Welding a moderator

bish789

Well-Known Member
Anyone ever TIG welded small holes in a moderator?
Have got an ASE Utra JET Z compact .25 cal, which is in overall very good condition but a small hole is starting to develop on what looks like a weld seam.
My idea was to let my mate cut a small v on his lathe around the whole circumference of the seam, just enough to give a fillet, then get it TIG welded.
It is for my .223, not a magnum calibre
Any thoughts?
 
I wonder how you would stand legally? If a sound moderator is classed as a firearm, would a repair not require that it be re-proofed? I am by no means an expert, just throwing out something that occurred to me which might need to be considered.
Hopefully someone with suitable expertise might clarify the issue.
 
Anyone ever TIG welded small holes in a moderator?
Have got an ASE Utra JET Z compact .25 cal, which is in overall very good condition but a small hole is starting to develop on what looks like a weld seam.
My idea was to let my mate cut a small v on his lathe around the whole circumference of the seam, just enough to give a fillet, then get it TIG welded.
It is for my .223, not a magnum calibre
Any thoughts?


Silver solder works very well, lower heat required. I learnt to braze at 12 which was ( cough cough ) years ago.

Flood a bit on and LEAVE it....nib it off and a hit it with a few light coats of spray....


Tim.243
 
I wonder how you would stand legally? If a sound moderator is classed as a firearm, would a repair not require that it be re-proofed? I am by no means an expert, just throwing out something that occurred to me which might need to be considered.
Hopefully someone with suitable expertise might clarify the issue.

What is your advise on repairing it as that is the question...


Tim.243
 
I have a model engineer neighbour, he makes those railway steamers you ride on, brazing is the method used in boiler construction, along with silver solder joints elsewhere so no worries on strength.
 
I wonder how you would stand legally? If a sound moderator is classed as a firearm, would a repair not require that it be re-proofed? I am by no means an expert, just throwing out something that occurred to me which might need to be considered.
Hopefully someone with suitable expertise might clarify the issue.


Moderators dont actually have to be Proofed legally .


main issue is a pin hole showing on the outside could be a large thinned area on the inside which would blow out when you try and weld needing a bigger patch not to mention similar thinning all over the inside
 
Moderators dont actually have to be Proofed legally .


main issue is a pin hole showing on the outside could be a large thinned area on the inside which would blow out when you try and weld needing a bigger patch not to mention similar thinning all over the inside


Brazing and silver soldering have an action when filler metal is fluid, same as capillary action, you would be surprised how far the filler metal will travel,... think like that advert for Gorilla glue, looks like fine plant roots systems.
 
Anyone ever TIG welded small holes in a moderator?
Have got an ASE Utra JET Z compact .25 cal, which is in overall very good condition but a small hole is starting to develop on what looks like a weld seam.
My idea was to let my mate cut a small v on his lathe around the whole circumference of the seam, just enough to give a fillet, then get it TIG welded.
It is for my .223, not a magnum calibre
Any thoughts?

If there is hole(s) on the outside its probably time for a trade in with the supplier. If it's a fault then warranty is an option. No way back if you do any work on it though.Steel mods do rust from the inside if not looked after.
 
Get it back into the suppliers, ASE offer 60% off a new mod when you trade in an old one for a new one, ( I'm pretty sure they still do????)

kjf
 
Silver solder and braze,,,,,,,,,on a part that could be subject to 30,000 psi.........(at the muzzle / 65,000 psi at the chamber)


Question the thought process behind that...


Firearms pressure are way above and beyond steam engine / model engineering builds.


If the moderator is defective, replace it.


Simply isnt worth the risk otherwise
 
Having had a moderator "let go" I can tell you it is a most unpleasant experience...
for what they cost you could get a used stainless one for £100-150
or chop it in for a new one

not worth the effort IMO
 
Nettle it and get a new one in my opinion

Get it back into the suppliers, ASE offer 60% off a new mod when you trade in an old one for a new one, ( I'm pretty sure they still do????)

kjf

Speak to Jackson rifles first about warranty

Silver solder and braze,,,,,,,,,on a part that could be subject to 30,000 psi.........(at the muzzle / 65,000 psi at the chamber)


Question the thought process behind that...


Firearms pressure are way above and beyond steam engine / model engineering builds.


If the moderator is defective, replace it.


Simply isnt worth the risk otherwise

THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^,

I couldn't remember the suppliers name,

cheers jb7

kjf


Ring ring....

Gun shop how can I help?

Ah yes I need a set of barrels sleeved on my purdy can it be repaired and do you braze them and re solider the rib?

Gun shop...

No sorry...but I can sell you a new one....



Ring ring...

Tyre shop how can I help....

yes good morning I have a slow puncture in my tyre....



Tyre shop.....


Have you run it flat?



No




Tyre Shop........ Is it in or near the side wall...



No I can see a small nail in the middle....



Tyre Shop.....No sorry we can fit a new one....



Tim.243
 
I cannot believe anyone would even consider applying heat to a moderator. The pressures involved are immense. Air tanks on trucks and buses cannot be welded and they run at 12 Bar.
 
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