Need some help cutting spring tempered steel!

[Mat5121]

Hi folks,

I'm attempting to make some leaf springs for a camera back. I ran a 1/16" sheet of spring steel through the table saw and it ruined the temper. Does anyone here know of an effective way to cut this stuff while keeping the temper?

Thanks in advance for any tips,

Matt

[bobm4360]

Use a cutoff wheel in a mototool or die grinder and cool the metal every 4 to 5 seconds in water. The other way is don't worry about the temper and re-heattreat it afterwards.
YMMV, Bob

[William Whitaker]

Use a cutoff wheel in a mototool or die grinder and cool the metal every 4 to 5 seconds in water. The other way is don't worry about the temper and re-heattreat it afterwards.
YMMV, Bob

+1. I have used this method to cut to length some springs that I had bought from Dick Phillips for more than one ULF camera. I was able to do a neat job with little effort. Just use caution throughout. And wear eye protection!

My 12x20 Folmer & Schwing now has a fully independent rear suspension which is a vast improvement over the 100 y-o brass springs I replaced. But I warmed up my skills with a Korona 12x20 and a shop-built 7x17. Worked like a champ in each case.

[vinny]

If you can't get it to work, buy some .031 stainless feeler guage stock in 12" lengths. No cutting required. I've built two backs with these. Some pics on my site.

[MikeH]

When I worked in a hardware store 40 years ago, we could cut the thinner stuff with sheet metal shears. You might try a cold chisel, with strong safety glasses...

[Jody_S]

I use a pneumatic nibbler.

[Jac@stafford.net]

It is a good idea to put a metal clip on the long side right up close to the cut as a heat-sink even when using a cutting wheel.

[Jim C.]

Holey Moley ! You cut steel spring stock on a table saw !?!

Unless you used an abrasive cutting blade that blade is probably ruined
and you're lucky to have your fingers.

You may try electro chemical machining instead, less nerve wracking,
here's a thread I bookmarked -

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...olysis-245768/

Another option is if you have access to a guillotine metal shear.

[Mat5121]

Thanks all for your advice.

Vinny, that feeler gauge stock looks like a great solution! Unfortunately, I planned the back with 3/8" springs in mind and the space is slightly too narrow to accommodate 1/2". I really enjoyed checking out the details on your site btw; that's a nice looking camera!

Jody_S, is it possible to get a nice clean cut with the nibblers?

Jim C., I used one of those thin kerf Diablo steel demon blades with a Gripper block against the fence. It made short work out of my aluminum with a little lubrication and also worked well on the spring stock with a slow feed rate. Too bad the temper was ruined.

Looks like I may have to re-temper but any other ideas are welcome.

Thanks again, Matt

[BrianShaw]

...

Looks like I may have to re-temper but any other ideas are welcome.

...

Yes you may. Its not too difficult, but takes practice to get it right. Make multiple spring blanks while you're cutting metal (safely) so you can temper, test, and then temper another one... until you get it right.