The compression plate has been bored and cut to fit on the barrel. Here it is clamped in place to allow the stud holes to be marked out with a custom made punch. Once we have the holes drilled we can fit a couple of bolts and cut the outside to size.

The plate will be used to mark the holes through to the barrel, which can then be drilled and tapped for the studs. Once the plate is bolted up, the job can be centred on the plate ready for boring.

It won’t be long before the two parts come together for the first time!