rtaylor Posted February 10, 2011 Report Share Posted February 10, 2011 I have been thinking and as I potentially have access to a waterjet machine, would it be possible to make my own scope rings for a .243? I'm not talking about a set made in the garage form balsa wood and bailer twine. I'm talking about using steel (stainless), aluminium or (possible) titanium. Looking at most scope mounts the basic design is just a block of metal, roughly 1" deep and with the shape cut out of it. I don't care about the rounded edges etc. My question is what it the best metal and design to use? Some links and/or pictures would be helpful to get the right idea of a design. Even if they don't work they should be ok on the .22LR and it will be an interesting experiment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deerstalkerlunt Posted February 10, 2011 Report Share Posted February 10, 2011 Roger, WHY? Your mad lol just buy a decent set, like leupold rings or something! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted February 10, 2011 Report Share Posted February 10, 2011 I have been thinking and as I potentially have access to a waterjet machine, would it be possible to make my own scope rings for a .243? I'm not talking about a set made in the garage form balsa wood and bailer twine. I'm talking about using steel (stainless), aluminium or (possible) titanium. Looking at most scope mounts the basic design is just a block of metal, roughly 1" deep and with the shape cut out of it. I don't care about the rounded edges etc. My question is what it the best metal and design to use? Some links and/or pictures would be helpful to get the right idea of a design. Even if they don't work they should be ok on the .22LR and it will be an interesting experiment. Fair play to anyone who has the skills and wants to have a try. For the best design, all I can suggest is you trawl through all the manufacturers sites and take what you like. Metal wise I have no idea what is best, but I guess it needs to be strong, rigid, easy to machine and not to susceptible to temperature fluctuations, rust resistant will also help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtaylor Posted February 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2011 (edited) Roger, WHY? Your mad lol just buy a decent set, like leupold rings or something! WHY not tom? Its got to be worth a shot. It shouldn't cost very much to do. I'll try and make something better than Charlie's! Now there's a challenge. Any suggestions on metal, I'm liking the sound of titanium, might be a bit too expensive though. Ticks all the other boxes. Edited February 10, 2011 by rtaylor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rem223 Posted February 10, 2011 Report Share Posted February 10, 2011 Titanium would be superb but I expect the bar stock would be pretty expensive. It sounds like a fair bit of work but would be a great sense of achievement. I wish I had the skill to do it but sadly I dont so it will be Leupold PRW's for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deerstalkerlunt Posted February 10, 2011 Report Share Posted February 10, 2011 Its just hassle, and if you don't get it right it will be a waste of money! Should imagine it would cost more doing it yourself! You don't need anything fancy like what charlie's got, Leupold PRW rings cheap and do the job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenix Posted February 10, 2011 Report Share Posted February 10, 2011 (edited) I would think you want a metal with a little bit of give in it to accommodate any imperfections in the fit between scope and mount. That way the mount gives, rather than bending the scope. If you look at sportsmatch website they actually include diagrams of their mounts with measurements. I think the risk is more ******** up a scope rather than wasting time. Edited February 10, 2011 by fenix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtaylor Posted February 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Had a play around with google sketchup and this is the first prototype design. Hopefully you can see what I'm trying to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_R Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Nothing wrong with having a go just for fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deerstalkerlunt Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 I think you should go for two holes on the mount attachment one at each end like most designs. Well if you do it send us pics see what happens. Is henry still in Penrith? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coolhead Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 On a water profiler? You just won't achieve the geometric fidelity. You might rough out some blanks I suppose but this is a job for a milling machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve42 Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 (edited) Coolhead is right milling m/c is the way to get them right water jet whlie good at cutting complex profiles would not hold the tolerance required and on the thickness you would be cutting and would produce a draft angle, i made a set in aluminium for a ratcatcher i had and got them black anodised they looked pritty good but i had a toolroom workshop at my disposal, would stay clear of titanium expensive and a nightmare to machine ATB Steve Edited February 11, 2011 by steve42 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vermincinerator Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Check this out, made in Yorkshire. Ian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtaylor Posted February 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Had a word with my brother today, and he confirmed it wouldn't be possible to get the accuracy on a waterjet machine. CNC is the way forward. Unfortunately I don't have access to that so its back to square one. Fun while it lasted. Yeah Henry is still buming around and probably always will be, only difference is they are moving out to Portugal at the end of the month, permanently! So he can be unemployed out there instead. Hows uni going? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 I would use something like EN56-fairly easy to machine and polish but very hard wearing-but im guessing that, as most scopes are alluminium tubes,anything harder than ally is overkill? You could try Aircraft grade Alluminium but again-bit exotic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coolhead Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Had a word with my brother today, and he confirmed it wouldn't be possible to get the accuracy on a waterjet machine. CNC is the way forward. Unfortunately I don't have access to that so its back to square one. Fun while it lasted. Nah, CNC is nice but any hobby mill in the right hands will make a nice job of it. I'm sure you can think of a different project that you can pursue. I don't know what you are into. The waterjet could do a nice pattern plate and base? Perhaps a drop down field target plate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtaylor Posted February 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 Yeah I'll have to have a rethink on what the next project might be. I was going to 'commission' it through my brother, but never mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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