Question about mounting gun in a spring compressor

[Kirk B]

I am about to collect the materials to build a spring compressor and I had one question. Is it ok to have the muzzle in contact with a stop block as you apply pressure to the rear of the action or is it better to secure the action at the pivot? I've seen lots of pics of compressors but not many with a gun in them so I don't have much to go by. I don't want to damage the crown or put undo pressure on the pivot so any help will be greatly appreciated.

[ezman604]

You need to brace the receiver at the pivot point and NOT the end of the barrel for a couple of reasons. Yes, you could possibly damage the crown but mainly, you would be more likely to bend the barrel by putting a load all the way at the end of the barrel. And the other reason is, especially with a break barrel, is you may break the barrel. LOL
Or cause a cocking action. That would put everything out of control.
I'll try to find some photos of an action in the compressor but Google spring compressor or search here and you will probably find some.
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[daved]

Maybe this will help:





In addition to avoiding the possibility of barrel or tuner damage, this setup also makes for a much shorter compressor.  Later.

Dave

[Kirk B]

Outstanding, thank you gentlemen. I didn't think it would be a good idea to put the stop at the muzzle for exactly the reasons mentioned.

BTW, I dig the dowel and emery cloth hone too. I'd read about that trick here but hadn't seen it done yet.

[daved]

Yeah, the "hone" works quite well.  Note the stiff plastic backer, it's just an ordinary plastic "For Sale" sign that I cut up as needed.  WD-40 for cutting fluid, then clean with brake cleaner and compressed air and she's good to go.  Later.

Dave

[Kirk B]

Thanks Dave, I never thought about the backer.

[uncle paulie]

I think that Dave's design is about the best I've seen, very simple, straightforward, and elegant. I've got all the parts to make one, now all I need is a springer!

pv

[Kirk B]

I'm building a version of Dave's this weekend. The only real difference is that I'm going to add another block to the middle to help secure the action.

[ezman604]

THAT'S the comment I was about to make. I like the design too. But didn't see any retention of the trigger end of the works. Without that it could slip and send pieces flying. And one other possible suggestion. On the breach end retainer, cut the inside "V" block the same width as the outside block and add a hinge on one end and latch or just a pin to lock the two piece together? But the design is quite doable and neat!!!!
Happy Shooting!!!!
Dave
 

[maxiedog]

Daved-Appreciate the pics of Your novel and  simple spring compressor. Simple is always better. You sure had your thinking cap on. Good going

[Kirk B]

I think I'm going to leave the v block as is and custom fit the 2nd block to the breech end of the action like Dave did but maybe add holes to bolt thru both to secure the whole works. That way I can lay any gun with any barrel in the v block and if need be, just make retaining blocks to fit various guns. That way the compressor is secure yet pretty much universal with interchangeable retaining blocks.

[shadow]

The do all spring compressor that's done about em all from the Magnums on down. Also some of the tool's and homemade attachments needed to remove some of the trigger housing's  etc.. Ed

[ac12]

OK dumb question.
What is preventing the wood from splitting along the grain.
Or is the wood plywood, and the crossgrain lamination takes care of that problem?

[shadow]

I can't speak for the other designs but the base of mine has steel braces running the length of it. My compressor doesn't bow or flex under the presser of removing or installing magnum springs and that's what I was looking for when building it. I do tune after tune but I'm always fabbing another part for airgun spring removal. This  compressor design was taken from Genes compressor design. Ed

[daved]

OK dumb question.
What is preventing the wood from splitting along the grain.
Or is the wood plywood, and the crossgrain lamination takes care of that problem?

The wood I used is called Ipe, it's very dense and heavy, around 68 lbs. per cubic foot, and incredibly tough.  That's the same weight as water, and yes, it usually sinks, and almost twice as dense as black walnut.  It gets used around here for high end decks, which is why I have scraps of it around :-). 

When I built that compressor, I literally used what I had on hand.  And yes, it could use all kinds of improvements.  But in the meantime, it just keeps doing what I need it to do.  It's probably not as flexible or as safe as Ed's, but I've taken a lot of guns apart with it, including some magnums.  One of these days I'll get around to overhauling it, but in the meantime, I've got guns to work on :-).  Later.

Dave

[shadow]

The only reason mine had to be adaptable is to accept all the different types of airguns that I tune but as always I'm making a new part for another shooter hehe. I put a lot of overkill into the base since I didn't want the base to buckle and a shooter spring under pressure bouncing around my shop and me tucking and rolling out the door to escape the damage that it would inflict on me and the shop lol. Ed

[Kirk B]

The wood I used is called Ipe..

I'm not really familiar yet with how much pressure is required to take a springer apart. Do you think your design would work ok with softer wood? The only thing I have on hand is a hard pine board but I have access to oak or maple.

[uncle paulie]

I would think 3/4" pine would be fine as long as there are no large Knots which could be weak points, and I wouldn't worry about cracks along the grain, as long as there are none to begin with. Ply would be a lot stronger, 3/4". No need for $5-6/ft lumber, unless its something you have.

pv

[Pete]

The wood I used is called Ipe..

I'm not really familiar yet with how much pressure is required to take a springer apart. Do you think your design would work ok with softer wood? The only thing I have on hand is a hard pine board but I have access to oak or maple.

Hi..
the pressure required is a lot less than yer mite think...
The average air gun spring has a rate of 35 to 45lbs
IE...35 to 45lbs per inch of compression.
so on the upper limit of 45lbs..
if theres 2" of pre load that gives a force of 90lbs.
( 45lbs for every inch of compression)

[daved]

Yup, what Pete and Paul said.  Not nearly as much pressure as you might think, the 90 lbs. that Pete mentioned is probably on the high side, even for a magnum.  And Paul is right, 3/4" ply would be as good or better, and a lot cheaper.  Like I said, I had the Ipe on hand :-).  Later.

Dave