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Dave Fiscus New user 94 Posts |
I am finishing a replica of an Okito jumbo card frame and having trouble making the needed 10" long compression springs. These springs must fit over 3/16 dia rods and compress into a 4" "solid" length. I have wound several on my metal lathe using .024 steel music wire and winding about 55 coils. Some I have annealed in the oven at 500 degrees for one hour (recommended in some spring-making articles) and others I just used fresh from the lathe. Regardless, these springs all adopt a permanent set that shortens them to about 9.5 inches after being compressed repeatedly. I tried making them 11 inches long and even 12 inches but after being compressed for any length of time they still shorten down. Commercial springs don't do this but I can't find off the shelf compression springs this size, and having them made is likely pretty expensive. Any of you make springs? Any ideas for me?
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hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
I make them. Are you using Stainless or regular music wire? I make a similar spring for my automatic blooming bouquets. I might be able to make something up for you.
I have never had any lucky winding on a lathe. I use a hand winder. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
RiserMagic Veteran user 361 Posts |
Compression springs are usually bought (from spring manufacturers) in something like 36" lengths. These are then cut to the required length.
Jim |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
I know McMasters and Carr stocks a lot of springs. In this size they are usually 12" in length.
I went through several sizes and guages building the backpack illusion and ended up winding my own. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
Dave Fiscus New user 94 Posts |
I didn't realize compression springs are ever sold in 12"-36" lengths then cut to size, it makes perfect sense. I've been checking for off the shelf 10" long springs but haven't received any quotes from the companies I emailed. I will try McMaster and Carr as you suggest, Richard.
I use steel music wire and have avoided stainless steel because the literature said to acid soak the finished spring. I don't like to keep acids here at home. I have tried hand winding my springs but still prefer chucking the long, thin spring mandrel in my metal lathe using the tailstock. I turn the carriage by hand, though. Jim and Richard, thanks for your advice. |
Dave Fiscus New user 94 Posts |
I just went to the McMasters and Carr site and they had a great selection of springs I can cut to length. As an added bonus their web site was easy to navigate and understand. I ordered a package of 5 springs that are 36" long with a .023 wire size for only $12.53, an excellent price. Thanks for your help!
Dave |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Glad to help.
You do not have to use acid on Stainless steel. When I make Torsion springs and preload them, it just makes a difference when they are heat treated as they open up a bit more when heated. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
hugmagic Inner circle 7655 Posts |
Glad to help.
You do not have to use acid on Stainless steel. When I make Torsion springs and preload them, it just makes a difference when they are heat treated as they open up a bit more when heated. Richard
Richard E. Hughes, Hughes Magic Inc., 352 N. Prospect St., Ravenna, OH 44266 (330)296-4023
www.hughesmagic.com email-hugmagic@raex.com Write direct as I will be turning off my PM's. |
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