Spring Compressor question, Diana 34 specific.

[timegoat]

I'm building a proper spring compressor. I finally got my tar and moly but my 'let's try this and see if it works' idea didn't work and I gotta get Dorina back in the game.

The question is this: Does the barrel need to be attached to the compression tube to put the spring and trigger assembly in?

I have the materials to build a larger compressor, but if I don't need to have the barrel attached to the tube, I figure I can save some space and wood and just make a shorter one, get the spring and trigger in place, and then attach the barrel and cocking arm. I only have the two Diana 34s, so I don't really need the compressor to be adjustable.

I can take a pic if need be.... still sawing off the end off the "C" clamp so there's plenty of time before I get to the wood working part of the project.

Thanks!

- Mark

[Frank]

I have two adjustable blocks that snug up against the barrel and the breech to hold everything in place. So the barrel stays locked up and goes straight through. The compressor would still be the same size.  I don't think I would want to take the barrel off to tune it.  It may change something along with accuracy.. Just my feelings about it....

[timegoat]

I had to remove the barrel to get the piston out. Er... perhaps instead of barrel I should say the barrel, breach, and cocking arm assembly. They're all still together, just separated from the compression tube.

Here's a pic of her in her current condition:

[daved]

Here's some pics of my compressor:







The rifle in the second and third pic is a Diana 34, but I've used this compressor on everything from an IZH 61 to a Diana 350, and will soon be using it on a Diana 54.  As you can see, it's just a standard Pony 3/4" pipe clamp with a couple of wood pads bolted to the clamp jaws.  I think the pics are pretty self explanatory, but if you have any questions, let me know.  Later.

Dave

[Pete]

Hi...
Heres mine...very simple but works a treat...
Is adjustable for brake & fixed barrels...
sorry not the best pic...

[timegoat]

I like the designs you guys got going, but...er... the question still remains, can I build my spring compressor to the size of the compression tube and attach the barrel and cocking arm after I compress the spring and lock in the trigger assembly?

Sorry, I don't know if I'm making my question clear.

- Mark

[timegoat]

Ok, maybe this pic will help. I want to build my spring compressor to just handle the tube, spring, and trigger assembly. Once that's together, then I want to attach the barrel and cocking arm.

Is there any reason why I should not do it like that?

[Pete]

I like the designs you guys got going, but...er... the question still remains, can I build my spring compressor to the size of the compression tube and attach the barrel and cocking arm after I compress the spring and lock in the trigger assembly?


YES ..That one of mine I remove the barrel...then put a pin though the
pivot pin hole to locate it in the compresser...Or add a exstention to it for fixed barrels..

[FXUD]

Ok, maybe this pic will help. I want to build my spring compressor to just handle the tube, spring, and trigger assembly. Once that's together, then I want to attach the barrel and cocking arm.

Is there any reason why I should not do it like that?

Go for it Goat.  No problem.  Many of the tuning tutorials on line tell you to remove the barrel assembly.  Definitely makes the compression chamber easier to handle while working on it.  If some time in the future you want to tear down a gun with barrel attached you can always modify your spring compressor with a longer board.

[timegoat]

Awesome guys, thank you very much!

- Mark

[Frank]

Daved:   Is that just spring pressure that supports the trigger end of the rifle while you remove the spring?   I may make one like that as it looks simpler than mine and easier to store.....   Do you  have any trouble keeping it lined up as the spring is removed? Do you just kind of hold it as you back it out!!  Thanks

[daved]

In the case of the Diana's, there's a hole that the safety fits in, but basically, yeah, it's just spring pressure keeping it in place.  On guns that have a flush or slightly recessed end cap, I just slip a carriage bolt in that hole.  I keep a hand on it as I'm backing it out, and I make sure it's parallel with the pipe so the stress is in a straight line, if that makes any sense :-).  But I have no trouble keeping it lined up, and I've never had anything slip or get away from me.  And even when I run out of reach on the screw, it's reduced enough spring pressure that you can release the rest of it safely by just releasing the sliding clamp.  I've thought of doing something fancier, but this ain't broke, so why fix it :-)?  Later.

Dave

[timegoat]

Got most the heavy drilling and cutting done yesterday. One more big hole to drill, then assembly, and I'll be able to give it a try. I'll post pics when it's done.

- Mark

[howie1a]

I  guess I have a spring compressor like yours since I made mine with a half of "C"clamp too. I always take the barrel off the action before putting the action in the spring compressor, it's the way I do it. works fine with me different fokes do different  things. Maybe your way works better for you but my way works too. Howie