Volute drawbar spring wanted

[johnsawle]

Hi All, I am looking for a Volute spring for a drawbar, or a complete spring drawbar.
I would post a photo if I could but if you have one you will know what I mean and if you haven't it doesn't matter.
The size would be approx 9.5 inches high and 4.25 inches large diameter. I live in hopes ( I got a drive belt by the way)
Thank you.

[8_10 Brass Cleaner]

John, didn't you get one of these from father?.

I have seen a spring recently, I shall ponder where

[johnsawle]

Yes Hedd I did, many years ago. As my son and I have finished the re-restoration of our Marshall agricultural the next project is the rebuilding of the pair of Wallis traction wagons we have.
I had a spring and towing eye from your dad for one wagon. We could do with another set for the other wagon.

The unsprung wagons were supplied as a pair to a landed estate in Sopley, Hants in December 1892 at a cost of £64.10.0 each.
In case anyone thinks that is cheap consider that a working man was lucky to earn £1.50 decimal per week so the price equates to 43 weeks wages. You can work that out from your own earnings!

[notyalc]

Good luck finding anyone who still has the skill to make one that small.

I tied unsuccessfully to get one last year for my living van, ended up with a conventional coil spring.

Would be interested if you do find anyone who can help…

[Robey1928]

Have you tried http://www.redroseengineering.com/ I am getting some unusual springs made by them at the moment for work, (Beamish museum). They are not expensive.

[notyalc]

Originally Posted by Robey1928

Have you tried http://www.redroseengineering.com/ I am getting some unusual springs made by them at the moment for work, (Beamish museum). They are not expensive.

I tried Vern last year Donald, he told me the guy with the experience to make volute springs had retired during Covid..

[ashpan]

I would have no hesitation to make one from a car front suspension spring.

[johnsawle]

Originally Posted by ashpan

I would have no hesitation to make one from a car front suspension spring.

Well off you go then Peter, I'm sure they're saleable. We would be glad to hear how you get on. I understand the main problem is in the tempering, either the spring stays shut when the load is removed or it snaps on first use.
I see from examining the one I have that the width of the strip varies along its length.
If they were easy to make then they would still be easy to buy.

[ashpan]

I never said they were easy to make . It’s only straight forward Blacksmith work. If they go flat you pull them out and try a different colour of red..