My STEN project...

Spencer,

Yes, I'm home.

The gun fires, but still only single shot.

I've replaced the recoil spring with a new one, and that seems to work properly now, however, the empties aren't getting kicked out. So, I need to fix up the extractor.

I milled the extractor slot in the bolt a bit deeper last night (my first project on the new mill!!!) and will go see a friend probably tomorrow to build up the ejector with a bit of weld.

NS
 
RE: the ejector

To fit the ejector, I put a blob of weld on the back of it and file it to a kind of "t" shape so that the ejector will sit in the tube slot. Then I install a STEN bolt and put a bit of .035" MIG wire into the bolt's ejector slot. I then peen the sides of the "t-shaped blob of weld so that the ejector just contacts and rests on the wire, providing 35 thou clearance - more than enough. I then tack the ejector firmly in place and function test the ejector. If it works, I weld her solid and dress with a file. Works like a charm and ensures the bolt won't foul the ejector.

Sometimes, setup is everything. I spend probably 5 times as much effort on the setup than the weld itself.
 
Well,

Just back from a session at the range.

I am pleased to report that I now have a semi-automatic rifle.

:)

This delights me! The summation of, well, a whole lot of work since April when I started this project.

That said, it's not a 100% reliable piece of gear, and the best I could get was 3 rounds out of a 5 round mag to go properly. It's still a combination of springs and the extractor causing me problems.

I shot a couple of videos, and will post one up before too long. Hehhe, I need to edit out the stoppages ;-)

NS
 
And so,

The long awaited video of NavyShooter's STEN build.

I snipped off the jams before this, but here's two shots out of it...

http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/coffee/pics/STEN/Sten%20Test-fire.wmv

It's a Semi!

WOOHOO!!!!

Now, alas, due to my errors when constructing the first bolt, I've decided that my new (to me) Mill needs to get broken in, so I'm building a new bolt.

I put 3 hours into it tonite, the lathe work part of it. I love drilling the offset holes for the guide-rods. Amusing to see the work spinning and it not being centered...

Anyhow, it's in progress, and hopefully this time, I don't mess it up.

NS
 
As a followup,

I messed up both of the new bolts that I've tried making. In one, I had a dull drill-bit, and it crossed on me, drilling a nice angled hole. Doh. Scrap pile.

The second, I got as far as having the feed lips done, and was making the rear slot, and clamped it wrong for a cut, resulting in a....funny....angle. Scrap pile.

And so today, I turned down two new more bolt bodies. I'll see if I can get them right.

Oh, and today, something showed up in the mail for me. (Some areas blanked out to protect the "innocent"...LOL)

Oct%2008%20129%20(Small).jpg
 
Progress on bolt bodies is going well. I'm building a couple this time, so when I screw one up, I just carry on with the other. Either that, or when I get done, I'll have a spare bolt....

I must say, it's NICE to have a full sized mill to build things....makes a HUGE difference in not only the speed, but also the finish.

NS
 
I love power feed....start the coolant pump, start the cut, once it's in progress, I can tidy up the goings on around the mill while it's cutting. The stop limit switch is moveable, so I can set it for the correct spot and it'll stop itself for me. :)

CNC is in the future....DISTANT future.

NS
 
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