1919a4 replica build

[mbatvburg]

Not too much progress. Cut out some pieces for the top of the trunnion. I'm going to attempt to stack these together to form one solid piece. Definitely leaning as I go.
Also made a $40 Craigslist purchase that I already broke. Its a harbor freight 6 ton press. Before I bent the rod, I was able to squash some rivets on a test strip. I will see what I can do at work to beef this thing up.

[mmike]

I've found that heating the rivets orange hot with a torch and semi forming them with an 8 oz hammer makes the task easier. Then you can use the rivet set to finish the job. I still haven't mastered the chore but this is by far the best thing I've tried yet. Do you have a rivet setting punch and air chisel? Domed rivets can be used on replicas by instaling them from the outside then welding the inside protrusions of the rivet. I'd like to see the process Uncle Sam's manufacturers use.

[mbatvburg]

Well, fixed the press. Cut off the bent 3/4" bar and welded on a 1" bar. Tacked some angle iron to the press to keep the jack and the bar going straight down. It worked awesome and I tried squashing a rivet with all it had. The cheap cast plate block broke...... oh well.
Managed to work on the cut pistol grip. Despite my best efforts, I did get some pinholes.

[mmike]

Looks terrific! I forgot to include the stick electrodes in the package I sent. It would have helped but no matter the back plate looks fine.I posted a couple of side plates on GB for sale. Maybe I priced them too high to sell and I can make another dummy out of them. These won't be gas friendly as the rivet flanges are already in place making a removable top plate out of the question. We'll see what happens. Keep up the fine work and soon your man cave will be as cluttered with dummies and parts as mine is.

[rullow]

I have to admit that this thread is such an inspiration, that yesterday I ve browsed the internet, and started to work on my own drawings - to laser cut sideplates and all other parts...
I hope that I will be able to post some results soon.....

[mbatvburg]

Please do. I know there are much better builders out there than I. This thread is a good place to share ideas. I've learned a lot from seeing others build and believe me, if its a good idea and works, I will use it!

[Radioman_1943]

Same here, Brendan. I've been watching this thread intently to get ideas for a future step mounted 1919a4.

Keenan

[mmike]

Now I want to build one. It's contagious!

[mbatvburg]

Put an order in at sarco today for some goodies......

[mbatvburg]

Well, I got bored the last few days. Although I ordered a original barrel jacket from sarco, I decided to try my hand at making one. The pipe is 2" OD 13gauge. Its a hair bigger than the original 1 7/8 but, my selection of steel around here is limited. Laying out the holes was a bitch. I used a 5/8 hole saw like the original but had to increase the hole distances because the larger diameter pipe. I made a stupid mistake of trying to drill thru in one shot but the holes were really crooked on the other side. So, I had to drill each hole individually. My ugly misaligned holes will be on the bottom side!
Lesson: its cheaper and much easier to buy a jacket. BUT, what's the fun of that!!

[mmike]

Just look at that work of art there! Man what a fine piece of hardware you've made. I like it.

[mbatvburg]

Thanks mike. That 5/8's hole saw definitely gave the last full measure. Lotsa holes!
I found a substitute for a trunnion stub. This will fit the ID of the barrel jacket I made and has a 9/16 diameter shaft hole that will fit a 1/4 black pipe for the gas barrel. Found it at tractor supply by the PTO shaft section. Its got a set screw that will tighten against the barrel and will also work to secure the barrel jacket. There are various sizes at TSC and I think some will fit in the original 1 7/8 barrel jacket.

[Frank Bruegger]

Guys,

I am most impressed but have to ask, where are you getting the drawings for the 1919? I know TopKick has a set for the other gun but how about this one?

[mbatvburg]

Actually found a lot of the drawings online. You can find them the browningmgs site and also 1919a4.com. I bought a couple of pre made sideplates and also using some demil parts.

[rullow]

thats right - after short research I found everything I needed to start to prepare drawings for laser cuting.....

here I have first results of my effort.....
transfered to dxf format it ll make base of my work....



cant wait to start - when I see amazing work of Mbatvburg.....