Posted by Chuck on November 06, 2000 at 11:47:21:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: clockwork springs posted by Jim Strother on November 06, 2000 at 11:33:14:
You can probably still buy Miraphone flat springs, but I just go to the local antique clock repair place and have them rummage around in their junk box for old wall-clock mainsprings. They can order custom stock also if they don't have what you want.
Then, it's a matter of forming the stuff to fit your horn. Cut the mainspring into lengths slightly longer than the needed length. Each end will need to be formed; using long-nose pliers as a heat sink, heat each end that you need to form in the flame of a common propane torch until it glows orange. Allow it to cool slowly--don't quench it. You'll find that you can now bend the end of the spring to shape.