The Chopper Compendium

This is a project that I've been researching and planning for a while. It's not at all chopper related, but I know some guys (perhaps Maz) are like me in that they like to see what kind of projects other folks are working on. I've been researching and planning on building a 1911 (Colt style) from scratch. So far Curt gave me the OK to do a build log. If I get a lot of negative feedback about posting this here I'll drop it. (not the project, just the build log)

My thinking is that a semi-auto pistol is just a bunch of machined metal parts fit together. I machine and fit metal parts together for a living...why not.
I'm planning to start with the receiver (frame), then make and fit the slide. No idea after that.

My plan: To build a 1911 from scratch based on Rio Bendson's design (mildly updated from Browning's design). I'll buy the components that aren't worth me doing (magazine etc.), or that I'm not capable of doing (springs,barrel). Here is the complete set of prints that I'll be working to: http://www.m1911.org/M1911-A1_REDUX.pdf
I'll be using the most state of the art equipment that I own or have access to.

So far I've just been researching the project including talking with a professional gunsmith that specializes in semi-auto pistols.
I haven't cut a single piece of metal yet but I'll let you know when I do.

Image is what it should look like when finished. (from Rio Benson's website, without permission). and a couple images of my computer monitor showing prints.

Also: According to my research, the ATF allows this as long as the weapon never changes hands. Also, since I'm not a gunsmith I'm not able to do any machining on anyone else's guns. Since I don't want the almighty federal government raiding my house I'll be sticking with that.

Oops, it wasn't Curt that gave me the OK, it was Customize It. (sorry man, don't know your first name)
I'm thinking Curt might be OK with it though.

It is Nathan!!

I still am interested!!

This will be good. 62 pages of drawings. Wow!

If you show how you precision machine the parts I could definally apply to my bike parts!!!

Customize IT wrote:If you show how you precision machine the parts I could definally apply to my bike parts!!!

I've got some of these.

I got a manual bridgeport and a small cnc router so all tech you can post could be usefull!!!

If you live and work near Dayton OH and would like an apprentice to teach I would be interested!!!

That was some real nice machinery porn you posted there!!

I have to work on and repair in my job as a maintenance tech cnc machinery like that now!!

We do not do the programing or operating of them so would love a beginers course here!!!

I'ld love to see this. Don't forget the detailed pics of workholding and tooling, start middle and finish of multiple set-ups, etc...

shoot I like the idea machine work all translates and I learn real well watching others and from what I have seen on here if any of us can build one of those id have to bet you could and bikes and guns kind of go together

Thanks guys. I'll keep you posted as I go. Might be a long process, but hopefully not as long of a process as my chopper. Yikes. One of the main holdups is the material for the frame. I'm wanting to use an alloy called QC-10. I want to talk with the gunsmith before I start tho, not sure it's as good of an idea as I think.

Nathan, I'm about 20 minutes west of Flint Mi.

What is special about QC-10???

That would be one hell of a drive but I work 3 days a week so maybe if I had a place to stay and work for food!!!

Customize IT wrote:What is special about QC-10???

That would be one hell of a drive but I work 3 days a week so maybe if I had a place to stay and work for food!!!

Haha, that would be a hack of a drive. Besides the guy that used to come in four hours a week to clean the place and do odd jobs, I've never actually had anyone work here except me. (and some say I don't do much either) The goal is generally to have two CNCs running with nobody here and the lights out. (at the moment nothing is running. I'm supposed to be getting a mold design done (CAD), but really don't feel like it so it's taking way to long.)

QC-10 is basically aluminum. I have no idea what's in it, but it's pretty hard and is used in the prototype mold business for pretty much everything. Works great on pieces that have bearing surfaces to each other. In other words you can make two pieces that wear against each other out of QC-10 and they won't gall up. (some restrictions do apply of course) It's really nice to machine.

I've seen pix of gun parts used as parts on choppers, so why not document how they are made.
Maybe someone only wants to use a trigger for a trick part, but doesn't want to ruin a pistol, or find a ruined gun, or order a new one, just want to make their own.
As far as ATF, I think you are correct that they allow a person to make thier own firearm, as long as they do not sell it, AND I think it does not have to have a registered serial number. Everyone should do their own research tho, and if I planned to do such, I would doulble check all info. We all know the reputation the net has for disinformation.

Looks like a great project.

railroad bob wrote: Everyone should do their own research tho, and if I planned to do such, I would doulble check all info. We all know the reputation the net has for disinformation.

Exactly!

I think this would be a great addition to the site, looking forward to seeing the progress. Any type of machining would apply to fab work.
Always great to see someone else s way of approaching a project looking forward to lots of pics on process.
Always look forward to your builds.