Welding M-14S Gas System

Craftsman 441

Craftsman 441

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Wainwright
I read Skullboy's stickied posts (many times) and I want to go ahead and weld the barrel band and the gas cylinder together instead of screwing it. That way I'll still be able to use the gas valve.

Does anyone know what metals these parts are made of?

Skullboy, do you know what filler metal the welders used for your mods? Did they preheat and/or postheat?

Thanks
 
You should really find out what material it is and if any heat treating has been done to it first before you start heating it and cooling it, you can really mess up the metalurgical properties.
 
Craftsman 441 said:
I read Skullboy's stickied posts (many times) and I want to go ahead and weld the barrel band and the gas cylinder together instead of screwing it. That way I'll still be able to use the gas valve.

Does anyone know what metals these parts are made of?

Skullboy, do you know what filler metal the welders used for your mods? Did they preheat and/or postheat?

Thanks
Click to expand...


USGI gas cylinders are stainless steel that has been blackened.

Norc gas cylinders are Chro-moly.

TIG welding is the way to go. You want low heat.

All you need is 3 small tac welds at the 6,10,and 2 o'clock positions.

Make sure the barrel band is securely clamped/afixed to the gas cylinder and aligned before welding.If it moves, you will have to file the barrel hole so that the Gas cylinder will fit back on the barrel.

At the end, most people will heat the barrel band tabs that hold the handguard in place and bend them up in order to fit a heavy match barrel.These tabs will interfer with a heavy barrel if left alone.

If there is a local welding shop around, go see them. Most places will do a small job like this for a few bucks.

SKBY.
 
Thanks

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. :cool:

As a Mat Tech (441), it's shameful to get anyone weld to anything for me. :p I'll weld it up during lunch.
Since it's chrome-moly, it'll need a preheat of 200-300 DegF and a postheat of 100. Stainless filler should do the trick.
 
schick said:
I had some guys near work TIG mine up in minutes. Forgive my ignorance, but why the preheating and all that?
Click to expand...

The whole rigamarole is to avoid causing micro-cracks in the metal from rapid heating and cooling. Also, it gives better penetration. Shouldn't be a problem, but I don't want to ruin the only M-14S I have.

Well, the only one I have for now. ;)
 
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