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Making a Spring
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 2:25 am
by littlebro05
Hey guys,
I have a question, I need a specific spring size but I either find it too big or too small. I'm trying to make a spring power airsoft gun if anyone is curious.
Could I make my own spring with fence wire similar to the picture below?
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 7:09 am
by Demon
I dont really know about springs, but if you want a good one, you better use special materials designed for that.
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 7:42 am
by Strake
id say you would be able to just make sure its fairly strong like i used to make them for various things back in yr 10 tech classes, and around home but since this would be under a fair amount of stress you could try hardening the wire, (not sure if that would work but its worth a shot) this will give it more strength and help it keep its shape better.
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 8:08 am
by VH_man
What you have to do is coil the wire into the shape you want, and with a bucket of ice cold water ready, heat your spring untill it is glowing red hot with some sort of blowtorch, and then quickly submerge it in the water.
This process is called Hardening, and it makes the steel "brittle" per say, and gives it the springy nature.
It actually works quite well. Not as good as actual springs, but pretty well.
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:46 am
by POLAND_SPUD
IIRC someone here has posted a link to a very detailed how-to on making springs... use search function and find it
BTW the process of making springs is so complicated that in fact it might be a better idea to buy springs instead
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 10:50 am
by Pilgrimman
I second POLAND_SPUD. I remember reading the tutorial he mentioned, and it said that spring making is very dangerous. Just keep looking for that magic spring, or have a PROFESSIONAL make it for you. I can't wait to see your project finished, though
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:12 am
by grumpy
what i learned about spring making i learned from here.
http://home.earthlink.net/~bazillion/intro.html
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:35 am
by SEAKING9006
I'd just search McMaster. It seems to have the absolute LARGEST selection of springs. Found one that's DAMN near perfect for a golf ball autocannon.
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 2:24 pm
by littlebro05
THanks for all the replies guys XD
I'm actually in the process of modding and upgrading a nerf airsoft gun. I use craft beads and I got to say it was very powerful, shot an aluminium tin cookie container and left a very deep dint.
I finally figured out how an airsoft springer works so I'm going to be working on that over the holidays. thanks for all the support
7wks till summer hols XD