My custom guide rods!

[LorenzoB]

I just finished my custom CNC machined guide rods for my CW9, and can't wait to test these puppies at the range. I made them in stainless steel which is about the same weight as the stock one, but much prettier and smoother.

I also made some aluminum ones which are 2/3 lighter (might be nice for carry), and some tungsten which are 2x heavier (just to experiment). Should be fun!! We'll see how they perform and I'll keep you posted.


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[PYROhafe]

o man! ur killin me with this custom machining stuff! I love it... maybe envy it a little too... but mostly love it. Great lookin work... def. let us know how they work out!

[gb6491]

Very nice!!! The guide rods look great (the craftsmanship is evident) and the photos are excellent. Well done!
Regards,
Greg

[LorenzoB]

You guys are too nice! Greg, the comment about the photos means a lot coming from you (because your photos are always really nice). Thanks.

I actually took those with my iPhone because I left my DSLR at work. I got the white glass from Ikea, and have full spectrum daylight CFL's in the ceiling light fixture. I have some black glass too... I'll have to post some photos on the black.

[titus1971]

I'm curious to know how the tungsten ones affect recoil. If you were interested you might have an opportunity for little side business here.... :)

[espresso]

I'm curious to know how the tungsten ones affect recoil. If you were interested you might have an opportunity for little side business here.... :)

Same here.

Nice Job they look great!

Looking forward to the range report

[Bill K]

You're obviously a very talented individual, looks real nice to me. The concentric ring machining that is on the muzzle end of the guide rod, is that just for looks or does it serve some function?

Thanks...

[Knight92]

I am also interested to hear your thoughts on how they function. They do look good

[LorenzoB]

Thanks Bill! They are just for looks. I made them look like a target. I made extras, so I'll be eventually be selling these too (along with the baseplates).

[LorenzoB]

titus1971, on the tungsten, I was thinking that it will reduce felt recoil (for follow up shots), but still be lighter than a K9. And be cheaper and easier than buying another barrel and porting it. My initial thoughts after installing it (haven't shot it yet) is that I do feel the weight increase, but overall, the gun still feels light. It feels a little nose heavy only when unloaded. We'll see how much it actually helps recoil when I get a chance to go to the range.

[Frayed Knot]

Very nice (again). Put me on the list for one of these guys too.:D

[socialwork911]

looks good...any chance making them for the 380 :)

[jocko]

my suggestion: Make um for the 9mm guys first, then the 40 cal guys, and then the 380's and if u have any spare time u might give the 45 children a shot at buying them. Just sayin

[Short Bus]

Nice, I want one. The hard part is choosing which one.

[LorenzoB]

my suggestion: Make um for the 9mm guys first, then the 40 cal guys, and then the 380's and if u have any spare time u might give the 45 children a shot at buying them. Just sayin

Thanks for the advice.
The compact 9's may be next, but those guide rods are "two parts" so I'll need to buy a PM9 to measure it, or find someone local who has one, or see if I can build a closer relationship with an LGS. I'm sure that eventually I'll get to the others.

[LorenzoB]

Nice, I want one. The hard part is choosing which one.

Maybe it will be easier to choose after I test them and share the results. OR, buy a sample pack of all 3 at a discount :). Then you can swap them out to your hearts desire!

[LorenzoB]

looks good...any chance making them for the 380 :)

I think so.... eventually?

[Frayed Knot]

Lorenzo, any update on these and the base plates? How are they performing?

On a side note: I'm shopping for some Christmas gifts (for myself), if yer selling.:D

[deputy tom]

Nice looking work. tom.:cool:

[LorenzoB]

I am super busy with work, so these projects are on the back burner right now. :(

After shooting with the 3 different guide rods and 3 different shooters, all commented on how you could feel the aluminum just a bit more (but not bad), and the tungsten felt much softer. I captured high speed video and analyzed the recoil angles and they varied from shot to shot, so I took averages and the numbers were only off by 1 degree for each rod. I need to get out there and run this test much longer so I can get more accurate averages.

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[muggsy]

Very nice!!! The guide rods look great (the craftsmanship is evident) and the photos are excellent. Well done!
Regards,
Greg

You write a program, set your tool offsets and push the start button. The CNC turning center does all of the work. ;) And nice work at that.

[Short Bus]

Do you know what the pricing will be?

