Re: Re: Engraving and engine turning

Hi Bertho,

Bertho Boman wrote:

> Why not use regular tension coil springs to support the weight of the quill? Attach them directly to the quill, not through any
> pinion or gears. If you make them long enough, the spring force will not significantly change versus quill position.
>

I could do this but to use a long spring, it would have to be anchored
quite a way up in the air whereas weights can be pretty much within the
boundaries of the actual machine. The machine I am making is quite
small, being intended mainly for watchmaking work and I am intending to
use it in my indoor workshop where space is a little linited and so the
more compact it is the better. In actual fact, I could probably design
it to dispense with the need for a counterbalance on the quill by
mounting the motor remotely and driving through a flexible shaft but my
design hasn't progressed this far yet - I make it up as I go along!
While I laid for two hours yesterday in the dentist's chair, I was
actually contemplating the possibility of an air turbine for some of the
small engraving-type jobs! I must try to research their technology.

> Three are also gas springs available that would serve the same function. I am just now starting to look into the gas springs to
> learn more about them.

I would be wary of gas springs and you must *never* try to dismantle
one. They can be lethal when they come apart unexpectedly.


Best wishes

Ian

--

Ian W. Wright LBHI
Sheffield Branch Chairman of the British Horological Institute.
Bandmaster and Euphonium player of the Hathersage Brass Band. UK.
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