How do I fabricate charger spring for antique powder flask??

[theprofessor]

any tips or how to suggestions on making a custom charger spring for antique flask? the replacement flask springs shown on Dixie gun works catalog are wrong sizes. I need an external spring with notch and a 1 7/16" OD to fit a Dixon & Sons flask head. has anyone done this before and willing to provide advise ( also level of difficulty .) I am in central Virginia maybe someone knows a craftsman that can make such a repair?

 

[paulvallandigham]

You can buy flat spring stock from Brownell's, and then cut out and file the spring to fit your needs. Use a metal band saw to cut the spring out, and files to clean it up. If you at least have a picture of the one that was on the flask, and know where the notch or ' stud" needs to appear on the spring , making one to fit should not be more than a few hours work.

I don't know enough about Virgina builders or Smiths to recommend someone, but you can at least start at the Williamsburg village Gunsmith shop and ask them for a recommendation. They know a lot of the smiths building guns from scratch, because so many apprentices have come and gone on to do work for themselves.

 

[mazo kid]

I repaired one several years ago using a short piece of electricians "fishtape". This is a flat spring steel and can be cold (or hot) bent and filed to fit for the short leg needed.

 

[pichou]

You could try here:
http://www.peterdyson.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

They have original parts, and lots of other fun stuff.

 

[theprofessor]

Thanks to all for the ideas. I am going to attempt the fabrication from spring steel stock.
wish me luck.

 

[theprofessor]

Well after reading several articles on HOW-TO...
I have successfully fabricated three springs. and unsuccessfully fabricated 2 others !!!! It is a little bit of craft and alot of art in learning how to temper the steel and make a spring with some snap. Best info source bet is the Dixie Gun Works catalog on how to make springs and the Powder Flask Book by R. Riling.