[rwehnau]

I'm in for a stainless one for a CW45 :)

[LorenzoB]

You write a program, set your tool offsets and push the start button. The CNC turning center does all of the work. ;) And nice work at that.

Muggsy, I wish it was that easy. Design, programming, and setup is somewhat of an art to have proper tolerances and part finish. You are referring to the operator (button masher) of a high production run. Sometimes we also call them burger flippers. But, yes, the machine turns out nice work, if the machinist does his job properly. Thanks!

[LorenzoB]

Do you know what the pricing will be?

I will have to get back to you on this. I have been so busy, I have not had a chance to look at the costs to come up with a proper price. I do have a handful of aluminum and stainless rods done, I just need to find a little time to calculate a proper price. Right now, I'm safely guessing less than $30.

For now, if you are remotely interested, please let me know here, and for what gun. Also let me know if you have calipers (and know how to use them) to properly measure some things (I want to be sure they fit perfectly, and the more data points I have the better).

Thank you all very much!

[FireMoose]

Wow. Nice work!

I'm In for a tungsten rod for the cw9 when ever thosed be available. I feel comfortable measuring some areas for ya.

[Short Bus]

I want a tungsten for my P9. It uses the same rod as a CW9, so it should be good to go.

[RWillieK]

I would be interested in a stainless for the CW9

[SSL]

Put me down for one for my CW45. Tungsten if you make some, stainless steel otherwise. Great work!

[Frayed Knot]

I'm interested in tungsten. I could probably try one in either the CW9 or the CW45.

[SIGcurious]

I'd be down for a Tungsten for my P45.

[Atomicpunk]

I'm interested in a stainless rod for my cw9

[LorenzoB]

Hey wait a minute, the tungsten rod would cost much higher (like maybe triple). I was saying the price for the aluminum and stainless. Sorry if I misled some of you.

[JustinN]

Very nice looking work on the guide rods. How much does Tungsten cost, in comparison to say steel or aluminum (and not just for the guide rod, but just raw material). Also, does it take a different sort of "cutter" for tungsten, I know it's supposed to be considerably heavier and normal ring cutters won't cut it if you break your finger (they shatter it in a vice).

[LorenzoB]

Very nice looking work on the guide rods. How much does Tungsten cost, in comparison to say steel or aluminum (and not just for the guide rod, but just raw material). Also, does it take a different sort of "cutter" for tungsten, I know it's supposed to be considerably heavier and normal ring cutters won't cut it if you break your finger (they shatter it in a vice).

It is not normal tungsten carbide, so it is not brittle like the stuff usually used on tungsten rings. That stuff is much less expensive. I'm using a high yield strength material (it is still pretty hard too) that can be cut with carbide tools (they wear out faster than cutting steel or aluminum), so expensive tool replacement also needs to be factored in the price. Just looking at material cost, I think it was about 50x the price of stainless steel, so there is not much profit in the tungsten rods, but I thought it would be cool. It is what I have in my CW9 right now (shoots softer and I like that). ;)

[LorenzoB]

The aluminum I'm using is also high strength and pretty hard. It is harder than the stock steel rod, and stainless rods (less prone to surface scratching by the slide and spring). It is also stronger than the stock steel rod and stainless steel. It is much lighter and you can feel that difference when holding the gun. The recoil seemed to feel more snappy, but still was not too bad. My measured recoil angles were only slightly higher (by one degree), but I did have some variation so I want to test again and shoot a lot more to get a better average from more data points.

[MW surveyor]

Just looking at material cost, I think it was about 50x the price of stainless steel, so there is not much profit in the tungsten rods, but I thought it would be cool. It is what I have in my CW9 right now (shoots softer and I like that). ;)

So you'd have to price the tungsten rod at (50 x 30) = $1,500 :eek: j/k

[eklipto101]

Just wandering, but does Kahr stoped selling those?? I believe they were tungsten or maybe solid stainless, I can't find the box that it came in but I bought one and it does make a bit of a diffrence and doesn't pinned like the one hollow one that come with the CW9...I liked it

[eklipto101]

Oh yeah by the way....Owesome work Lorenzo

[SIGcurious]

Hey wait a minute, the tungsten rod would cost much higher (like maybe triple)...

I'm cool with that.

