Making springs 2

I am quite sure that 0.02" (= 0.5 mm) should be available in aeromodeller supply shops. For thinner wire I would perhaps search among guitar strings...maybe there are musicians around who know a bit more about their sizes?

Greetings, Hansrudolf

Where would I find this size of wire? It occurred to me that some guitar strings are made of steel. However, their magnetic properties might be disadvantageous in terms of the performance of a tiny balance spring.

My luck changed when I rang a friend who has a music shop. When I asked what diameters of steel guitar strings were available at around the above size I was told that the smallest was 0.008" (0.20mm). What a coincidence! Their length was about 0.8 metres. Although I wasn't too interested in anything larger, I think the next size up was around 0.010".

BALL END means that one end has been wrapped and anchored around a small brass bush. At the bottom of the envelope is printed AKRON OHIO - MADE IN USA.

The wire is bright and highly polished, and when removed from the envelope becomes fairly straight, ie. no kinks.

Although I haven’t made any springs yet I’ve found the wire to be very springy, and is instantly attracted by a magnet. Over a gas flame the wire burns (ignites like wire wool) very quickly giving off sparks which I assume are an indication of carbon content.

Edited By Sam Stones on 16/08/2010 00:48:58