7 replies to this topic

[six-five-two]

I am trying to make a homemade spring for a magazine, but I need to know what gauge wire I should use, what heat it should be, etc. In the Artemis Arms Mountain Rifle thread, Starbuck made one, except I dont think he comes here that often.

[CaptainSlug]

.022 steel music wire works well. Don't heat it, just cold-form it to the shape you want.

[six-five-two]

Thanks, but what is Cold-Form? And where can I get it? And I am guessing I can find music wire at any music store?

[CaptainSlug]

You don't have to heat most lower gauges of wire in order to bend them. Heating them will anneal them to a soft state that will ruin the spring effect. If you can't find music wire, steel welding rod will also work.

Edited by CaptainSlug, 03 November 2006 - 11:17 AM.

[Carbon]

And I am guessing I can find music wire at any music store?

No, it's being tricky. Music wire is usually in the same display as brass tubing in hardware stores.

[radman]

I have found music wire in hobby shops were they sell brass pipe.

[six-five-two]

So what is Cold-Form?

[Carbon]

So what is Cold-Form?

Bending the metal to the shape (form) you want without heating it (i.e. cold).

Edited by Carbon, 03 November 2006 - 03:31 PM.