Spring holding roller on C&P

I have a 8x12 C&P. I noticed that I can move the rollers away from the rail with little problem.

I thought the spring should hold the rollers firm again the rails.

Does mean I need to replace the springs?

Log in to reply   5 replies so far

How much resistance are you getting? It doesn’t need to apply a very large amount of tension to be effective. If you can move them with only a couple of fingers then you might want to inspect/replace the spring.

Brad.

If the tension on all the springs is similar I think it is probably OK. If one is significantly weaker that one probably has a problem. I saw a C&P once where one spring had broken and the two halves had “threaded” together, thus shortening the spring and causing this sort of problem.

Bob

Also, At what point in the cycle are you testing the resistance? In my experience steel springs that are long/extended can produce less resistance. So, if you’re pulling at a point where the rails have the rollers at their most extended outward point you might note less resistance?

I tested at the bottom of the chase. When the rollers go all the way down before starting to come up the rail.

I can move the holder that has the rollers with no problem, just a two fingers.

Simplest test of All ! ! Just with Fishermans type Spring Balance (for the ones that got away apparently)
Those spring balances almost always are equipped with steel *S* hooks.… Merely do a resistance/indicated weight/indicated pressure/indicated poundage on the Spring Balance usually rated in Pounds & Kilos ??

Individual Arms and springs (no rollers on) comparison tested against each other.

There must be on B.P. Many Good Buddies that will give an up to date read out of what to expect regarding perfect Poundage from tip top M/c with good springs.

Hypothetical example only follows:- with the spring balance observe indicated 10 Lb. (by weight) at exactly 1” compression on the individual springs from rest.
Logic says that if when indicated weight or spring compression are more than a small percentage different, new springs are in order.

Or as has been done frequently, here U.K. in the possibility that adequate replacements are unavailable, we source 2/4 or 6 short, slightly heavier gauge springs, but shaft size compatible, and temporarily, sometimes permanently make compound springs on each arm/hook spaced with stainless steel washer(s) either end of the weak ones.
The S/steel washers, to carry the last ground flat coil respectively, where they abut each other, nylon washers were tried but did not stand up too well.

This method was used on Thompson Platen`s Croppers, Arab`s etc. when all else had failed.

.