In need of M-head "clock spring".

[WallyM3]

In a recent fit of clumsiness or forgetfulness, I horsed a "clock spring" off its catch with too little skill and too much haste. This claw lookin' thing is supposed to be a slot that catches a hook in the OD of the spring housing. In intelligible terms, it's essentially the quill return spring.



If any one has one of these critters or knows how I can obtain one, I would be very grateful to know about it.

Many thanks.

Wally. anic:

 

[JimDawson]

I couldn't find an exact replacement but this looks pretty close. http://timesavers.com/i-8945370-7-16-x-0155-x-55-1-2-hole-end-mainspring.html

You could also just shorten it a bit and use a Dremal with a carbide burr to cut a new hole.

 

[WallyM3]

We may have a winner here, Jim.

Two of the published dimensions in the link you provided match: 7/16" and 0.015+" thickness. I'll tape the wind and see how close we get.

Many thanks. Interesting source.

 

[RandyM]

Here is another option for you. It comes as an assembly but, very reasonably priced.

Clock Spring

 

[WallyM3]

Thank you, Randy. Unfortunately, that's the J-head spring. In the past, these folks have been very reliable to deal with. I think I used them for 2 J-head springs (among other assorted B'port parts) in past recondition jobs.

IIRC, many parts worked on a 3hp, 48" SuperMax I once had.

 

[RandyM]

Thank you, Randy. Unfortunately, that's the J-head spring. In the past, these folks have been very reliable to deal with. I think I used them for 2 J-head springs (among other assorted B'port parts) in past recondition jobs.

IIRC, many parts worked on a 3hp, 48" SuperMax I once had.

Well, it was worth a shot, I didn't realize the spring is different between the M and J. Thanks for the lesson.

 

[WallyM3]

Yea, there's virtually... no, literally... no interchangeability between the Master Milling Attachment (M-head) and the J-series attachments. The J-head spring has some serious power behind it compared with the little 7/16" wide M-head.

It would be my guess that the modular J-head spring assembly was at least partly inspired by problems encountered in the M-head at repair time. This is the 4th spring I've "modified" in my M-head related efforts.

I should probably do a little show-and-tell on this particular head as it has factory sealed bearings, something which one hears B'ports never had.

Don't think that I don't appreciate both your search and the link. You reveal a great source.

 

[RandyM]

I should probably do a little show-and-tell on this particular head as it has factory sealed bearings, something which one hears B'ports never had.

This is a GREAT idea Wally. I know I would appreciate your time and effort in this endeavour. I am sure others would enjoy the learning experience as well.

Are you certain that it is a factory sealed bearing unit? If so, how can you tell?

 

[WallyM3]

I can tell by the drive assembly components.

The 99.99% of B'ports encountered employ "total loss" lube sustems. This requires drain ports in the upper bearing housing to allow oil/grease to make it through the column and lube the bearings. This head has no holes on the housing.

Reason being is that it's a 12,000 rpm unit configured to work on wood (as an optional material), wherein an oil-free environment would be quite necessary.

There are other interesting features in this head, 'frinstance, it employs a flat drive belt rather than a "V" belt.

Probably worth some pictures any way. Possibly next week. Got a customer coming by shortly and the balance of the week is spoken for, too.

 

[RandyM]

Probably worth some pictures any way. Possibly next week. Got a customer coming by shortly and the balance of the week is spoken for, too.

:thankyou: for ALL the very good info. OOOHhh yeah, we need the photos. And then, you are going to make us wait for them? :nono:

Good stuff, keep it coming. Thanks again Wally.