Trigger Mechanism

[Sbuoncristiani]

Hi all,

I've searched far and wide and I haven't been able to find the dimensions of the Alexander Mechanism. Does anyone have the dimensions or any links to find such info? What size router bit would be best to cut the mechanism slot for an Alexander Mech and which techniques have you found most painless ? I've designed a jig for cutting the pocket and I know several other ways to do it; nonetheless, I'm sure your experience knows best.

Cheers,

Scott

[Sbuoncristiani]

So after reposting this in another section I searched around a little more. I found that on Ray Klefstad's website, the dimensions are given with the wrong spelling (dimmensions). SO in the end it gives rough dimensions but recommends each mechanism be measured for accuracy. Sorry for the redundancies. I am still curious to know how most DIY-ers cut the pocket and track in perfect alignment. As in all woodworking, there is always more than one way to do things but if you've had success using one method, I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks again,

Scott

[pelcami]

Aloha Scott,

Just came across your old post here. I agree - there is more than one way to do this, and admittedly I've been thinking about this problem too. Receptive to options. Ray Klefstad's Notes (Ray Klefstad's Notes on Installing Alexander Trigger Mechanism) are helpful - but I don't have access to a milling machine right now. Below is one observation that helped me:

.4724" = 12mm

Good luck.
Tobin

[JCooke]

I made a jig that clamps the speargun dead center. Then use a router and slid it down the center, touch up with a chisel. It took almost a hour to center and align it but its dead nuts +/ - 0.01" I'm using a Neptonics trigger.

Jason

[pelcami]

You made a jig. That is cool.
Neptonics. Good choice on that one.

The 1/2" rounded end of the Neptonics trigger housing seems to make installation a lot easier. I definitely want to try that one sometime.

To do the job with trigger mech requiring a 1/2" or 12mm slot, I'm seriously considering this tool:
Mortise Pal Mortising Jig. Mortises Made Easy!

This product has a router hardware compatibility list. Check before buying. Price is $189 US + cost of the "spiral-up-cutting" bit. It is not cheap. However, it travels better than a milling machine.

[JCooke]

You could home build that with small piece of plexy glass, some angle aluminum and a few clamps. It looks like a great tool but for the price unless your going to do alot guns or other uses. As for the 1/2 rounded router bit, they say its a little larger but I would use a 1/2 router bit off the self and just take your time a massage the opening for the epoxy allowance. I this it was 20$ Home depot.
I personally used a 1/2 router bit(for trigger) a 1/2 dovetail bit (for the track), and two 6' framing levels for my jig. My clamping surface is a trued up 5x5, 3/8 think steel I beam 7' long. Getting ready to make it into one big unit,clamping and track cutting for long guns. I have a 9x49 milling machine for the smaller guns.

Have fun and good luck.
Jason