D/A spring material

N

nijam

Joined
Aug 7, 2001
Messages
80
I'm planing on making a D/A for next year and i've got everything planed out; pattern, release mech, kicker/lief?(not coil)spring pattern placement so far but one thing I need to know is spring mat. type and what RC. I'm under the impression the higher the carbon the better and something in stainless also. ex. say 440c normal heat treat to 57-58rc then draw back to 45 to 50 range. Feasable? Is there other steels and hardnessess to be considered? Is this a trade secret and I won't get any help at all ;)?

Thanks
Patrick
 
Patkick,
Good luck on your first auto, it't tough, I'm working on my first and it is giving me a few problems. The best material for springs is O-1, I use 1/8 thick. Cut out your spring, a straight piece, bend it to the radius you want and heat treat it just like O-1. Then clean off some scale so you can see the steel and with a torch (can be propane) draw it back to a blue color, light blue, and there you go. Then you can grind it to final size and thickness, just don't let it get too hot during final grinding, and don't bend it too much or you will have no room to cut out the liner lock it it is a liner lock. Are you going to make a latch?
Chuck.
 
Hey Chuck,
thanks for the info. Doesn't sound to difficult. Its going to be a frame lock. The spring will be an integeral part of the back-spacer thats why I was maybe leaning towards a type of stainless but hey that 0-1 blues rather nicely.
What do you mean by "latch"?
Patrick
 
Patrick,
There are 3 main types of release mechanisms, a button, a latch or rocker release and a scale or bolster release. I was just wondering what kind you were going to make. Checkout this link http://www.covecutlery.com/custom.htm

there are 3 custom automatic makers on here and one does a latch, one does a button and one does an ambidexteroud bolster release. Frank, Steve and Richard. It might help give you a better idea of the different types. Just so you know making the spring one piece with the back bar is the hardest way to do it. If you make one mistake you have to make a whole new spring and backbar. I make a slot in the backbar and dovetail the end of the spring into it. You can change springs if it is too weak or too strong or has too much of a radius.
If you need any other help just drop me a line.
Chuck
 
Chuck, it'll be a button release. I shoulda known what you meant,dah, when you said latch. Sometimes I get to thinking to much on one thing and forget another.
I see what you mean about the one piece spring, good point. Your way does sound more practical.
I'll try and keep you informed as to the progress and also I really appreaciate all the helpfull info.:)
Thanks,
Patrick
 
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