Desert Musings

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Impressed checkering is a process where a heated metal die in the shape of the checkering pattern is pressed into the finished stock. The result is a stamping of the checkering pattern. Unfortunately, the points of the individual diamonds are reversed. Instead of the diamond sticking up, there is a diamond-shaped hole pressed into the stock.

There's a way of converting most negative impressed checkering to positive cut checkering with very few tools - it's a project well within the capabilities of most hobbyists.

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/negative-impressed-checkering-to-positive-cut/100374

Saturday, May 27, 2023

DIY Water Chiller

Consider installing a Peltier plate and a fan under a Brita water filter to somewhat chill the water. A large, flat metal plate could be used to transfer heat from the bottom of the water tank. Two water tanks could be combined to produce warm or hot water also.

How to Build a DIY Peltier-Based Mini Refrigerator
If you want a mini fridge but have the budget for a cooler, it might be time to take matters into your own hands and build one yourself: https://www.makeuseof.com/diy-peltier-based-mini-refrigerator/

Hot and Cold Water Cooler Using A Peltier Thermoelectric Cooling Module:

https://www.circuits-diy.com/hot-and-cold-water-cooler-using-a-peltier-thermoelectric-cooling-module/

My Diy Peltier Cooler! (version #1): https://www.instructables.com/My-Diy-Peltier-Cooler/

Making a Beefy Peltier Cooler! (version #1):

https://www.instructables.com/Making-a-Beefy-Peltier-Cooler/

"Heatpipe heatsinks are really good at cooling CPUs ... so they are perfect for cooling 40mm Peltier chips"

Experiment with a fan on the hot side to see what happens to the temp inside the cooler.

Consider heatsink placement in a wall (that doesn't move) - should make packing the cooler easier. Also look at various heatsink sizes.

A different alternative -

Use a cheap ice-maker to chill water: https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Water-Chiller/

Friday, May 26, 2023

Four Hi-Power Models compared

I like what I've read about the Springfield SA-35, but other variations on the Browning High Power deserve a look too.

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/shootout-four-hi-power-models/474056

" The SA-35 is a Hi-Power clone and is very attractive, with a blued finish and wood grips. Outwardly, it resembles many custom Hi-Powers offered by various smiths over the years. Springfield did away with the magazine safety, beveled the magazine well, installed an easier-to-manipulate safety, an all-black rear sight, and a white dot front sight. It retails for around $700 and comes with a 15-round magazine as opposed to the traditional 13-round mag."

" EAA's Hi-Power is called the MC P35, and it's 100 percent made in Turkey by Girsan. It retains the magazine safety, which also prevents the magazine from dropping free, and it has the ambidextrous safety, which makes it a very true copy of the Mk III Hi-Power last sold by Browning. The sights are good, with a long, tapered, white-stripped front sight that's easy to see and easy on holster leather."

"Overall, I'd rate the SA-35 as performing second best. However, this pistol could really benefit from having its sharp edges turned down and a no-bite hammer or an extended tang."

"EAA Girsan MC P35
I did not like the two white dots on the rear sight. However, the ramped front sight with the long white bar was very quick on target, and I think it gives this pistol a speed advantage. But at the same time, the trigger was a bit heavy, causing me to pull some shots low. ... Other than that, it's not bad right out of the box and would be ideal as a base gun for customization."

"The Hi-Power, in one of the several variations it has been offered in, is probably the most prolific fighting pistol of all time. ... A bit or a lot of custom work only makes this pistol better, and I would advise anyone considering a Hi-Power to at least look at a trigger job, new sights, and having all the sharp edges radiused. Additionally, I'd suggest one of Novak's no-bite hammers; the Commander-style hammer will still allow for some hammer bite. Pick one, make it your own, and enjoy it for the rest of your life.