How to mill Garand clips

[garandsrus]

Hi,

I would like to make several SLED clips for single loading a Garand. I have the dimensions I need, but have not figured out how to mill the slots in the spring steel the clip is made out of without destroying the tool bit or the clip. Part of the problem may be that my vise jaws are not tall enough to securely grip both open edges of the clip.

The article (old) I am following uses a 3/16" end mill.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
John

[hunterldh]

John - I have made SLEDs for myself and several friends. I used my Dremel tool with the reinforced cut-off wheel to make the cuts and then made the bends with a pair of pliers in both hands. I have made the bends in two fashions and either works fine. Pics sent on email request. Best regards, Hunter

[45 2.1]

Another question about the Garand if you will. There is a device that allows loading the enbloc clip without the action snapping shut until you pull the operating rod handle... what is it and where can I aquire one?

[ktw]

Holbrook Device

http://www.m1thumbsaver.com/

-ktw

[W.R.Buchanan]

Now that doodad is a cool little device. I will be getting one for my Garand.

Randy

[gzig5]

Hi,

I would like to make several SLED clips for single loading a Garand. I have the dimensions I need, but have not figured out how to mill the slots in the spring steel the clip is made out of without destroying the tool bit or the clip. Part of the problem may be that my vise jaws are not tall enough to securely grip both open edges of the clip.

The article (old) I am following uses a 3/16" end mill.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
John

Is there any way you could share a copy of that article? Midway has these clips for $10, but I wouldn't mind trying to make one first.

[phatman]

Well damn,

I'd never heard of a Holbrook device. That thing cures the problems I've had with Garands and why I never wanted one.
Damn, now I want a Garand.

Let me guess , this thing has been around for 40 years and I'm just now hearing about it. God I hate being ignorant.

Cheers, John

[exile]

I don't own a Garand, but found this link,

http://www.foundry.ray-vin.com/m1sled/m1sled.htm

exile

[JIMinPHX]

Part of the problem may be that my vise jaws are not tall enough to securely grip both open edges of the clip.

The article (old) I am following uses a 3/16" end mill.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
John

Try stuffing a block of wood between the edges of the clip before you crunch it in the vice. Also, try using a friction wheel to cut the spring steel. Most end mills don't like to bite into that kind of stuff. If you must use an end mill, use solid carbide & use plenty of lube/coolant.

[garandsrus]

Thanks... A friction wheel sounds like the easiest answer. The article I have uses a 3/16" end mill and of course works great in the article. I have tried a carbide bit but still had trouble.

If anyone would like the article emailed to them, please send me a PM. It is very similar to the link exile posted.

John