Anvil 090: Mainspring Fabrication, 1812 Springfield
This video details the expert-level process of fabricating a replacement mainspring for an 1812 Springfield lock. The instructor, Mark Novak, demonstrates the intricate steps of shaping, welding, heat-treating, and tempering spring steel. Key techniques include forming the spring's geometry for optimal leverage, carefully controlling heat during bending and welding, and achieving the correct hardness and flexibility through precise quenching and tempering in a lead pot. The process emphasizes understanding the functional requirements of the spring within the lock mechanism.











