another spring question

[J.D.]

In bending this mainspring, the metal extruded to the rear of the bend, instead of to the side. It would probably be better to hammer the extruded metal flat, but it probably ain't gonna be all that easy without distorting or thinning the spring. Does this distortion create a problem, or does the extruded metal need to be hammered down?

Unfortunately, I think I already know the answer.

I apologize for the fuzzy photo, but it does illustrate what I'm talking about.



Thanks,
J.D.

[Dave B]

JD,
I would be inclined to remove the high points and dress down the sides of the spring.  It is probable that the smith did while shaping out the spring deal with this while the metal was still hot to some degree. I dont think you are going to be introuble on this if you choose to file it clean to proper profile.

[JCKelly]

That is the way metal, steel or brass, flows when you bend it. I would just file it to shape.

When the metal was heated to bend it, depending upon how long it was hot, some of the carbon may have burnt out of the surface. Roughly speaking--very roughly--5 minutes at heat means about a 1 thousandth deep zone which is low in carbon. This is somewhat harmful to spring life.

It'd be a nice idea to clean off the decarburized layer from the bottom leaf, on the outside/downside, for longer life. Do this before you harden & temper it.

[P.W.Berkuta]

 I'd leave it alone --- cycle it in the lock -- if it fails make a prettier one;D

[J.D.]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I made a coupla springs that are prettier, but wasn't sure about how well these two would perform, so I came to the experts on this forum.

These springs need final clean up and hardening, so I'll do that in the next coupla days, then try 'em out and see if they work.

Thanks much,
J.D.