New challange! Old problem!

[JD]

GT,

I have no idea what a drum magazine spring looks like, but assuming it is some type of spirally wound flat spring, you might consider finding someone around your area that specializes in repair of antique clocks. They deal with those type of springs all the time and may be able to help find something that might work.....

Just a thought.....

[G.T.]

Hi John, I considered that..but the spring was cracked in several places as well... I think a candidate for replacement... and I'm working toward that end... Thanks for the post though... best to you John, til...lat'r...GT....

[JD]

GT, I understand that it has to be replaced, but some of these old clock repair masters have all sorts of spiral springs in their store of parts (They're almost as bad as luger collectors at hoarding parts....) and may have a spring or spring stock that would work to fashion a replacement......

As I said, just a thought.....

Good luck!!!!!!!!

[G.T.]

Hello to all! Well, I couldn't wait...... There is an old adage, "If you sit in the pilots seat of a 747 long enough, sooner or later, you'll think you can fly it!" ... and so it is with Luger drum mainsprings.. I have decided to make them with the tools and skill sets at hand... First I did a feasibility study to determine that there is NO POSSIBLE WAY to ever make a profit! ........And then decided that this project was perfectly suited for my business!........ I just yesterday ordered the spring material, rivets, and appropriate drill bits to make it possible. We will see what happens after all arrives... There's something about wild spiral flat springs flying through the air with no regard as to safety what'so'ever.. That really brightens up the day! More to follow.... best to all, til...lat'r....GT

[G.T.]

hello to all! Just yesterday.. I received in the mail, 20 pounds of SAE 1075 strip spring steel! It is dimensioned perfect for the task at hand.... I also have acquired the necessary carbide drill bits, and the proper rivet! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!! ..... .. best to all, til....lat'r....GT

BTW, still need, the proper rivet set, and a spring preloading fixture???... Lot's to do, before, I do it??... (oxymoron thing again?) full speed ahead! .....

[cirelaw]

Go Gettum my friend!!!!~Eric

[marshombre]

Have you looked into substituting a PPSh spring or one from another drum fed weapon? MR

[G.T.]

Hi MR, not at this point, getting the correct length and dimensions on all other aspects of the spring are hard to find out in the wild.... I usually am a stickler to going along with original specs.... And, I have all the correct materials, forward is the only direction now??... Best to you, til...lat'r....GT

[Vlim]

The relic Bing magazine with a hopefully useful main spring will go out in the mail next week. Just resend me your address details again

[G.T.]

Well, it hasn't gotten any cheaper! I had to replace an $850.00 motor on my Inger. Rand air compressor, to run the new rivet gun I just bought! I have also spent about $150.00 on materials to make the spring winder thingy, and the drill fixture for the different holes needed....... But, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!! ........ all is coming along perfectly and the drum for Gerben was a great help as to final dimensions and such....We are close... Just like factory! The first spring will be as good as the last! (pretty sure that they will be the same spring! ) ........ best to all, til...lat'r...GT

[sheepherder]

Let's see 'em!!!

[G.T.]

Ok Rich! ...... ...pictures tomorrow, or, close to, later today! Some one will have to help me get them onto the site??..... ... Not my strong suite! Best to all, til...lat'r....GT

[G.T.]

Hi to all, well for those of you who have never seen what the inside of a drum mag looks like, here you go! Pictures will be posted as soon as I can find one of the moderators to help me! ..........But, when you see it, you'll get the idea of what the, "Flat spiral spring" boogie man looks like!........ best to all, til...lat'r....GT

[cirelaw]

I will post them, an honor~~ Eric

[cirelaw]

Hot of the press

[G.T.]

Thanks Eric! You are a gentleman! ...best to all, til...lat'r...GT...

[G.T.]

The next set of pics shows a relic from the battlefield! It was beyond any practical use, but the dimension check it provided was super helpful... Also, this is what 100 springs looks like prior to being born! And, last but not least, my custom spring winder, twister thingy? Best to all, til...lat'r....GT....

[lugerholsterrepair]

Right here gentlemen..you have a stunning display of ingenuity, resourcesfullness, skill, dedication and expense. I have condensed all that into one word..insanity! I am positive GT must feel that way about it sometimes! All I have seen here is WAY beyond my pay grade... not to mention skill level.

[sheepherder]

... ...

There will be blood...

[G.T.]

I think Rich, Rick & Eric have it right! There will be blood! ....... most likely as the spring material is pretty strong! And the final receptacle is pretty small! ...... But as mentioned, if needed, safety capture is pretty simple .. you just need a swinging bar over one small edge part of the diameter pie... What has yet to be done, is: finish the drilling fixture for the 5 total, four different, holes required, and the rivet set block for the truss headed rivet to join the bridle spring to the main spring... If there is enough interest, I will show the "spring making" journey step by step with pictures for the forum... And all the members can then make the 100 year old journey with me! ... Best to all, til....lat'r.....GT