fuentesd99 Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Is it possible to build back up the frame rail of a 2011? My frame rail broke and I was thinking that one can build up the frame rail with metal and welding and milled back to where it needs to be. Is it possible? Thanks, David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kneelingatlas Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Anything is po$$ible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuentesd99 Posted September 22, 2015 Author Share Posted September 22, 2015 Ok, so who would you recommend I call and ask? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kneelingatlas Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 The trouble is a new PT frame is just over $200 so you'd be hard pressed to find someone with the skills to do what you asked willing to do it for less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPostman Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Anything is po$$ible Possible yes, ideal? Probably not. You would probably be better off buying a new frame and fitting the parts you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPostman Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 CK frame can be had for $175 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuentesd99 Posted September 22, 2015 Author Share Posted September 22, 2015 ok thanks guys. I had a feeling I would have to buy another frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfinney Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 (edited) You could check with EGW or others still willing to do craftsmanship on guns. Might still be cheaper than a frame, all the fitting, and refinishing of complete frame. And if you like your frame the way it is...... Recycling helps the environment.dd Welding and files/stones. No milling required? Edited September 22, 2015 by sfinney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Can Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 (edited) the other issue is the wielded frame would not be as strong as a new one as well as costing more. Edited September 22, 2015 by Can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toolguy Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 Yep. Scrap it and get a new one. If the frame rail broke off in the first place, what else is wrong with it? You would be throwing good money after bad to try to do a repair on a defective part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Open1215 Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 (edited) Can we get a pic of it? Where exactly did it crack? All I can think of is if it's a chip or something perhaps krieger rails? Edited September 23, 2015 by Open1215 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPostman Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Listen to Can and Toolguy. Don't throw your hard earned money at less than you deserve. You want it right and that will require a new frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidwiz Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 EGW used to weld frame rails. I'm not sure that they offer that service anymore, as they seem to be 100% making parts. But wouldn't hurt to email and ask - if they don't do it, maybe they know of someone who does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsa Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 EGW used to weld frame rails. I'm not sure that they offer that service anymore, as they seem to be 100% making parts. But wouldn't hurt to email and ask - if they don't do it, maybe they know of someone who does. The guy that used to do the welding for EGW left and is on his own now, Jim Milks: http://www.innovativecustomguns.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robb315 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 If it's an STI frame, why not just get it replaced under warranty? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidwiz Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Jim Milks is really good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aircooled6racer Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Hello: If they weld it they will have to weld both frame rails and maybe the ones on the other side as well. It will warp from the heat some and may need to be re heat treated. Like others have suggested give STI a call and see if they will replace it. Thanks, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfinney Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 What's best: New frame Can you weld an old one? Yes. Post a pic.... Curious to see if we are talking about a chip or if the whole rail came off...... I'll buy it for a paperweight... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldfieldshooter Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I had a rail on a Baer frame crack for 3/4 of its length. Clamped it in position, had it laser welded, cleaned it up with a small file and it is still going strong after two years. No distortion if laser welded properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightUp_OG Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 (edited) First, toolguy has it right if the frame is defective don't risk it and the cost is sure to be a wash vs buying a new frame. Second, I have had 2 frames welded by a precision welder and I re-machined the rails with zero issue. They did not warp and the part is actually harder than the original material precisely because of the heat during the welding process. If the correct filler is used for the weld it will be as strong or stronger than before the weld. Don't believe me, google it. (Edit: The "google it" was not meant to sound confrontational) The reason I had the frames welded is during my machining learning curve I removed too much material and could fix it myself cheaper than buying a new frame. My welder only charged me $40. Gunsmiths since the dawn of the 1911 have been welding rails as a part of the accurizing process. Edited September 24, 2015 by StraightUp_OG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Can Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 First, toolguy has it right if the frame is defective don't risk it and the cost is sure to be a wash vs buying a new frame. Second, I have had 2 frames welded by a precision welder and I re-machined the rails with zero issue. They did not warp and the part is actually harder than the original material precisely because of the heat during the welding process. If the correct filler is used for the weld it will be as strong or stronger than before the weld. Don't believe me, google it. The reason I had the frames welded is during my machining learning curve I removed too much material and could fix it myself cheaper than buying a new frame. My welder only charged me $40. Gunsmiths since the dawn of the 1911 have been welding rails as a part of the accurizing process. it is true that a good wield using the correct filler material should be stronger than the material around it. however it is also true that the heat required to do the wielding ruins the heat treating on the metal just around the area that is wielded, and commonly causes distortions due to the heat. Also your reforming the grain structure. brakes tend to be along the lines of the grain. who knows where the grain is going now...probably not lined up with the original direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StraightUp_OG Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I will acquiesce that some molecular distortion may occur however relative to Rockwell and my first hand experience it is of no consequence as long as the surfaces are machined to tolerance. I have read your posts and dig the expertise you bring to the table. I especially learned some new tricks to cutting a slide for a hybrid from your posts. Thanks for the tips! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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