bandsaw spring

[sunnybob]

My axminster 350 bandsaw has a compression spring on the blade tensioning mechanism. The problem is it compresses completely well before the blade gets any tension at all. So logically it must be worn out even though it has been like this from new.
Does anyone know of a spring supplier?
No point asking axminster, they will quote 6 months from china for a replacement and it will be just the same.
Any other 350 owners have the same problem?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Sounds as if you need a slightly shorter blade.

 

[sunnybob]

I dont see that. There is more than enough travel in the mechanism. When the spring fully compresses (I really mean FULLY, the coils are squashed tight to each other) I still have to turn the handle two or even three rotations to get the blade taut. even when the blade is taut, there is still more travel available.

 

[lurker]

Washers?
Spacers?

 

[sunnybob]

you dont understand. the spring is supposed to partially compress, to take out shocks to the blade. Because its fully compressed there is no give in the system and I do seem to break more blades than other people.

 

[AES]

Order a replacement spring now, and while you're waiting, remove the existing spring, anchor one end in the vice (or other suitable fixture) bend up a hefty wire hook, enter in the free end of the spring (so it runs across both sides of the 1st coil) then pull (extend) the spring until you feel it give a bit.

Reassemble and see how much it's grown/if it's now doing the job properly (you may need several goes to get it approx right).

When the new spring comes measure the free length before installing, remove your old (the bent) spring and keep it as a spare, if necessary extending it again to get the correct free length. (If the current one has gone flabby, likely so will the replacement after a while). You'll probably need 3 Weetabix that morning 'cos I guess that spring will be fairly meaty!

 

[Myfordman]

I just can't understand how you can not find spring suppliers. Every heard of Google? A quick search brings up loads of stockists of a huge variety spring available from stock.
Leespring
Ashfield
Springmasters aka herbert terry
Lancashire
Springstore
Springs direct

Have you even looked or is it just easiest to post here?

 

[AES]

He's in Cyprus Myford man. From what I've seen from his previous posts, importing stuff into there is far from easy (and often expensive) so he tries to limit his on-line buys from overseas.

 

[sunnybob]

As Andy says, I HAVE heard of google, I use it a lot and I sometimes find it useful. Try to find a spring supplier in Cyprus for me.
If I email a spring supplier in England and say "I want a spring for my bandsaw, but I want it stronger", what do you think My chances are?
Slim? or none whatsoever?

 

[Myfordman]

As Andy says, I HAVE heard of google, I use it a lot and I sometimes find it useful. Try to find a spring supplier in Cyprus for me.
If I email a spring supplier in England and say "I want a spring for my bandsaw, but I want it stronger", what do you think My chances are?
Slim? or none whatsoever?

I would say extremely slim/none. However if you looked at the online catalogues that most spring suppliers have you can look for one with the right diameter and type (compression, tension etc) and calculate the spring rate you need compared to the one you have. Alternatively choose one with thicker wire and everything else the same. Some sites possibly have online calculators to help.
You often post with an authoritative air on a number of technical topics and I believe you need to apply some basic principles to this problem too.

Yes, you have an extra layer of difficulty due to your location but there has to be ways round that using UK contacts, even people here in this forum would possibly help you. I believe you visit UK from time to time even?

When I worked in industry there were a number of buzz phrases that I hated including having a "can-do" attitude. I think this does apply in this case.

 

[TheTiddles]

Sounds like you have a scragging problem.

If you have a supply problem and can't afford to wait for lead-times my solution for such instances is to use bellville washers which will enable you to manufacture a bespoke spring in-situ to whatever spring rate you so desire. Just beware that you could make a spring far more potent than a factory-fit and break the next weakest component in the chain.

A

 

[sunnybob]

Yes, you have an extra layer of difficulty due to your location but there has to be ways round that using UK contacts, even people here in this forum would possibly help you.

That was the point of this thread.

When I worked in industry there were a number of buzz phrases that I hated including having a "can-do" attitude. I think this does apply in this case.

That was the point of this thread, asking if anyone could help me/ point me towards the correct supplier to solve my "opportunity to solve" (another buzz word for "problem").
Unfortunately I have no experience of specifying springs. Yes I can measure the diameter, no I cannot work out how much force (correct word?) the spring needs to work properly, nor have any idea of the correct distance between coils. The only spring I have is a faulty one.

Axminster will quote for a replacement, but I know from experience they would not keep one in stock and it would be ordered from china. Not much help.

 

[Bod]

I've had a similar problem with a bandsaw tension spring.
It had to be coil bound before tension was achieved.
On mine it was the cast alloy frame bending! The spring was stronger than the frame.
Went through all the normal routines, Snodgrass video, Tuff saw blades.
Could not get a sensible cut from it.
Found a cast iron frame machine, using the same set up techniques, and the same blades, whole world of difference.
Bob, measure the frame height from base to top , with no tension, and again with as much tension as the spring will do before becoming coil bound.
Any difference will be illuminating.

Bod

Changed from Record to Fox. (New Record, 2nd hand Fox from a car boot sale)