Author Topic: spring steel stock  (Read 2409 times)

Offline Jerry V Lape

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3028
spring steel stock
« on: May 16, 2020, 09:45:31 AM »
Where do I find spring steel stock.  Need a piece about 6 inches long, 1/4"thick x 3/8" inch wide to make the latch spring on patchbox with a through the buttplate.  Imitating a Leonard Reedy rifle. 

Offline Elnathan

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1773
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2020, 11:48:36 AM »
Well, I was going to say McMaster-Carr, but they don't seem to have the thickness you need. You might try the New Jersey Steel Baron - he has 1095, 1084, and 1075 in 1/4x1" by various lengths. Not heat treated, though, so you'd have to temper it yourself.
A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition -  Rudyard Kipling

Offline Bob Roller

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9687
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2020, 04:17:50 PM »
Where do I find spring steel stock.  Need a piece about 6 inches long, 1/4"thick x 3/8" inch wide to make the latch spring on patchbox with a through the buttplate.  Imitating a Leonard Reedy rifle.

Send me your address and I can send a piece 1/4x3/4x6 of 1075 annealed.
It will cost you the postage.
Bob Roller

rawerk

  • Guest
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2020, 05:34:39 PM »
You really don't need spring stock for this application.  I have made several of these from old large nails, 20d or larger.  I cut off the head and cold forge to the appropriate shape then silver solder the appropriate style button back on the end.  The work hardening gives them plenty of spring for a patch-box latch.

Offline jerrywh

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8885
    • Jerrywh-gunmaker- Master  Engraver FEGA.
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2020, 06:54:49 PM »
Bob.
  Don't you know FREE is no longer cheap enough.
Nobody is always correct, Not even me.

Offline Scota4570

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2393
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2020, 07:12:46 PM »
I have bought form Jantz supply. 

Offline Metalshaper

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 610
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2020, 03:33:58 AM »
Admiral Steel.. They have sring stock in a variety of sizes..

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

Offline Lucky R A

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1628
  • In Costume
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2020, 01:28:49 PM »
As said above, you don't really need or want  spring steel to make this latch.  I have made dozens of them for Beck, Reedy as necessary for the style.  The trick in in the gentle bend which should contact the top side of your box cavity.  As you insert the opener through buttplate you need to push the front of the spring back just a bit to enter into the slot where it will embedded at the front of the box.  P.S. it is easiest to burn in the front of the spring with an appropriately shaped piece of hot steel.

Ron
"The highest reward that God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work."  - Elbert Hubbard

Offline elkhorne

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 529
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2020, 05:23:06 PM »
Ron,
Do you have any photos of that gentle bend you are referring to. I think I understand what you are talking about but a photo might help all of us. I have to do one of these on an upcoming build I a, planning. Thanks.
elkhorne

Offline Jerry V Lape

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3028
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2020, 08:58:43 PM »
Photo is a bit fuzzy but shows the spring in question.  The Reedy I am following is fastened with a screw at the front, not embedded in the front of the box. 


Offline Jerry V Lape

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3028
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2020, 09:08:02 PM »
second photo of the Reedy spring


Offline smallpatch

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4107
  • Dane Lund
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2020, 09:13:43 PM »
Jerry, I'll bet that's just mild steel.  With those curves, it will be plenty springy.
In His grip,

Dane

Offline Lucky R A

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1628
  • In Costume
Re: spring steel stock
« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2020, 10:40:03 PM »
Here are a couple of photos of one I am putting together now.   Spring in place and then full view of the curve --slightly more than needed, the pressure holds the spring in place---beck left a block to insert the spring.



"The highest reward that God gives us for good work is the ability to do better work."  - Elbert Hubbard