Spring Time

[Jon Page]

I finally received some phosphor-bronze spring wire: .022, .028, .032.

I made a few springs by hand with a hinge pin mounted in a vise to form
the coil but am interested in what is a suitable spring making tool. Possibly
the one listed in the Schaff catalogue or someone's fabrication. Ideas? Pix??

The springs I made are for a back action underlever assist.
I made 16 of .032 for the lowest ones and 8 of .022 for the highest.

The supplied springs (.026) always seemed a little strained on the lower
end so I made springs with a heavier gage. I like to set the tension lighter
at the high end of the spring section so as not to have a large weight change
at the transition to non-assisted underlevers and the lighter gage allows
for a firmer/positive positioning in the slot while offering less force.

Also, I'll be making different wippen assist springs. The arm which attaches
to the loop is too short and strained at rest. I've done some experimentation
and found that a longer arm has a more fluid feel to it's affect and there is
less of a tension change from rest to full key stroke. And according to
Ron O, they need an extra coil.  I have a S&S M in the shop which I'll be
needing a spring making tool to do just this.
-- 

Regards,

Jon Page