GRS Dual Angle Fixture spring mounts

[Ron Spokovich]

A tip to make life easier with the GRS Dual Angle fixture. To ease the pain of crashing the graver into the disc, I found some off-the-shelf hardware at our local, well stocked Ace Hardware store. I spring mounted my fixture onto the 3/8" post, put a nylon washer on top and bottom, and this provided clearance after release from grinding. Two different springs are used, depending upon how you turn your fixture or rather tilt the head. Washers are nylon, 5/8" O.D., .380" O.D., & 1/8" T.. The long spring is 2 11/16" L., .550" I.D., with .040" wire, and 14 coils. The short spring is 7/8" L., .430" I.D., with .035" wire, and 4 coils. Ensure that both springs have a wrap or two on each end, and are square. I would've preferred wire of .047", but no luck. Also, get some motor mica (white graphite) that the ammo reloaders use, and some Q-tips. The spring you'll use depends. . .face and heels, use the long one. For side grinds, use the short one. You may, or may not, need to stack washers on the bottom, but always put a washer on the top to promote smooth turning. As aluminum can be "sticky", and this is what the fixture is made from, take a Q-tip, load it with mica, and dust it into the bore of the fixture working it as you turn and slide the head up and down several times. You will need to reapply from time to time. All you do now is drop a washer onto your post, drop on a spring, drop on another washer plus dust it as well, drop your head on and grind away. . .no more tool crashes.

 

[Willem Parel]

Sound very good but a picture tells more than a thousand words...

 

[monk]

ron sent me the springs & washers. they do (at least for me) make using the dual angler a bit easier to use. shown is the dual angler +the spring and 1 washer on top. i dropped the other washer .

 

[Michaelangelo]

Very clever… I am of to do the same.. you are a genius

 

[RDP]

Great idea Ron, it hasn't happened to me yet, but had a few close calls, thanks for sharing,

Richard.

 

[monk]

one thing i forgot to mention-- this spring allows one to get a better feel for the amount of pressure you are applying onto the disk. this is because the spring causes a bit of back pressure to the tool holder.

 

[sam]

Interesting. I've never crashed a graver into the disc but the spring tension sounds like something I'd like to try.

 

[mitch]

i tried this idea some years ago, but couldn't find a suitable spring length & weight to be useful over the necessary range of travel. one short enough to allow for a 10-15˚ heel without pushing down too hard was too loose and/or weak to do any good up at 55-60˚ face angles. i finally just got in the habit of resting the tip of my finger on the post and/or holding the fixture from the top with the post in my palm.

if i were to revisit this concept, i'd probably go with a short spring that assists with heels and not worry about the higher face angles. that might be useful for the finer, more critical heels...

 

[scott99]

Hi, I made a very similar spring thing for my duel angle fixture. But I only use it when it is not in use. It keeps the fixture clear of banging on its base. I will have to try it when sharpening, that would give it a duel purpose.

scott99

 

[Brian Marshall]

I too tried it about 25 years ago... too much bother - kept losing the springs when I would change 'em.

My hand is faster and more accurate anyway.

Same with taping down transfers. Good idea... but don't have the time to fool with it...

(unless, of course - it's a huge transfer)


Brian

 

[Chujybear]

make your own spring..
5 mins, perfect size and tension

 

[monk]

sam i have an xtra spring. i'll send it to you. send your snail mail address to me.