[leibstandarte10]

I'm putting a paddle magazine release on my BW5. I have a drill press and cobalt bits. However, I'm having the hardest of times getting through the shelf on the receiver for the pin (I got one of those pin and bushing sets from HKParts.net). I broke a cobalt drill bit without even really denting the shelf. Any suggestions?

 

[Username]

Have you tried using any cutting fluid? Something we use at work (millwright/welder btw) is called Anchor Lube. It is a thick paste like substance that sticks to the drill bit and the work. It is good for drilling and cutting through stainless and aluminum and other non-ferrous metals as well as mild steels. Anchor | Environmentally friendly metalworking fluids and compounds, plus lid securing clips

We typically get it at a place called Fastenal but you might search around online to see if you can find a better price. Fastenal will rip you off on the shipping.

Also, check the speed at which you are running your drill press. Too high of a speed can dull the bit depending on the hardness of the metal you are working no matter how much cutting fluid you use.

Good luck.

 

[HART1]

Have you tried using any cutting fluid? Something we use at work (millwright/welder btw) is called Anchor Lube. It is a thick paste like substance that sticks to the drill bit and the work. It is good for drilling and cutting through stainless and aluminum and other non-ferrous metals as well as mild steels. Anchor | Environmentally friendly metalworking fluids and compounds, plus lid securing clips

We typically get it at a place called Fastenal but you might search around online to see if you can find a better price. Fastenal will rip you off on the shipping.

Also, check the speed at which you are running your drill press. Too high of a speed can dull the bit depending on the hardness of the metal you are working no matter how much cutting fluid you use.

Good luck.

I've also used that product myself. It works very well.
Journeyman Millwright/Welder Local #2158

P.S. Cobalt or not. If you buy drill bits from Lowes or other cheap hardware stores, your buying second rate bits at best. Order some good bits from Enco and use the Cobalt bits for work around the house.

 

[Username]

Oh, one of the other nice things about the Anchor Lube is that it doesn't penetrate into the work you are drilling into. I.E. it won't leave a giant fluid stain like some others will that you have no way of hiding.

 

[hkshooterusp]

Like mentioned, use a good bit, run it slow, and lube lube lube. I use motor oil, works fine.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I usually use 3 in 1 oil, but I'm sure there are better products meant for the purpose. Start with a small bit and work up. I would buy several bits in each size you plan to use just in case. If the oil starts to smoke, stop and let it cool.

I am just a wecsog amateur, so ymmv.

 

[leibstandarte10]

Well, I managed to get through the shelf, but I have a much, much bigger problem now. Look what happened to the magazine well:



The heat transfer to the magazine well must've been so great that it made it flexible and it bent like a piece of paper. Now I've got to hope that the local gunsmith can get it back to its proper shape.

 

[JTinIN]

Once you have the mag in the correct shape .... will wonder if the steel still has the proper temper (i.e. might have been annealed to a softer state). Since you are in Texas would contact Ghilliebear one state north of you and see if worth doing anything extra or if has be come a parts kit with a serial number.

 

[whodge1327]

Yes, call Ghilliebear and he will advise you on the next steps to get you shooting again.

 

[JTinIN]

Looks like more than the mag well deformed. While maybe in part the angle of the photo, the mag release shaft and mag shelf appears to be angled / bent / deformed.

 

[leibstandarte10]

It is. The gun is going to have to be reheated and bent back to shape, hopefully without destroying the integrity of the metal in the process. The mag release shaft has to be pushed right. The shelf itself is intact. So what do you think guys... is it a total loss or is this a fixable problem for someone like Ghilliebear or a local smith?

 

[HART1]

Well, I managed to get through the shelf, but I have a much, much bigger problem now. Look what happened to the magazine well:



The heat transfer to the magazine well must've been so great that it made it flexible and it bent like a piece of paper. Now I've got to hope that the local gunsmith can get it back to its proper shape.

You used a bit that wasn't sharp enough and applied too much downward force on the receiver. Straighten the magwell and use an old metal lower that has been clipped, but still has the front ears in tact. Mount the lower to the receiver, clamp in a table vice and drill with your press. This will give the receiver more support while it's being drilled.

 

[1NavyChief-Ret]

You really should contact Ghilliebear. I don't know if I would want just any gunsmith to try to fix that. It should be a gunsmith that knows the HK type firearms inside & out.
Just my .02 cents.

Chief

 

[Chopstix Kid]

I have fixed worse, much worse. It is indeed fixable. Unless you are planning on taking the gun into battle or abusing the heck out of it. The loss of strength won't be an issue. There are also heating techniques that can be done to easily restore some of the strength back but I would not be overly concerned about it.

Jeff should be able to straighten it. You could probably even do it yourself. Remove the mag-catch assy, stick a long punch through the catch holes and just bend it back. It's actually that easy.

 

[HART1]

I have fixed worse, much worse. It is indeed fixable. Unless you are planning on taking the gun into battle or abusing the heck out of it. The loss of strength won't be an issue. There are also heating techniques that can be done to easily restore some of the strength back but I would not be overly concerned about it.

Jeff should be able to straighten it. You could probably even do it yourself. Remove the mag-catch assy, stick a long punch through the catch holes and just bend it back. It's actually that easy.

+1
Fix it yourself. You F'ed it up now learn how to fix it.

 

[Obiefox]

+1
Fix it yourself. You F'ed it up now learn how to fix it.

LOL! If I had a dollar for every time my father told me that, I'd have a couple more sears... He is a retired Millwright (42 yrs with Timken's) and taught me most everything I know.

 

[leibstandarte10]

That's a good idea. I'll try that before taking it to the smith. EDIT: I got it about halfway back, but the metal around the catch hole began to crack. I'm taking it to a gunsmith before I really mess it up. Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

[RogueHK]

chopchop or ghilliebear!!!

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I agree. Send it to an HK specialist unless you are willing to junk the receiver. A run of the mill gunsmith who spends most of his time re-crowning barrels, doing trigger jobs, and mounting scopes is not who you want for this.

 

[leibstandarte10]

I ended up sending it to Ghilliebear and plan on having him completely rebuild it on an LSC receiver and with a new barrel.