negev5021 25 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 So I really needed more gas on my system, and kept enlarging the holes till they all broke into each other. I have contacted a local TIG welder who thought the holes were too big and filling may warp the barrel. Any insight/input that would help this come together would be appreciated. Worst case scenario is I will put a band around it and call it good, but I sure would like to fill the holes. My layman thoughts: Brass backer of course with tight fit support/sleeve the barrel to prevent warping? Anyone who has done this know the temp/settings or technique that I could pass on to the welder? Thank you in advance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wagnikov 186 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Walt would be proud! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Wow... so many things I want to say here.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mullet Man 2,114 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 (edited) Find a new local weldor.... A competent weldor by trade should know how to handle it, without issue. Good luck. Edited September 26, 2014 by Mullet Man Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Hey Cobra maybe I can just send it over to you?! You did such a good job on my Leftie charging handle I bet this would be a snap, right? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
poolingmyignorance 2,191 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 That's a pretty easy repair. That barrel won't warp unless he puts a shit ton of weled on it. Be sure to find somebody competent though. Like almost half the barrels diameter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Hey Cobra maybe I can just send it over to you?! You did such a good job on my Leftie charging handle I bet this would be a snap, right? Sorry bro, can't help you with that one yet unfortunately. Without an FFL I can only work on parts. Get a good local welder and as you said, a brass backer to maintain the barrel shape and keep weld from getting inside the bore. You shouldn't need to fully fill in the holes really just bridge the gap back, then drill a fourth port like really should have been done instead of enlarging the existing ones. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lbsrdi 1,078 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 This may be the first case where friction should be added instead of removed. Add material to the carrier, hammer, add some burrs to the rails, and chop the barrel. Lol. Good luck man, I'm sure all will be fine in the end. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Hey Cobra maybe I can just send it over to you?! You did such a good job on my Leftie charging handle I bet this would be a snap, right? Sorry bro, can't help you with that one yet unfortunately. Without an FFL I can only work on parts. Get a good local welder and as you said, a brass backer to maintain the barrel shape and keep weld from getting inside the bore. You shouldn't need to fully fill in the holes really just bridge the gap back, then drill a fourth port like really should have been done instead of enlarging the existing ones. The barrel is not on the receiver... This may be the first case where friction should be added instead of removed. Add material to the carrier, hammer, add some burrs to the rails, and chop the barrel. Lol. Good luck man, I'm sure all will be fine in the end. Unfortunately even with the hole(s) this big its not enough gas. The barrel is too short so I am moving the gas ports back.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wagnikov 186 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 If you are going to shorten up the gas system you had to weld these holes up anyway. Nbd. Just seal them up, don't burn off the chrome or drop any boogers in there! Would be safer with a brass slug machined snug to the bore. If you have to give the welder tips.....idk. But here goes. 40-50 amps. Needle sharp tungsten. Tig with a remote. Weld with the tip tangent to the barrel. So when he fires up, the flame should roll across the top of the barrel. NOT down into the barrel!!!!! The metal follows the heat. The heat is wherever you point it. Pretty simple. If done right your barrel will look like this. Lol jk 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wagnikov 186 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Also, did no one get my Walt Disney joke? ..............Mickey Mouse.......lame 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Also, did no one get my Walt Disney joke? ..............Mickey Mouse.......lame I did not get it but do now.... thats some stellar work you have there in the photo. Thank you for the info! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wagnikov 186 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Ty, one of my guys Nathan welded it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 How short is the barrel? (as measured off the bolt face). It's very possible with a well profiled BCG & FCG like you have to go as short as 11" and still be able to cycle light loads without having to move the gas system. I've done it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Its 12.5". I'm in pretty deep by now so turning back is not an option... I should probably send that stuff out to you anyway it can't hurt, right? You already did a number on my carrier so I think the hammer is the only other thing touching. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Oh well if you didn't send the FCG before then hell yes. Send em both together so I can tune em as one unit and test em. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
evlblkwpnz 3,418 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Looks like a great excuse to go 8". 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wagnikov 186 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 FINALLY!!!! Bigger is NOT better. Lol 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 I am happy with the 12.5" - I have a Chaos Rail that goes over the top cover and mounts at the original gas block area. I really wanted to keep the gas in the same place to keep the rail mount available, but I am trying now to move the gas block back 2.25 so I can use the Tromix piston/tube (BTW how do you get the gas tube off from the piece that mounts to the trunion?) I am then hoping to round up an additional gas block and mount in the original position, but cut the top off that holds the piston and just have it as a handguard mount. So if I fuck up the filling of the holes I will have the gas block hole sealed and just put it over the ports and call it good. If anyone has a vacant gas block I am interested - I have my feelers out and think I have one rounded up, but its not a done deal yet. I appreciate the help guys - I have never done this before and am enjoying bumbling my way through it, and really dont have any expectation of success, but its happening and if it works I will be stoked! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wagnikov 186 Posted September 26, 2014 Report Share Posted September 26, 2014 Don't weld the barrel then. Weld the half/gas block instead. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 That would be the most logical move. I just don't have the gas block. Yet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
evlblkwpnz 3,418 Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I assume you have access to a lathe if you are moving the gas block back. Why not just make a band/sleeve with a lug at the bottom and thread it for a common thread pitch? Buying another whole gas block just to chop it just doesn't seem like a very economical way to approach the project. Not my money though. Just a suggestion.... FINALLY!!!! Bigger is NOT better. Lol Not in this case at least Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 (edited) I have access however no talent, and therefore am paying retail for the turning down and other machine services. I saw a gas block cadiz sold on ebay for $150. It costs more than $150 to have someone fab the part 1 off. If anyone here possesses the skill and ambition to do so I am interested in meeting you! I may shop it around a bit but the chop method was considered cost effective under the circumstances. Edit: I slept on it and thought perhaps just a steel sleeve with a nut welded to it would do the job, and may move forward with an idea like that. Edited September 27, 2014 by negev5021 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
evlblkwpnz 3,418 Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I understand. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 I searched a bit and found this AR10 gas block: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/482126/doublestar-gas-block-single-picatinny-rail-ar-15-lr-308-aluminum-mattem It may serve as a good start - I am imagining it upside down for the picatiny rail to act as the material to tap for the handguard screw - I know its a half ass solution... but it just may work... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
james lambert 3,059 Posted September 28, 2014 Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 welding the ports is childs play why do you need a gas block? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
negev5021 25 Posted September 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 because I want to be able to mount the full length handguard. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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