Northridge Gas Spring Issue?

[Alpha Knife Supply]

We've had gas springs on two 2x72 grinders for more than 6 years. Neither spring has worn out. Both springs are original.

The grinders are used by employees (not babied).

Chuck

 

[Navin_R_Johnson]

Why is the gas spring better then a normal spring?

They have constant force through the entire stroke, easy to mount with ball ends, inexpensive and reliable.
Some of the more expensive gas springs also have a fill port so you can change the pressure (spring weight) and can be rebuilt.

I see a lot of coil, gas, and air springs in my industry working on machinery. Coil springs are the most problematic and need more frequent replacement. I think Ed C. may have got a few bad springs, or maybe cheap springs, that left a bad taste in his mouth. Some of the machines in my shop now are over 20 years old and the gas springs are in good order. Cover the shaft on machines that make a lot of abrasive dust.