RE: Springs

["William Harris" <trollstomper-at-tds.net>]

The springs I've used in projects in the past have mostly come from McMaster
Carr. (They are expensive, but fast, a good use of _company_ money, but I
doubt I'd shop there with my money). They list the spring size (both wire
diameter, and coil inner diameter, or outer diameter.) and length, as well
as the compressed length (the shortest a coil spring can get) and the real
winner - Spring rate. I believe this is listed in lb/in of compression. So
if you have a spring 1.5 inches long, with a compressed length of .5 inches,
and a spring rate of 10 lb/in, it will basically hold up 10 pounds when it
bottoms out. Oversimplified example, but that's how the numbers come
together.

The smaller compression spring are generally made of either Stainless steel,
or Music wire, there is not a huge difference between the two
(functionally).

> -----Original Message-----
> From: tanks-admin-at-rctankcombat.com [mailto:tanks-admin-at-rctankcombat.com]
> On Behalf Of Geoff Crimmins
> Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 2:26 PM
> To: tanks-at-rctankcombat.com
> Subject: Springs
> 
> With the current emphasis on adding suspension to
> tanks, I foresee a demand for springs and torsion
> bars. (fortunately I've had no visions of missing
> wrenches) I plan to use springs, and have a couple
> questions. First, how do I figure out how strong the
> springs need to be? How is the strength of springs
> rated? Second, does anyone know where to find the best
> deal on springs. They seem a bit expesive at the local
> hardware store, and I will 14 of them. It just seems
> like there should be a Springs-r-us.com with bargain
> prices.
> 
> --Geoff Crimmins
> 
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