[AC7880]

Can you weigh your guid rods on a scale? Stock vs your 3? It would be cool to see actual weights of each.

[LorenzoB]

So you'd have to price the tungsten rod at (50 x 30) = $1,500 :eek: j/k

No, I said "maybe triple". The labor, packaging, etc. is the same. Material is only a percentage of the cost. If I sell the tungsten rods, I would try to keep the price under $100, otherwise no one would buy them and I would be stuck with a lot of expensive paperweights.

[LorenzoB]

Can you weigh your guid rods on a scale? Stock vs your 3? It would be cool to see actual weights of each.

The stainless steel one is the same weight as the stock one. I'm talking the solid stock one (not older ones or the K9 ones with the hole). The tungsten rod is 2x the weight. And the aluminum is only 1/3 the weight (2/3 lighter).

[LorenzoB]

Just wandering, but does Kahr stoped selling those?? I believe they were tungsten or maybe solid stainless, I can't find the box that it came in but I bought one and it does make a bit of a diffrence and doesn't pinned like the one hollow one that come with the CW9...I liked it

Kahr never made aftermarket tungsten rods, only stainless. Also, the current CW9 rod is not hollow, it is solid rolled steel (cheaper to mass produce and not precision). I thought the hollow rods only came with the K9 and T9? Maybe early P9 or CW 9's had them too (I don't know).

Also, thanks for the nice comment.

[Short Bus]

Hey wait a minute, the tungsten rod would cost much higher (like maybe triple). I was saying the price for the aluminum and stainless. Sorry if I misled some of you.
That put's me out for the tungsten, but I might go the other way and get aluminum.

[muggsy]

Muggsy, I wish it was that easy. Design, programming, and setup is somewhat of an art to have proper tolerances and part finish. You are referring to the operator (button masher) of a high production run. Sometimes we also call them burger flippers. But, yes, the machine turns out nice work, if the machinist does his job properly. Thanks!

I was a "Burger Flipper", Lorenzo, for an outfit that made precision punches and die sets for the stamping industry. I used to do customer special orders and short runs on a manual lathe, too. Spent a few hours on a Bridgeport, as well. It's amazing what you can do with the right equipment.

[MW surveyor]

No, I said "maybe triple". The labor, packaging, etc. is the same. Material is only a percentage of the cost. If I sell the tungsten rods, I would try to keep the price under $100, otherwise no one would buy them and I would be stuck with a lot of expensive paperweights.

Yeah, I was just joking. :D

[LorenzoB]

That put's me out for the tungsten, but I might go the other way and get aluminum.

The aluminum is really nice. Lightweight for carry. Maybe I'll figure out some deal for two (one stainless and one aluminum). I'll think about that.

[LorenzoB]

Yeah, I was just joking. :D

Sorry, I was in work mode today!

[LorenzoB]

I was a "Burger Flipper", Lorenzo, for an outfit that made precision punches and die sets for the stamping industry. I used to do customer special orders and short runs on a manual lathe, too. Spent a few hours on a Bridgeport, as well. It's amazing what you can do with the right equipment.

Muggsy, if you spent time on some manual machines, you were much more than a burger flipper. That is cool.

[LorenzoB]

After about 100 rounds each (probably a little more on the tungsten and aluminum), the tungsten and aluminum are showing hardly any wear. The stainless has a little wear because it is a softer material. And the stock steel one from Kahr shows a lot of wear.

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[addictedhealer]

What a great write up. Thanks.

[Frayed Knot]

Very nice. You've piqued my interset in the aluminum. I suppose I didn't realize it could be more durable than the stainless steel.

Thanks for putting the time into this and sharing.

[LorenzoB]

Very nice. You've piqued my interset in the aluminum. I suppose I didn't realize it could be more durable than the stainless steel.

Thanks for putting the time into this and sharing.

I chose a high strength aluminum that has approximately the same hardness as the stainless, but about twice the yield strength, that could be what accounts for the better wear. Now keep in mind that these are macro photos and that they all will last tens of thousands of rounds... it is just that some will look better than others after a while.

[muggsy]

When I started out manual machines were all we had. Tape was just coming into vogue. The machines back then weren't very smart, but the operators were. CNC took out a lot of the labor out of the job, but you still had to be able to think. You're doing nice work. Must be a good head on your shoulders.

