Type of spring steel for back

**chris_4622** · 1-Jun-2011, 12:43

I made the back for a whole plate camera I'm making and need to make the springs for the back.

What alloy would be good to use that would allow it to be formed and yet retain the spring it needs to function?

The dimensions I was planning to use are: 1/32" t x 3/4" w.

thanks,

chris

**Eric Woodbury** · 1-Jun-2011, 13:26

See if you can find some from another camera or buy as replacement parts.

**E. von Hoegh** · 1-Jun-2011, 13:31

Phosphor bronze. Check out McMaster-Carr.com

**chris_4622** · 1-Jun-2011, 13:46

Originally Posted by E. von Hoegh

Phosphor bronze. Check out McMaster-Carr.com

Thanks, just the information I was looking for.

**Robert Brummitt** · 1-Jun-2011, 19:21

When I had to replace a spring for my Wisner graflok back, I went to a local machine and spring shop. The owner took my broken piece found a somewhat similar piece of steel and cut it, shaped and fired it. Then he handed back to me and asked only a print for payment.
The whole job took him something like 30 minutes to do and I had fun looking at all his neat machines and rolls of sheet metal about the shop.
Cool stuff!