Hi to all! And good morning Don! ....
.. Yes I read the whole description of the gentlemen's recollection on the fxo fabrication... Annnd I agree with Don in that whether or not the machining was done as I surmise, or as the gentleman describes is a moot point as the results are same... Obviously, they got it done! But, some last minute points to let those who have some production thoughts to maybe see it in a little different light....
First off, I wasn't there... But, as to anything this far removed, there are always connect the dots and fill in the blanks moments when in all reality, we just don't know?....
So, we have the same issues we face in collecting, we have the item, and we have the story.... All I have is hands on experience in efforts to reproduce? Or repair?.... As a result, there are processes tried, and efforts made to replicate items using what ever skills and tools we can dream up ...
In my efforts to fabricate magazines and tools there are some constants that I have learned the hard way, and one of them is, a precision magazine shell is NOT ever made, formed, or welded over a mandrel???? ....
.... because, you can't remove it! Even with a hydraulic press and it deforms over it's length before it moves!!!!! In fact you need a large tolerance to even have a remote chance at a slip fit, .015"+ would be pretty close... (I know they could have had split mandrels and multi part forming dies, but I'd bet that was overkill for an item like this?) I would go so far as to bet that the magazines never ever saw a mandrel past the forming die that gave them there initial shape... There is reliefs, spring back, and lubrications to deal with and none of it compliments the next operation.... But, that being said, I do find the welding on the ceramic a pretty neat concept, and we have done the same with carbon and brass if the piece is large enough to wick away the heat! I don't believe special filler rod was used, I think it was just butt welded and ground down, the discoloration is from the welding process its self... But again, that's just me... If I ever do try to make a magazine, I'm not going the route the book describes, as I've already stumbled along that path!...
BTW, Don, the new, (and old) MEC-GAR magazines are welded just as were the fxo magazines.. only now, probably computer MIG welded in a controlled atmosphere ... perfect inside, ground smooth outside! Best to all, til...lat'r....GT.....