[yqtszhj]

Lorenzo, sounds like you just got another full time job.

[LorenzoB]

Lorenzo, sounds like you just got another full time job.

Could be fun to sell some stuff, but it is a long way from supporting a family (my other business does that, Lord willing). I am a mechanical engineer and I design and manufacture specialty tools for companies that make and install granite countertops. We sell our tools around the world, but mainly in the U.S. Sometimes we even see our tools being used on DIY Network or HGTV which is pretty cool. We have been in business for 10 years and have 5 patents for stone tools and one more pending. We also manufacture some things for other companies. We recently have been getting a lot of aerospace work including some parts used on Delta Airlines planes. Building a business from the ground up is VERY hard work, but also rewarding. It would be more rewarding to combine something to do with guns with my other skills and provide some income at the same time.

You all have been very encouraging with your comments and I appreciate that. Thank you! :D

[LorenzoB]

When I started out manual machines were all we had. Tape was just coming into vogue. The machines back then weren't very smart, but the operators were. CNC took out a lot of the labor out of the job, but you still had to be able to think. You're doing nice work. Must be a good head on your shoulders.

Thanks Muggsy, you're too nice. ;)
My first job had paper tape machines that were all converted to magnetic tape, then converted again to floppy disc! It was a small to medium sized company that had been around since before WWII. They had giant lathes that during the war were used to make artillery. It was a privilege just to touch them. Strong manufacturing in thousands of small business is the life blood of a nation and this country and politicians are forgetting this. People are too quick to buy overseas goods to save such small amounts of money. If something big and bad happens in the future, we can't go ask China to build ships, planes, and guns for us, and then borrow the money from them to buy those things! But this is another discussion that would probably be better in its own thread. Sorry I got side-tracked.

[Booker T]

What a brilliant idea. Great work

[newCW45guy]

Put me down for one for my CW45. Tungsten if you make some, stainless steel otherwise. Great work!

Me too.. If I can add even a fraction of an ounce to the muzzle on this beast it will pay for itself.

[jocko]

TO much talent on this forum

Nice work Lorenzo.

[gulfwarvet]

where can we get them?

[07Dually]

Very nice work.
I am interested in a stainless rod for a CW45. I can take measurements if needed.
Thanks, Charlie

[Bobby]

Hmmm a T rod would be great but $100 no thanks. Aluminum would be great too. Under $30 cool. Let me know T would be best though!

Bobby


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[gulfwarvet]

whats the latest on purchasing one of these?

[rnbtexas]

^ agreed Tung for P380.

[grizz1911]

Interested in the aluminum rod. Any idea if you'll be selling these.

[LorenzoB]

Sorry guys and gals, I've just been so busy with my normal work that I didn't even notice these latest posts. I also had another baby girl since then! Between family and work, it is difficult to find time for the side stuff. I hope to start selling these this year and I will post something big when I do! And maybe even send out some PM's. Thank you all!

[jocko]

FACT; U did not have the baby girl, u did a small part, ur wife did all the real work. Just sayin, Hope u didn't name it \sumpin like Muggs, or JFootin or god forbid Tinman.

Actually ol "Jockolea" sounds pretty neat. Just sayin

[Bawanna]

Sorry guys and gals, I've just been so busy with my normal work that I didn't even notice these latest posts. I also had another baby girl since then! Between family and work, it is difficult to find time for the side stuff. I hope to start selling these this year and I will post something big when I do! And maybe even send out some PM's. Thank you all!

Congrats on the new baby. Savor every moment, they don't stay babies very long.

[LorenzoB]

Well actually, she is 9 months old already! Time flies! We are in Bodega Bay now celebrating my other daughters 3rd birthday. And you're right Jocko, I played only a small part in the whole ordeal. My wife is the real hero and I know it!

[jerdebson]

Congrats, and we will be waiting to hear more about your guide rods, if you ever do get the time.

It only gets worse from here kids are full time for life. Then come the grand kids they are great too.

[Lentevan]

congrats on the new youngin. mine will be 3 in July, feels like yesterday but you already know that. if you ever start making these to sell I'd be quite interested, very high quality. I'm sure you already know but a heads up anyway, "don't spare the rod", never hurt us a bit.

[Planedude]

My "baby-boy" is 25 now, with a 2yr old Son of his own and his Wife has a second bun in the oven...

