AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: bdixon on April 05, 2010, 06:13:31 PM

Title: wooden patchbox spring
Post by: bdixon on April 05, 2010, 06:13:31 PM

I am ready to assemble my patchbox spring to the wooden patchbox, the instructions detail the body of the spring in the center of the patchbox.  No problem.  Do you file the head of the spring to fit the contour of the rear surface of the patchbox/buttplate?  As it sits there is a gap that would catch on just about anything that gets near it.  File and fit?



Thanks Brett.

Title: Re: wooden patchbox spring
Post by: Rootsy on April 05, 2010, 06:58:12 PM

Yep.  Quite a bit of filing and fitting... Some bending too. To make it fit and operate correctly... Those pre-made wooden box release springs are just a rough shape...

Title: Re: wooden patchbox spring
Post by: bdixon on April 05, 2010, 07:05:06 PM

Would you cold bend this material?  I was watching the James Turpin/Chambers kit video, It wasn't really detailed on the fitment for the "Head" of the spring, but was real good with the wood inlet part, so I thought I had better ask.


Thanks Brett.

Title: Re: wooden patchbox spring
Post by: t.caster on April 05, 2010, 07:28:59 PM

Get it redhot before bending or reshaping or it will  certainly crack on you!
Never had one fit without reworking it yet. LOTS of meticulous trial and error here!

Title: Re: wooden patchbox spring
Post by: bdixon on April 05, 2010, 07:33:56 PM

Thanks I have the heat!  is it possible I may need to bend the neck right under the button to match the curve of the butt plate or do you fit that by filing only?  Say bending the button side to side when looking at it from the side of the butt?  "right side of the gun"  Did that make sense?

Title: Re: wooden patchbox spring
Post by: Rootsy on April 05, 2010, 10:16:06 PM

Actually, I find that the ones you get from TOTW can be cold bent slightly without any ill effect... I wouldn't try a significant bend or anything but a little curvature or flattening, etc.. No problems yet.

I generally file the compound angle to match the face of the back of the lid and greatly reduce it's entire mass... it is a big blob of steel... Once I have it how I want it I inlet it into the lid... screw it down and then fit for the retention lip... Generally have to do a slight bit of tweaking before it is all said and done

Title: Re: wooden patchbox spring
Post by: bdixon on April 05, 2010, 10:44:05 PM

Super!  Thanks Much!


Brett.