Browsing the photo section, came across Roger's 'Thread stand for large thread spools', which uses bent piano wire as thread guide . . . and I might have thunk a thought


Often, 'fuzzies' are attributed to thread rubbing in Singer-style thread tensioners, and the solution is usually to applu tension to the spool. I have no idea how Roger tensions thread coming off his thread stand, but just for arguments sake, let's say tension was applied at the spool before routing thru the three guide holes / rings. It wouldn't take much of a leap for me to imagine thread rubbing within these holes might cause 'fuzzies' on the thread coming out the far end. If not cost-prohibitive, would it make sense to install small rollers at these points to alleviate rubbing, something along the line of rollers out of salvaged roller guides ?


Peace, Roger !



steve



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/22/2011 12:34PM by steve clark.

Steve,
I have used many different type thread tensioners as I have built rods over the years.
But I simply use the polished disks that are spring loaded for the thread to tension the thread. I have polished all of the disks that I use to tension the thread, so that there is nothing to catch on the thread.

I really have no issue at all with fuzzies, with the various threads that I use.

By the way, I use a different system when I work with metallics which are more prone to damage when wrapping. But since my quantities of metallic wraps are much smaller, I don't use the large spools of metallic thread.

For the line guides in the picture of the large thread spools there is essentially near 0 force on the thread, since there is virtually no force required to pull the line from the top of the spool and through the loops of the piano wire.

Thanks for the thoughts

Roger

I'm thinking about installing piano wire tensioners to my set up. Can you guys tell me what gauge piano wire works best?

Philip

The one that gives YOU the right tension work best. I would start with something like about 1/6th and go from there. You can go to a hobby shop and buy a variety for a few $$.

You might actually want to put together a couple of different sets of springs. Depending on the rod being built, and or the thread being used, I will often change the thread tension.
As a result, if you are using a piano wire spring, you might need a couple of different sets of springs, if you change the tension very much during your wrapping.

Good luck
Roger



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/23/2011 12:16PM by roger wilson.