So, Congrats, but...

Hang on tight Daddy, it's a heck of a ride.

Will watch with interest on rod development.

[mbogo]

I would be interested in one for my CW45.

mbogo

[Bawanna]

My "baby-boy" is 25 now, with a 2yr old Son of his own and his Wife has a second bun in the oven...

So, Congrats, but...

Hang on tight Daddy, it's a heck of a ride.

Will watch with interest on rod development.

Spoken like a dad who has been there.

I have 3, 19 to 26, daughter in the middle married last summer, other two still living at home. I sometimes wonder what it's like to be an empty nester but it never last for long, kind of nice to have a couple other guys to absorb some of the nagging.

[SGT5711]

I would be interested in stainless or aluminum for my K9 and P380. Nice work. Thanks.

[LorenzoB]

Thanks all for the fatherly encouragement! It is kind of odd being a 40 year old new dad, but I figure it will keep me younger longer.

Not critical, but it is helpful to know which Kahr you have if you are interested in a guide rod. Thanks!

[Planedude]

"...Not critical, but it is helpful to know which Kahr you have if you are interested in a guide rod. Thanks "


Oh? That matters?:rolleyes:

For me a K9, a CW40 and my P380. Always interested in whatever your doing, so post when you can Dad.

[Robert777]

I would like either a stainless or tungsten for a CM9

[JohnTz]

Tungsten for a p380 would be awesome.

[Lentevan]

I'm not too picky, cw9.

[Buzzard45]

plus one for a stainless for my cw45. I`ll be taking it apart this afternoon to look at a possible chambering issue. i`ll get some measurements for you then.

[Buzzard45]

took the gun apart and found no issues (whew). just in case you still need them, here`s the numbers for my cw45;
overall length: 2.879 in.
shaft dia.: .299
"head" dia.: .388
thickness: .059

[mbogo]

Any progress on getting these to market?

thanks,
mbogo
(CW45)

[LorenzoB]

Nothing yet. Work has been extra busy the last couple of months. My customer service guy is out with a back injury, so I've been doing his job and not much of mine. Anyway, that definitely does not leave time for the fun stuff. :(

[LorenzoB]

Also, thanks for the numbers and letting me know what guns you have!

[crackeyes]

would love an aluminum one for a CW40, when you get around to selling these that is

[LorenzoB]

Noted crackeyes. Thanks for your interest!

I still plan to do all these guide rods (and magazine baseplates), but I am just a bit time challenged now. We are hiring a full time customer service rep now to take some load off me so I can spend more time engineering (and these side projects too).

[copterdrvr]

Tungsten for my CW40, aluminum for my CW9 and P380.

Would be awesome!!!

[01svtL]

Just bought the P9 with the enhanced trigger today! Hoping to have it next week. I'll take one when you're ready for orders, not sure which yet though. It would be cool to have total weights on the gun with each of the rods to see the difference compared to stock.

Also, where can I see these magazine bases that you speak of? I never have understood why Kahr could never make a flush magazine in such an otherwise beautiful gun.

[LorenzoB]

Thanks guys!! I'll get this project done eventually. As most of you know, I've been busy with other things still. But knowing that people still want these helps me strive to get this done.

The tungsten is pretty cool in my CW9. It does soften the snap, but it may have to sell for $100 each if I make more to sell. The material is a big part of the cost. The aluminum is great too. It is very light weight and stronger than the steel rod. It does make the gun feel lighter.

I still plan on doing baseplates too, but I have some different design ideas since then. Here is a thread where they are discussed...
http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?p=183441#post183441

[01svtL]

Thanks guys!! I'll get this project done eventually. As most of you know, I've been busy with other things still. But knowing that people still want these helps me strive to get this done.

The tungsten is pretty cool in my CW9. It does soften the snap, but it may have to sell for $100 each if I make more to sell. The material is a big part of the cost. The aluminum is great too. It is very light weight and stronger than the steel rod. It does make the gun feel lighter.

I still plan on doing baseplates too, but I have some different design ideas since then. Here is a thread where they are discussed...
http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?p=183441#post183441

Awesome, just let us know when you're ready to take orders! Btw, want to sell any of the baseplates you've made so far? I think that gap as it comes from Kahr looks ridiculous. PM me if so!