2011 Updates

[wrmiller]

not much into guns either, but I love the machining pics. Threading the barrel to 40tpi would have me clenching up - presumably not something you'd get a go over on if you messed up!

Sorry to hear about the situation too. Sometimes life just throws you a bag full of crap, but as long as you have enough to live off and are happy, you're probably way ahead of most of the population.

I pretty much stopped posting here when a while back someone made the comment to me that this was a machining site, for machining only. So I started spending more time on different forums.

Thanks for appreciating the machining pics though! And yea, we have had to significantly alter our lifestyle since my retirement, but as you said, it could be worse!

 

[francist]

I think the only reason I don't fool around with pistol smithing more is I'm deathly afraid of acquiring another hobby. I'd end up in the poorhouse for sure!

-frank

 

[martik777]

Not a gun guy either but would love to make one. You did not machine the entire gun did you? I see various kits available.

One acre in AZ with a shop full of tools - could be much worse. A lot of Canadians snowbird there. Maybe start a B&B.

 

[mikey]

I pretty much stopped posting here when a while back someone made the comment to me that this was a machining site, for machining only. So I started spending more time on different forums.

Thanks for appreciating the machining pics though! And yea, we have had to significantly alter our lifestyle since my retirement, but as you said, it could be worse!

Screw that guy. Gunsmithing IS machining and you, Bill, are a highly valued member of the HM forum.

 

[wrmiller]

Not a gun guy either but would love to make one. You did not machine the entire gun did you? I see various kits available.

One acre in AZ with a shop full of tools - could be much worse. A lot of Canadians snowbird there. Maybe start a B&B.

No, this is a STI 2011 pistol that I have modified extensively. I do have my eye on a 80% frame that requires machining the rails and locating/drilling/reaming the hammer and sear pin holes. Not real difficult for someone with a mill and a DRO. I have a spare slide laying around...

I have seen some raw forgings/0% frames, but I do not have the ability to broach the mag well nor the slots for the trigger bow.

We get a lot of snowbirds down here during the winter, as the weather here is more temperate that other locations in AZ. Being at 5000' probably helps.

 

[wrmiller]

Screw that guy. Gunsmithing IS machining and you, Bill, are a highly valued member of the HM forum.

Appreciate the sentiment Sir, but truth be told I spend just as much or more time with my files than I do with my machines when working on pistols. I didn't post any of the handwork pics I have as it didn't seem appropriate.

 

[lordbeezer]

I'm a 1911 nut..have several I've built..made a long slide out of two slides..7" barrel..machining is machining doesn't matter what you're making..nice work..

 

[wrmiller]

I think the only reason I don't fool around with pistol smithing more is I'm deathly afraid of acquiring another hobby. I'd end up in the poorhouse for sure!

-frank

It can be addicting. And expensive as well, but I know of guys making a living building $4k semi-custom pistols on G0704s or other bench mills. Being able to do your own work does cut down on the cost of owning these things if you are into customizing them though.

 

[lordbeezer]

File work is machining by hand..thinking files were around before lathes and mills..stones as well..

 

[Bob Korves]

Appreciate the sentiment Sir, but truth be told I spend just as much or more time with my files than I do with my machines when working on pistols. I didn't post any of the handwork pics I have as it didn't seem appropriate.

A file is absolutely a machining tool, a very basic and quite useful machining tool.