Looking for constant force springs

LizardKing

LizardKing

Joined
May 7, 2001
Messages
1,138
i need some rather thin constant force springs. I'd like them to be about 1/8 wide, and strong(.5lbs or more), they only need to extend about 5in, diameter less than 1in; anyone know of a source?

Or should i just buy one thats too wide and find some way to cut it? (how the heck would i cut it?)


thanks

Brian
 
Brian, I would like to give my 2 cents but I dont know what you are talking about. I have made my own springs when I couldnt locate the ready made ones. 5160 is easy to grind and heat-treat to a spring.
 
constant1l.gif


as they are extended they have more or less the same force (since the force is derived from uncoiling the coil) unlike other springs that typically ramp up their force to F= -KD (where f, force;K,spring constant;D, distance)

When you look at the pic, think of ways to cut these guys.

Thanks

Brian
 
I think he's asking how to make (i.e. cut)them from that kind of sheet... I'm guessing you would use metal shears? Heck, I know you can split it if you bend it back and forth for a while.
 
Wait, you can take 5160, cut it and then heat treat it to make it a spring? What time and temps do you use and how do you test... by feel? Does it warp (does it matter if it does?)?

Man, you guys with the forges can make some swell stuff.
 
Brian
They don't look sharp and pointy enough
for my bench:)
What are you using them for mite I ask?:confused:
 
shhhhhhh its a secret!

i will give you one hint, they dont need to be sharp and pointy because they are going on the inside of the knife.....


thanks guys, sounds like most of you are too hard core to actually buy springs when it is possible to make them.

They are rather simple, i guess i could justify making special ones.

Brian
 
I watched the video "The Gunsmith of Williamsburg" He made a spring out of spring steel and quenched it in oil and tempered it in melted lead. I tried it for a leaf spring on my pistol/knife and it worked like a charm. Its the hammer spring but was too stiff so I just kept grinding it thinner and thinner until I could cock the hammer with my thumb instead of both hands. Aint that cool?

You are not making a.....shhh switchblade are you?
 
He couldn't be making one of those,,
we can't have them you know:D :D
Those Oregon guys are pertty lucky you know;)
Mums the word..I won't tell if you're making
a switch blade..in that state next to me...:D
 
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