Hope you folks don,t mind me asking another question...

Which mainspring winder is the best i want one that will do both loop end and hole end springs..I have 2 winders and neither work very good,, one of them is downright dangerous,dont want anymore black fingernails..

Samie, Whaat winders do you have?

I have a Ollie Baker style that I like a lot. It has a wide range capabliity for barrel or open springs. Merrits Antiques carries it. www.merritts.com

For many years I simply wound springs into barrels by hand, until I lost my grip once and the barrel teeth nearly removed the palm of my hand. OUCH!

For open end springs I have a small cast iron piece made just for that purpose (I think they are aluminum today) much cheaper but will not work on spring-in-barrel types. I don't use it much since I bought the Ollie Baker.

Tom here is the 2 winders i have neither one much..
this one works fair for springs inside a barrel

this one is a dandy for mashing fingers

I will second the Ollie Baker recommendation.

Sammie,
Click the link below to look at a mainspring winder that Joe Collins built. I think he has made some improvements since this design.
I was impressed and will someday build one for my own use.
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x/a/tpc/f/5146029761/m/3641095821
Best Regards,
Dick Feldman

S.S.! Throw that little cast iron thing away. Buy an OLLIE BAKER! Costs a little more. You get what you pay for. In this case - you do. I have never heard a dissenting opinion on an Ollie Baker. KERTHUNK! Thank you. Scottie.

Samie:
I use a Webster and I like it fine, but I do find the Ollie to be safer.
gp

Hi Samie,

This URL will take you to a detailed description of how to use the Ollie Baker winder.

ftp://ftp.webcom.com/pub/z4murray/repair/olliebaker.doc

It was this description that prompted me to build my own. I just couldn't see having to wind with one hand while holding the increasing pressure with the other. So Scottie you have at least one dissenting opinion.

JMO

Joe

Thanks everone for the information i took a look at the links posted and they were a big help.

Joseph nice job on the winder you made ,great job..i am going to buy one but i may try making one also.. I have a couple of small 3 jaw chucks that came off a small metal lathe i could use...


I spent a lot of time running a metal lathe and milling machine back in my working days so maybe i can whip up something that would work..

Samie,

Look at my post 'I Did it Again' under Tools & Misc. That is about a wooden model I came up with that works very well. I have made a video showing its use and have drawings of it that I can email. If you would like a copy of the video and/or the drawings send me a PM with your email and mailing address. This offer of information goes for anyone interested in this information.
Joe

Joseph
thanks for the kind offer i sent you a email..

Joseph i sent a email to nofnf@sbcgobal.net and is was sent back by my server ..did i get your email right..
SAMIE

Samie,
That would be N zero FNF. The zero throws lots of folks off. Try it again.
Joe

I have been working with using a variable speed drill to wind the spring. One needs a slow speed, and I'm trying a "cage" for it to be wound inside. Perhaps it will work properly when I'm completed with the modifications, but so far it is quite a good method.
Moses Gingerich
Waxhaw NC