Looking for a machinist to make 8ga wad fingers for a MEC

[Craig Larter]

The two men who have developed the MEC tooling for 8ga utilizing a MEC Jr. press have run into an issue with finding a source to manufacture wad fingers for the mec press (they are out of stock). I volunteered to post the request on a couple of gun boards to see if we can find a retired/hobbyist machinist willing to take on the project. I have a 3D drawing of the part. If you or someone you would recommend may be interested please PM me. Looks to be a fairly simple part machined from Dylrin, nylon or what ever would be recommended. The quantity would be small say 100 to 200 parts.

[CraigThompson]

Yeah I was contemplating this the day I got my press and saw the guide fingers how to get new ones or fabricate my own . I honestly don’t think I’ll wear them out , but just the same I’d like to have two extras on hand just in case something unexpected happens .

[charlie cleveland]

good luck on this project....charlie

[Billy Gross]

Find some smart Kid who can copy a old one with a 3D Printer. Lots of schools and universities have them. Billy

[edgarspencer]

My guess is the wad finger you show was injection molded, so tooling must exist somewhere.
Teflon bar stock is available and it might be pretty simple to turn the shape, then slit it.
If you remember back 50 years ago, the wad finger in the 600 Jr. press was made of brass, not the red plastic everyone replaced it with. I know how that part was made, but knowing that, and having the funds to make the punch press tooling are miles apart.

I think turning a piece of teflon is the shortest route. And yes, I'm aware of the fact the burning, or melting teflon generates toxic fumes.

McMaster-Carr has Delrin rods, which would be a good material.

https://www.mcmaster.com/teflon/multipurpose-plastic/

[Eldon Goddard]

I was thinking the same thing about using PTFE. We machine it alot at my job. Kicking my self because I just threw away about 25 ft that my job threw out years ago thinking I would never use it. If molding delrin is the way to go for sure. I have designed several molded parts out of it. The volumes are pretty low to justify a mold but I have seen some temporary molds produce excellent parts for runs under a couple thousand. You can probably get a temporary mold for around $1000-2000.

[Craig Larter]

The guys who make the 8ga MEC tooling have tried the 3D printed route and the parts were much to fragile. My thought was machined out of PTFE tube stock or Dylrin. A injection mold would be way to expensive. We are looking at a lathe turned part at $15.00 to $20.00 each.

[CraigThompson]

The guys who make the 8ga MEC tooling have tried the 3D printed route and the parts were much to fragile. My thought was machined out of PTFE tube stock or Dylrin. A injection mold would be way to expensive. We are looking at a lathe turned part at $15.00 to $20.00 each.

Fifteen to twenty bucks sounds high when you first see it , but then if a person plunked down forty bucks for two as backups how many folks do you think will wear out three of them in a lifetime . :cool:

[Craig Budgeon]

I may be able to help you with your Mec part. I have a friend that specializes in composites and adhesives and has 52 years experience. He lives in Oswego county but his shop is in Wolcott. I believe the part can be rubber molded at a reasonable cost per part. Call me tomorrow after 4PM if interested. Craig Budgeon (315) 524-7853

[Dave Suponski]

Why not use UHMW

[Craig Larter]

Dave Ultra High Molecular Weight PE would also be a good choice, Your a toolmaker I would like to hear your suggestions on machining.
I was thinking having a form toll made for the outside profile and ball end mill made to the inside profile to be mounted in the tail stock of a lathe.

[Dave Suponski]

Craig, I agree with UHMW as it wears very well and has a very low coefficient of friction. This part looks to be a prime candidate for injection molding.

[Craig Larter]

Well I have received my two sample parts from my supplier. These parts are Urethane molded. Thanks to PGCA member Craig Budgeon who put me in touch with a model shop that specializes in small quantity precision casting of Urethane. I tried the wad finger on a small sample and was very pleased with the performance. I sent the two sample parts to Ken Burns and Tom Armbrust to evaluate and test for performance and longevity. So fingers crossed I beleive we are very close to the problem with avalibilty of wad fingers for 8 gauge MEC loaders. I will keep everyone posted as we move along.