Raise Lower Levers Material

Bent · Post by **Bent** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:32 pm

Bill, that looks like a great changer mech...I have lots of questions about it, like materials used, pivot length measurements etc etc.
But first: where the lower bar touches the finger. There you have steel to aluminum contact, and pretty heavy contact too. What is your take on putting a sealed ball bearing there and removing practically all wear and friction?

Bill Ladd · Post by **Bill Ladd** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:56 pm

I hadn't gotten that far in my planning, Bent, but I have seriously considered that. Seems like that little tab of steel could really chew up the alu. in short order. Not an original idea on my part, though. I saw it on a SGF thread recently in my search for ideas.

It would also be nice to have ball-bearings where the changers ride on the changer axle. Not sure if I want to go that far, though!

I really want to make this as simple as I can. To me, simplicity is always elegant and damned practical.

Bent · Post by **Bent** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:34 pm

Bill, true, the KISS method is usually the best. I like the ball bearing idea for its eliminating that wear point.

I think, instead of a ball or needle bearing on the shaft, an oilite bushing would be sufficient. It is factory lubed and is supposed to last til the bushing wears out. Also, with aluminum on steel, I would think the hole would wear oblong in time. It's better to have the oilite wear out and replace it.

burt · Post by **burt** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 3:31 am

You need to remake the lower piece, so that a tab could be bent (at 90 degrees) to widen the surface area where it touches the aluminium.

Bent · Post by **Bent** » Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:12 pm

"burt" that is the point I am suggesting a ball bearing be installed. Many builders just use it like Bill has it, with the point touching the finger and not bending it to 90 deg as you suggest. They get away with it - for a few years anyway. I say for the extra $5 or so, use a ball bearing and it's worry free... and operates a hair easier also

Scott Howard · Post by **Scott Howard** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:19 am

I went to the local ACE Hardware and found a cover that is long enough to make the raise lever out of. I have started making a few triple raise levers for my MSA I plan on putting back together early next year. Not finished but you get the idea. Only took a few minutes at the band saw.

Bill Ladd · Post by **Bill Ladd** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:32 am

Scott -- If you are using a a digital camera, there will be a macro mode on it somewhere that will allow you to take much clearer closeups.

If you're using a cell phone, well that's about as clear as you'll get.

Try the macro on your camera if you don't mind. I'd like to see clearer pictures of what you've made. Thanks.

Bill Ladd · Post by **Bill Ladd** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:36 am

Bent wrote:"burt" that is the point I am suggesting a ball bearing be installed. Many builders just use it like Bill has it, with the point touching the finger and not bending it to 90 deg as you suggest. They get away with it - for a few years anyway. I say for the extra $5 or so, use a ball bearing and it's worry free... and operates a hair easier also

Absolutely. I can't even describe how much easier it will be to add a bearing there than remake the entire piece!

Scott Howard · Post by **Scott Howard** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:40 am

This is better.

Bill Ladd · Post by **Bill Ladd** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 3:04 pm

Hey man, I like it. What box extender (or box) did you use to make it?

Steel Guitar Builder

Raise Lower Levers Material

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