My custom guide rods!

[muggsy]

Muggsy, I wish it was that easy. Design, programming, and setup is somewhat of an art to have proper tolerances and part finish. You are referring to the operator (button masher) of a high production run. Sometimes we also call them burger flippers. But, yes, the machine turns out nice work, if the machinist does his job properly. Thanks!

I was a "Burger Flipper", Lorenzo, for an outfit that made precision punches and die sets for the stamping industry. I used to do customer special orders and short runs on a manual lathe, too. Spent a few hours on a Bridgeport, as well. It's amazing what you can do with the right equipment.

[MW surveyor]

No, I said "maybe triple". The labor, packaging, etc. is the same. Material is only a percentage of the cost. If I sell the tungsten rods, I would try to keep the price under $100, otherwise no one would buy them and I would be stuck with a lot of expensive paperweights.

Yeah, I was just joking.

[LorenzoB]

That put's me out for the tungsten, but I might go the other way and get aluminum.

The aluminum is really nice. Lightweight for carry. Maybe I'll figure out some deal for two (one stainless and one aluminum). I'll think about that.

[LorenzoB]

Yeah, I was just joking.

Sorry, I was in work mode today!

[LorenzoB]

I was a "Burger Flipper", Lorenzo, for an outfit that made precision punches and die sets for the stamping industry. I used to do customer special orders and short runs on a manual lathe, too. Spent a few hours on a Bridgeport, as well. It's amazing what you can do with the right equipment.

Muggsy, if you spent time on some manual machines, you were much more than a burger flipper. That is cool.

[LorenzoB]

After about 100 rounds each (probably a little more on the tungsten and aluminum), the tungsten and aluminum are showing hardly any wear. The stainless has a little wear because it is a softer material. And the stock steel one from Kahr shows a lot of wear.

guiderodswearcompare.jpg
steelcloseup.jpg
stainlesscloseup.jpg
aluminumcloseup.jpg
tungstencloseup.jpg

[addictedhealer]

What a great write up. Thanks.

[Frayed Knot]

Very nice. You've piqued my interset in the aluminum. I suppose I didn't realize it could be more durable than the stainless steel.

Thanks for putting the time into this and sharing.

[LorenzoB]

Very nice. You've piqued my interset in the aluminum. I suppose I didn't realize it could be more durable than the stainless steel.

Thanks for putting the time into this and sharing.

I chose a high strength aluminum that has approximately the same hardness as the stainless, but about twice the yield strength, that could be what accounts for the better wear. Now keep in mind that these are macro photos and that they all will last tens of thousands of rounds... it is just that some will look better than others after a while.

[muggsy]

When I started out manual machines were all we had. Tape was just coming into vogue. The machines back then weren't very smart, but the operators were. CNC took out a lot of the labor out of the job, but you still had to be able to think. You're doing nice work. Must be a good head on your shoulders.

[yqtszhj]

Lorenzo, sounds like you just got another full time job.

[LorenzoB]

Lorenzo, sounds like you just got another full time job.

Could be fun to sell some stuff, but it is a long way from supporting a family (my other business does that, Lord willing). I am a mechanical engineer and I design and manufacture specialty tools for companies that make and install granite countertops. We sell our tools around the world, but mainly in the U.S. Sometimes we even see our tools being used on DIY Network or HGTV which is pretty cool. We have been in business for 10 years and have 5 patents for stone tools and one more pending. We also manufacture some things for other companies. We recently have been getting a lot of aerospace work including some parts used on Delta Airlines planes. Building a business from the ground up is VERY hard work, but also rewarding. It would be more rewarding to combine something to do with guns with my other skills and provide some income at the same time.

You all have been very encouraging with your comments and I appreciate that. Thank you!

[LorenzoB]

When I started out manual machines were all we had. Tape was just coming into vogue. The machines back then weren't very smart, but the operators were. CNC took out a lot of the labor out of the job, but you still had to be able to think. You're doing nice work. Must be a good head on your shoulders.

Thanks Muggsy, you're too nice.
My first job had paper tape machines that were all converted to magnetic tape, then converted again to floppy disc! It was a small to medium sized company that had been around since before WWII. They had giant lathes that during the war were used to make artillery. It was a privilege just to touch them. Strong manufacturing in thousands of small business is the life blood of a nation and this country and politicians are forgetting this. People are too quick to buy overseas goods to save such small amounts of money. If something big and bad happens in the future, we can't go ask China to build ships, planes, and guns for us, and then borrow the money from them to buy those things! But this is another discussion that would probably be better in its own thread. Sorry I got side-tracked.

[Booker T]

What a brilliant idea. Great work

[newCW45guy]

Put me down for one for my CW45. Tungsten if you make some, stainless steel otherwise. Great work!

Me too.. If I can add even a fraction of an ounce to the muzzle on this beast it will pay for itself.