I have a couple manual metal machines but this Genmitsu 3030 prover is my first CNC machine. Plenty big for the parts that I need to make and a heck of a lot cheaper than a Tormach or conversion. First project has been a rear sight assembly.
I’ve been super busy between work and family so I haven’t had much time to work on projects lately but be assured, the De Lisle isn’t dead. I recently got a small CNC router that can cut aluminum and I’ve been making good use of it for small parts that would otherwise bog down the project. I’m currently working on the sights (the CNC has been a timesaver on it) and I’ll still need to make a forend and there’s a bunch of smaller finishing things that will need to be done. I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Top is a 9mm Mk1 Welrod reproduction that I made and the bottom is a .32ACP Mk2 Welrod reproduction that I’m still working on. Figured I’d give them a fitting case given the guns history.
The baffles and suppressor tube are done and I have to reiterate that I hate making baffles. They just suck. A good fixture definitely makes them easier, though.
This is one of the more interesting parts of the De Lisle design that I wasn’t aware of until digging into it. It’s a muzzle device with a tube attached that diverts the gasses from the ports to the rear. The front end is flared, creating what I’ve read is a “German muzzle.” It’s definitely an odd part and I’m not sure if it actually helps with suppression but it’s how the original was done.
Did some work on the De Lisle bolt. The original bolt head threads are 72 degree that were only used on the Enfield so, instead of trying to match those threads, I sleeved the bolt head and cut 7/16” 20tpi 60 degree threads. This operation also required timing the threads to ensure that the bolt head would be seated fully when the bolt is closed. The bolt and barrel face both had to be recessed and the firing pin channel drilled deeper to make room for the firing pin spring in the shortened bolt. The bolt handle has been dovetailed for the rubber insert to silence the bolt closing. I had to cut the bolt knob off to fit it in my lathe spider so that had to be welded back on as well. There’s still more work to do shortening the firing pin/spring and cutting the ejector groove in the bolt head. I’ll also have to make a new extractor since the old one won’t work with a recessed bolt face. And the barrel still needs to be chambered.
I’ve read that the 3 hardest parts of a De Lisle build are the magwell, cutting the barrel clearance in the action, and shortening the bolt. I fully agree with that.