Schuemann Timing Test Question..

[Ben H]

I'm in the process of trying to test my 1911's for barrel drop timing/clearance as per Mr. Schuemann's instructions. The only shim stock I have is in the form of a set of feeler gages that appear to be much to wide as I can only get the corner of the gage to slip between the very top of the barrel and slide at the front of the ejection port.

I'm ordering some assorted shim stock and was wondering how wide of a strip to cut to best fit the barrel/slide radius at this location. Something around one-eigth of an inch or so? Also, what's the best way to cut shim stock to avoid getting a raised edge from the cut that might alter (raise) the thickness along the edge? Lastly, how far in to the barrel/slide gap should I be able to insert the shim, as far as the most forward barrel lug?

Thanks in Advance and Happy Easter,
Ben H

[niemi24s]

An eighth of an inch would be OK - that is, give a "close enough" measurement. A sixteenth would be even better, but as you mention shim stock is tricky to cut into narrow strips without cupping or twisting it. An emery cutoff disc in a Dremel should work, however.

The ideal feelers for this are round wires. They are, however, not readily available. The only commonly available ones are for setting sparkplugs, but they'd have to be cut, dressed and straightened prior to use. Another alternative is music (spring) wire stock available at most hobby shops that cater to model airplane builders - the kind with gas engines.

And, the shim/gauge need be inserted only as far as the first slide lug.

[Hill]

The Schuemann description only requires measurement at the lug closest the ejection port.

BTW, if you have a 1" micrometer you could make your own feeler gauge in most any desired thickness by flattening a piece of solid conductor copper wire until it is the thickness you need. 14 gauge wire would be about right to start with, maybe 16.

[niemi24s]

BTW, if you have a 1" micrometer you could make your own feeler gauge in most any desired thickness by flattening a piece of solid conductor copper wire until it is the thickness you need.
Excellent idea! [why didn't I think of that?] Cheers

[Hill]

One thing Niemi, don't cut any wire from your house circuits to try it with, OK, at least not when the power is on. :)

[pa_guns]

Hi

If you go the wire or the feeler gauge route, be careful of kinks.

Bob

[niemi24s]

. . . don't cut any wire from your house circuits to try it with, OK, at least not when the power is on.
Now he tells me! Dang, that hurt!! :D

[pa_guns]

Hi

I was wondering why the lights blinked a few minutes ago .... :D :D

Bob

[gfavaron]

Welding shops have wire gauges for oxy/gas tips in accurate sizes. Don't remember how small they go though.

[pa_guns]

Hi

One nice thing about coper wire is that you can crush it just a bit and not mess anything up. Of course that means you need to check it's dimension after you run the test.

Bob

[niemi24s]

If you can find one, this is a good set of feeler gauges for getting into tight places:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p232/niemi24s/P083250001c.jpg
It was part of a Western Electric Co. telephone relay maintenance kit I picked up at an auction in the mid-60's. The flat feelers are 1/16 inch wide, and the whole set covers the 0.002 to 0.080 inch range. It sure comes in handy once in a while.

Remember, thou shall not covet thy neighbors feelers! :) Cheers

[pa_guns]

If you can find one, this is a good set of feeler gauges for getting into tight places:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p232/niemi24s/P083250001c.jpg
It was part of a Western Electric Co. telephone relay maintenance kit I picked up at an auction in the mid-60's. The flat feelers are 1/16 inch wide, and the whole set covers the 0.002 to 0.080 inch range. It sure comes in handy once in a while.

Remember, thou shall not covet thy neighbors feelers! :) Cheers

Hi

Somewhere there's a cross bar switch down because they can't find the feeler gauges to set it back up. :D :D :D :D

Bob

[niemi24s]

I was wondering why the lights blinked a few minutes ago ....
Hope you didn't have to reset all your digital clocks <blink-blink> on account of me...:D

[pa_guns]

Hope you didn't have to reset all your digital clocks <blink-blink> on account of me...:D

Hi

They can be reset?

I always have to get up at midnight to plug them back in. :D :D :D

Bob