Recondition a spring?

[Boulter]

Hi:

This spring doesn't happen to be on a tractor, so I am off topic, but I figure folks here will know how to proceed. I beg your indulgance.

Somehow a 10 cent part leaving on a boat out of China is going to cost me $25 plus taxes for a new one. This is clearly unacceptable.

I have a torsion spring that pulls the guard over the cutter head on my jointer. It has yielded a bit at both ends. Could one heat it with a torch to take out the temper, bend it back into shape, and harden it again? If this is reasonably possible, specifically how would one proceed?

Or is it likely that a spring could be found off the shelf? I don't think springs exist as standardized items like screws, but maybe I am wrong.

I probably would have choked down $10, but $25 cripes.

I guess I could also convert the system to use a tension spring as is done on my Rockwell 4 inch jointer by drilling and tapping a few holes.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Boulter

 

[FlaDon]

Hi:

This spring doesn't happen to be on a tractor, so I am off topic, but I figure folks here will know how to proceed. I beg your indulgance.

Somehow a 10 cent part leaving on a boat out of China is going to cost me $25 plus taxes for a new one. This is clearly unacceptable.

I have a torsion spring that pulls the guard over the cutter head on my jointer. It has yielded a bit at both ends. Could one heat it with a torch to take out the temper, bend it back into shape, and harden it again? If this is reasonably possible, specifically how would one proceed?

Or is it likely that a spring could be found off the shelf? I don't think springs exist as standardized items like screws, but maybe I am wrong.

I probably would have choked down $10, but $25 cripes.

I guess I could also convert the system to use a tension spring as is done on my Rockwell 4 inch jointer by drilling and tapping a few holes.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Boulter

Springs can be found at many good hardware stores. Also the company, McMaster-Carr handles online sales.

 

[Scooby074]

Unless its something really strange, universal type springs are available pretty much anywhere.

 

[PILOON]

Do U really mean torsion? or is it like mine, a coil with hooks at both ends that pulls the the guard over the cutter head.

Shucks, get a coil spring, drill a couple of holes and hook it up.
Or better still, drill and tap (say 10 x 32) fit a jam nut and tighten with , say 1/4" protrusion and hook the coil spring. Cheap and easy!

Good luck!

 

[mjncad]

I second FlaDon's suggestion of McMaster-Carr, and they list lots of helpful information about the products they sell.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[Danno1]

.

Also check the websites for Century Spring and SPEC Associated Spring. They are two of McM-Carr's venduhs.

.

 

[Egon]

The coil spring on my jointer broke. I just replaced it with a hardware replacement that fit.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Get a short bungee cord

 

[zman007007]

if you have a Northern tool close or order online you can buy a kit with assorted type springs in it for aroound 10 to $15

 

[Boulter]

Do U really mean torsion? or is it like mine, a coil with hooks at both ends that pulls the the guard over the cutter head.

Shucks, get a coil spring, drill a couple of holes and hook it up.
Or better still, drill and tap (say 10 x 32) fit a jam nut and tighten with , say 1/4" protrusion and hook the coil spring. Cheap and easy!

Good luck!

I believe torsion is the right word. It stores energy by twisting, not lengthening (tension spring) or shortening (compression spring).

What you describe is probably what I will do. In fact older models of my particular jointer were done this way, as is my smaller jointer.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

Boulter