and I'm ruining drill bits. Also tried to use a countersink, which didn't work (not surprisingly, since they are intended for wood). I've drilled through much thicker metal with this press, which is why I'm flummoxed by the washers...

[Irving]

I just read through the tutorial and it looks like a great idea. I'm totally on board.

[Great-Kazoo]

I bought my safe at age 22 or so, owning a couple of handguns and ~5 long arms. I bought big, sure that I'd never be able to fill it, so I dedicated ~1/3 of the safe to shelf space. Fact forward 25 years and here I am with more guns than safe. I ran across these organizers on Amazon but wasn't convinced the juice was worth the squeeze. They look both expensive (for what it is) and pretty bendy. Then I ran across this tutorial for a much-improved DIY version.

I purchased all of the supplies, but I can't drill out the washers as shown in the instructions--they just won't dish out in the "countersunk" manner shown in the instructions--and you need to get them flush with the washer so the adhesive/velcro will stick. I was trying to do it with a drill and vise (as shown) and it was not even close... So I broke down and bought a portable drill press from Harbor Freight, confident that would do the trick. No joy. Still nothing but ruined drill bits.

So, it's true that I'm not Mr. Handyman, but I'm also not completely useless, and this project seemed well within my abilities. Any suggestions? What am i doing wrong?

Edited to say: Not sure why the links aren't working. Here they are again, and if needed you can cut/paste:

1st link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/GunSto...6-49FDD686DA42

2nd link: https://www.instructables.com/Gun-Safe-Firearm-Support-System/

They do offer countersunk washers, at most hardware stores. W/out reading the tutorial i "think" what you might want to use are these finishing washers.
https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/f...a6047b74060bb1




If not, Wulf's suggestion is the way to go. Or go to the hardware store and browse