Tuning Vortek cutting spring

[RicL]

The front end of the vortek spring is not flattened apparently so that they can be cut.

I would like to experiment with this to make for a very soft cycle.

What's the easiest tool to cut the spring with? I don't have a Dremel etc, and would prefer the cheaper/easier options.

 

[marflow 777]

most of us that would need to cut a spring would use an angle grinder

 

[SpiralGroove]

Hey RicL,
I simply use my bench grinder to cut springs. Also, heat them up with a torch until red hot to flatten end. After that, dip in motor oil to quench/re-harden the spring. I then re-grind the shortened end with a fine grinding wheel and a sharpening stone … finally polish end with a DreMel Tool And Mothers Mag polish.

I would recommend buying a inexpensive Drexel, they’re so useful.

Lastly, Vortek makes some of their spring ends (like you have) as they fit into their style of top hat. They also sell aftermarket springs that are flat on both ends.

Good Luck …

 

[RicL]

I see. I don't have a grinder of any sort. Any chance I could use some type of pliers?

 

[rikkochet]

Pliers won't cut it, (sorry) the steel is too hard.
Don't you have a neighbour with some form of grinder?

 

[Struckat]

I use a dremel with a tiny cut off wheel.

I cut about 3 coils off for my HW95. Really tamed the shot cycle with only 30fps reduction.

 

[bdzjlz]

I use a pair of bolt cutters, then touch it up on my bench grinder. Don’t cut too much at a time. A half coil can make a big difference.

 

[Northwoods22]

I use a Dremel with a cut-off wheel, and a scotchbrite wheel to de-burr the cut end. Always wear safety glasses, especially when using a cut-off wheel.

 

[Mycapt65]

I'm another that uses a dremel and a cut off wheel. If you cut a little at a time you don't have worry about changing the temper of the wire. With an open end spring you don't have to go nuts with finishing. I just round the edges of cut wire a little so they don't chew up the top hat.

I usually go a coil at a time. Half coils don't usually make enough difference to be worth the time. That's just me.

 

[DeanB]

you can get a dremel tool cheap at harbor freight.

 

[Mycapt65]

Get the reinforced cut off wheels. The others break easily and don't last long. They look like this.

 

[Frogy]

 

[Star7]

wear eye protection...the little cutoff wheels (especially the unreinforced ones) fracture and send razor sharp shards off at near light speed

 

[RicL]

Thanks. I will get a Dremel and some safety glasses.

 

[Shuggoth]

Yeah, harbor freight is the way to go for a cheap grinder or Dremel clone.