Author Topic: My M1 Garand Lamp  (Read 19195 times)

PattonWasRight

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My M1 Garand Lamp
« on: June 27, 2014, 01:58:40 PM »
Below is the basic concept …


* One M1 Garand pieced together from worn out parts
* One helmet with an LED rope light zip tied in place
* One bayonet with some bicycle inner tube zip tied on the point to conform/grip the helmet
* One plate of 12 x12 aluminum with 2 holes precisely drilled so that the dowel rods screwed in mate up to the holes in the Garand’s butt stock.  You want the dowels just shy of the max depth of the holes in the stock so the weight is born by the plate for added stability. With this set up, you can grab the top of the rifle, tilt it, and the plate will tilt with it as a single unit. Standard dowel rod from hardware store (1/2 inch”) fit perfectly. Clearly John Garand had a lamp in mind when he designed the stock, as the dowel rods fit with perfect snugginess.  Use a drill press to get the hole into the dowel rod straight, and long wood deck screws to secure from the other side of the aluminum plate, and a washer to distribute the pressure more widely.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRiVWdXYm84aUZCM0E/edit?usp=sharing


Simple cord routing / hiding of the LED strip power cord, the switch tucked into the sling. Can def do some wire cutting / re-splice to move the switch and send the cord down the barrel and out the action.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRieWlvN2pzS3BYVlU/edit?usp=sharing




Dremel to outline the star, the “flag waves” type background kinda’ happened in the moment. Outer edge of wave was done with a dremel wire brush. It was a bit too harsh so softened with fine emery sand paper. I will be inscribing a nice message in honor of my Dad’s service on the reverse side of the plate.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRiWXFfOVYyUG1lYzA/edit?usp=sharing



Light on ... just the right amount of light to me, bounces off the base well and hightlights the rifle

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRiX25CN2NtOTVJNFk/edit?usp=sharing



Light off

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7rKEcR0-TRicjNLMHNRcGlHM3M/edit?usp=sharing




Offline GhostWarrior

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Re: My M1 Garand Lamp
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2014, 11:06:45 PM »
THAT ROCKS!!!! I love it. Means a lot to so many folks for all sorts of reasons and it's a wonderful tribute.

GW
If at first you don't succeed, then Skydiving is not your sport.

Welcome Home every Veteran and active Service personnel and Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice

PattonWasRight

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Re: My M1 Garand Lamp
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2014, 02:32:26 PM »
Thanks, everyone that has seen it in person loves it. I love it.


How can you not ... the M1 Garand was a huge technological leap in it's day and helped free the world from tyranny. Still an imposing weapon today as well, and the last military battle rifle you can legally own.


I'm wondering if anyone knows of a more controllable tool / way  to etch words in metal than using a Dremel?  I have a lot of words to inscribe about my Dad, and the Dremel takes a lot of control to keep the thing from darting off on a smooth surface.

Offline frgood

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Re: My M1 Garand Lamp
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2014, 03:00:06 PM »
I recall as a kid some some form of an acid type etching process. I'm not sure of the practice to ornate ratio. But here is one possible idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jibYm-EB2BY

There are more intense techniques using nitric acid. Use with normal adult precautions.

PattonWasRight

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Re: My M1 Garand Lamp
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2014, 11:51:40 AM »
Hey ... missed your post. That is really interesting and I'll take a look at that option. Def permanent. Thanks!