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Where to find springs ?
http://www-.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=43494		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Michiyuki Kubo [ Tue May 20, 2014 5:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Where to find springs ?
I have seen some guys building the bender and using those bungee cords for the car. Most use the springs. I am having trouble locating this type of spring here at the hardware stores. I have seen only a few but the tension seems very very high on them to where it wouldn't be suitable. It was in the plumbing section (I am no plumber so don't ask why those springs were there!) John had once told me about extension springs that he sells on his bender. Anyone know where to get these here in Europe or Internet link? I appreciate it in advance.
Author:  Anthony Z [ Tue May 20, 2014 5:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to find springs ?
Michiyuki, Blues Creek (John Hall) sells Foxbenders and may be willing to sell you the springs separately. I built my own foxbender years ago and I used screen door hinges that I purchased from Home Depot. They are pretty tight and need some ummph to connect them, but they work. Hardware stores local to you should have them.
Author:  Hesh [ Tue May 20, 2014 7:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to find springs ?
Yeah John Hall has them. I retrofitted my bender with a third caul and got my springs from John.
Author:  Michiyuki Kubo [ Thu May 22, 2014 3:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to find springs ?
Thanks fellas I might have found something locally, it comes in one long piece about a foot and half. How long are the springs usually ? I am going to have to cut sections out of it, and on my bender plans it doesn't specify much about the length or gauge spring. Only showing how much they are stretched to a sample mold.
Author:  bluescreek [ Thu May 22, 2014 5:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to find springs ?
it isn't the length and springs are hardened, you don't cut them easily. You need about a 10 lb pull. Do a search for extension springs 3/4 in .083 5 in and 6 in
Author:  Arnt Rian [ Thu May 22, 2014 6:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to find springs ?
...or go to a flea market or second hand store, and buy an old "chest expander" or whatever they called them (fitness equipment, a pair of handles with several long springs between them, you know?), and you'll have enough springs for several benders. I see them all the time at these places, at least over here, you get them for next to nothing. Yes, they are sort of hard to cut I guess, but nothing extraordinary, just cut whatever lengths you need, adjust as needed.
Author:  kencierp [ Thu May 22, 2014 8:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to find springs ?
All kinds of springs that will work here:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs ... rm=springs

Change the length by adding a few links of light weight chain -- we need to do that when bending J200's and Lowden "O"'s
Author:  Anthony Z [ Thu May 22, 2014 9:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to find springs ?
Michiyuki, if John Hall will sell you springs, it is probably your best bet (I would done same but I didn't know about Bluescreek then). It was a number of years ago that I sourced screen door hinges from Home Depot but I remember cutting them to length to get the desired tension (there were some sacrificial springs in the process to get the right length). I should be more careful in giving advice as the concept of screen door is a North American one (as is window screens to keep mosquitoes out), you may not even have those where you live.

Hey Arnt, we mortals aren't as strong as you Norwegians :-).
Author:  Michiyuki Kubo [ Fri May 23, 2014 9:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Where to find springs ?
Thanks for the advice everyone. We have these flea markets but it is pretty mixed. Every Saturday morning in the town square. Just got to get lucky I guess :)
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