Cheaper feedblock Question for 08/15 and 08

[www.Prussia.us]

This question is for the Maxim experts like Bob, Matt, Jbaum, Glen, etc…

I am still intrigued about a way to modify a ’34 or even better a 42/M53 topcover’s internals to work in an 08/15 or 08 feed system. Even re-engineering the actuator to allow the feeding, may be a cheaper alternative to the $400-$600, 90+ year old maxim feedblocks, to say nothing of the convenience of being able to use the same belts that our 42’s, & 34’s already utilize.

Could someone just give me the quick run-down if this is too cost probative or even reasonably viable.

THANKS

[amafrank]

I think that at the moment it is just dreaming to think of using those parts with the maxim. The entire system is completely different between the two types and there is no such thing as a "simple mod" to use complex parts. The cost of making something up which would use the 34 or 42 parts would make original feedblocks look dirt cheap. In reality the original system is much simpler and the only real hard part of making them from scratch is casting the block itself. If you read the Devils Paintbrush by Dolf Goldsmith you will see that the Germans did modify the feedblocks between the wars to use the Guert 34 belts and I know guys who use them now by simply putting the ammo in backwards and feeding the belts in upside down. I've not tried it as I find the cloth belts to be so much nicer to use. I've fired thousands of rounds and have yet to wear out a belt too. I think your best bet is to look for original parts and just remember that the cost is relative.....I thought $200 for a feedblock was a lot of money some years back but I'm glad I bought them at that exorbitant price, I can't replace them for that now. Same goes with the $35 vickers belts....who would pay that much for a crappy cloth belt???? Its not simple to make the parts for the proper guns and adapting to a completely different system of operation makes it even worse.

Just my opinions.

Frank

[www.Prussia.us]

Hey Frank,

Forgive me you should have been listed with the "experts" in my original post and thanks for the input

I am always trying to find a cheaper way to keep these old guns running

[amafrank]

I don't blame you for trying and if you don't work with these things every day its not obvious how things work.
I don't mind being left off the list either....the only list I really want to be on is the cash for frank list. ha ha ha....
It would be neat to be able to find enough guys who need feedblocks to get some castings done up and make some. Hard to get enough though to make the tooling costs worthwhile.

Thats it from here

Frank

[dwmmg08]

Interesting question, I think Frank's right, I've got both an MG34, an MG08, and an MG08/15, and I don't see any way to switch the MG34 type feed system over. There was actually a modified feedblock for the MG08 and 08/15 to take the MG34 belts, and the Germans had been planning to use only the MG34 type belts for all their MGs after the introduction of those belts. As far as I know, they really did, too. I think it would be easier to look at the converted feedblocks, and convert your own to the modified type, than to make a whole new feed system work, but either will be a lot of work! I beleve the feed block conversion at least partly required machining out part of the "block" where the rounds stop before being drawn out of the belt, so as to allow the MG 34 belt to pass through. In short, I dont see this as being that easy, or cheap, but it probably could be done if you wanted to, by doing what they did to their MG08 type feedblocks to allow the MG34 belts.

[dwmmg08]

You know, if we set up to machine these things with a CNC machine, there isn't anything on them any more complex than an AR15 receiver, I would think you could machine new Maxim Feedblocks all day.

[www.Prussia.us]

Well the idea intriqued me when Matt brought it up in an earlier post (the German design of using 34/42 belts in a maxim feedblock), which is why I was curious about a new system with the 42 topcover.

I see now that is folly, however I approached Project Guns before about punching out 08/15 and 08 Maxim parts like leaf springs, Fuse covers, and a feedblock would be a great idea.

They were warm to the idea if demand could warrant it and if they had the time to set it up, perhaps we could eventually approach them with a group-buy list to make it worth their time, when they get caught up on their work that is

[amafrank]

You know, if we set up to machine these things with a CNC machine, there isn't anything on them any more complex than an AR15 receiver, I would think you could machine new Maxim Feedblocks all day.

The only issue I can see with this approach is that the original blocks had a lot of broach work which makes nice square corners and the current CNC setups can't get in to do that. The other problem is dead ends where the originals would have been cut with a shaper or similar tool. CNC shops (and many of the newer machinists) don't have shapers or know what they are anymore. The simplest way to make them in my opinion would be investment casting. It would still be a bit of work even with near net shaped parts. In any case it is possible to make them but the cost would be up there unless high volume could be achieved. We've talked with a few companies about investment casting various parts and the minimum they even want to talk about is 1000 pieces. Are there enough of us to generate an order of that size???? One other thing to consider is that 08 and 08/15 blocks are different though many of the parts inside can be interchanged. That means 2 molds and 1000 of each part.....could get ugly. It is worth looking into though. I'll have to take a stripped 08/15 block to one of the local CNC shops and see what he thinks.....maybe possible?

Frank

[IMBLITZVT]

Guys,
I agree on everything. The demand it not there. Not for feedblocks.

We would be better off looking at reproing MG08 and MG08/15 belts! I mean at $50-$100 a piece, I would buy a few and if they looked like the originals... I think there may be enough demand there.

Before I would look at reproing anything, look at the Booster repros. Frank, you did some very nice ones. Allegany is doing some now. What kind of sales are we looking at? I am guessing not many and a lot of people need boosters. Fusee covers and water port covers could also work out if you could do them cheap enough like IMA. Frank, you may have the connections to do some of this but for the rest of us, its probably a pipe dream.