Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > January 2010 > 2010.01.16 > 03Prev  Next


Barrel Spring Length Formula
By Ralph Schultz

Hello,  This is in answer to Alan Rigg's question on main spring
length.  I have replaced many main springs over the years in music
boxes and I still don't like it.

You cannot always trust the length of what was in there due to others
cutting it short because of the eye tearing out of the end of the
spring or it broke and someone just cut a new eye hole in it.  However,
to find the correct length, here is the formula and it's accurate.

  Spring length for barrel

I.D. of spring barrel squared X .7854
O.D. of the arbor or center clutch X .7854
Then subtract those answers: O.D. from the I.D.
Divide by 2
Divide by thickness of spring material
Length is in inches
Divide by 12 for footage.

Example:

  5.0" I.D. spring barrel
  1.0" O.D. arbor
5 x 5 x .7854   =  19.635  square inches
1 x 1 x .7854   =    .7854
Subtract        =  18.8496
Divide by 2     =   9.4248
Divide by .035" = 269.28 inches (Material thickness is .035")
Divide by 12    =  22.44 feet
Now have fun installing it.

Works every time.

Have a great day,
Ralph Schultz


(Message sent Sat 16 Jan 2010, 14:09:44 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Barrel, Formula, Length, Spring

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page