3D printed parts

[Mobuck]

One of my low budget winter projects involves a 10-22 receiver. I have a factory folding stock but it doesn't fit the barrel I chose and can't be modified w/o losing structural integrity. I finally found a 3 D printed unfinished stock with a picatinny rear interface that seems to fit well enough at a reasonable price . Next came the folding stock apparatus (most of those are really, really expensive BTW). I found a 3D printed 'copy' at a reasonable price point but the seller sort of skipped over the fine points. It does seem to be workable once the hiccups are burped out. The total package (with stock folded) will come out just over the length regulation maintaining it's status as a 'rifle'.
This 3D printed stuff can be fairly well finished OR quite rough--I guess depending on quality of printer? Lots of potential for non-structural parts, oddball ideas, or unobtanium replacement parts.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

This 3D printed stuff can be fairly well finished OR quite rough--I guess depending on quality of printer?

. . . and/or the expertise of the operator.

 

[Uncle Howie]

Agree with the above thoughts, plus I added a couple more of my own…

-quality of printer
-expertise of operator
-quality of raw material going into the printer
-coding/program for the printed part- written with top quality in mind, or for economy in production?

 

[GasGuzzler]

If they use a good program and good filament at a SLOW rate, it'll come out smooth minus any supports that must be cut off and smoothed. I don't see how a stock would need a lot of supports in the program.

 

[Mobuck]

At first, I didn't understand the 'supports' but after some thought, I've got it. I did find some of that on the picatinny rail area. Figured out it could be peeled off using needle nose pliers. Above post also clarifies why some of the areas of the stock had numerous 'slivers' and required sanding to remove.
I'll update when I get it assembled. Currently in flux as the seller of the folding stock included the wrong spring making assembly impossible. He's grudgingly agreed to send the proper length spring after I complained. But he's quibbling about a 10 cent screw that is 1/4" too short for use. Seems counter productive to his ratings.

 

[Chief 101]

I would have just made a wooden stock....and if I want it another color I would paint it...

 

[s4s4u]

I've played with some 3D printed stuff. The type of plastic filament is fairly important as well. Some stuff just isn't very durable.

But, I've seen some really cool stuff created that way. Takes a lot of time, tho.

 

[Mobuck]

Already have a modified wood stock but it doesn't fold. Need vs want? Yeah but I wanted a folder.

 

[krw]

Someone, somewhere 3D prints DIAS's. But I ain't gonna google it

 

[Mobuck]

I found a couple more 'OOPsie' problems with this guy's printed parts. Pointed them out to him. At least he didn't hiss and snarl.
Does anyone know size and thread pitch of the 'take down screw' (the one that holds the action in the stock) on a 10/22?

 

[GasGuzzler]

A large span yet thin part like a model car body has to have break-off support trusses written into the program. Think a tree on a molded model only times 200 because of the differences in the process.

 

[NikA]

Does anyone know size and thread pitch of the 'take down screw' (the one that holds the action in the stock) on a 10/22?

Relatively confident that screw is a #12-24.

 

[Mobuck]

OK, that's where I'll start. Next time we go to town, I'll take the OEM screw and make sure. Thanks.
Running down all the quirks of the 3D printed stock is a PITA when it's a 40 mile drive to a hardware store.
I made some progress today with a bit of inletting fitting, mounting the AR style pistol grip, and trimming a bit to allow the scope clearance. Hoping the correct spring for the folding stock arrives soon. I'm finding that this guy's 'proto-type' was much further from correct than he stated.

 

[Mobuck]

#12x24 seems to be correct. Found a screw that works but not the type of head I wanted--oh well not that big an issue. Didn't take the spring to look for a properly sized replacement so hope the guy sends the correct one soon. It's beginning to look like a real handy shooter.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Need pics

 

[the_leper_colony]

Kind of funny - I absolutely LOVE the idea of a folding stock on a 10/22. As a result, I've been buying them my whole life: wood under-folders (Federal Ordnance?), steel/synthetic (mostly Choate), and most recently a Rhineland wood stock with a side-folding metal butt (modified airsoft or paintball stock, IIRC). I get everything put together... and then I take the folder off and sell it. (The guys who look for deals on used folding stocks must love me by now! ;^) Still love them in theory, but probably done buying 'em!

 

[Mobuck]

I sure wish I'd had this little cutie long ago when I was following coon hounds in the dark and fighting my way through thickets with a full length rifle.