Help with tuner bushings

[ead]

Hi folks

 

Does anyone know where I can find some tuner bushings to fit a 13mm headstock hole and a 9mm post please?  I've done lots of Googling but to no avail so far.

 

Thanks

[PaulThePlug]

Sound like Fish Tails... rather than Elephant Ears...

[Hacksawbob]

Hi I'm only down the road in Horwich, I could probably 3d print you something pm if interested. 

[3below]

On 04/05/2022 at 19:46, ead said:

Hi folks

 

Does anyone know where I can find some tuner bushings to fit a 13mm headstock hole and a 9mm post please?  I've done lots of Googling but to no avail so far.

 

Thanks

Are you looking for the press in type or screw in type. If it is the screw in type, is it the thread on the inside or outside of the tuner type? Help might be available

[ead]

Thanks for getting in touch.  There are the push in type which sounds like the ones you may not be able help with 

[fretmeister]

What is the exact problem?

 

Do you have bushings that are too big / too small for the headstock hole, but they fit with the post?

[ead]

I have one original bushing currently still in place and three holes with tuners rattling around (how I got the bass), plus the stress on the tuners has caused some of the screw holes to be enlarged but I can fix that.  In a worst case scenario I was thinking about going down to the local hardware store and seeing if there is any copper piping that is approximately the right size.

[3below]

Just measured the push in bushings I have spare, no go, these are 12mm bush and 10mm shaft (Eko bass from 1980ish).  Do you particularly need to keep the old machine heads?  If not I would be tempted to increase the 13mm hole to 14mm and use modern small Schaller/Gotoh/Hipshot/copy types. If you do this there are some blunders that can be avoided - experience is a good school.   There are possible other workarounds, I have various spares that can be donated free gratis.  Pictures would really help. 

[Reggaebass]

I’ve just measured some I have  in a drawer too, all too big unfortunately 

[ead]

I'll get a couple of pics sorted out (good point).  Just wondering whether it might be worth a try with the Eko items.  Ideally I'd like to avoid woodwork and keep as much of the original bits as possible.

[ead]

Here are some pics of the various bits as requested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ezbass]

These could work if you drill them out a bit and you’re ok with nylon.

 

https://www.vital-parts.co.uk/flanged-nylon-bushes---nyb073-7203-p.asp

[3below]

Those are some nice vintage tuners, the EKO ones (which you are welcome to) are cheap tat (20:1 ok when new, now just worn out).  I would be trying to keep the Framus as original as possible.  An engineering workshop would be able to turn some replicas for you (at a price).   

 

 

Solution 1:  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224073512235?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item342bd2752b:g:6xgAAOSwPCRfBwLd&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAA4NearL6bnYd%2B0DgvFGQ15a6Pn1HstEsOm2Kc%2FxvsQSf9uZnzewTwQagYpTM5LLvqTaRyRkYpcZItJwTychIRsCt%2Fv9y6trbBTTmtonphU6%2FWWG939bNUC%2BOZl78UN5AWfG%2FWL7yAqgV%2FA7fOFPF1QTbbH7og1WKZLGwqTRPtzU9g4105srHTiVS7K5Udn793hnI5SCc7vTaJxFrR4PcYuUx%2FxNZ94%2Bay757zZLydyAbWvHc6X96Dpa7DAGn1joVWbwJ039t8iDg14kylvOnxAd%2FjcZazPdM6IEPV%2FvP7AYhF|tkp%3ABFBMzJuU3ZVg

 

You would need to enlarge the bushing hole to 14mm, but they look like bushes and being sintered bronze will last a lifetime.  Sensible price.

 

Solution2: (downside is they are not cheap, it seems they will do custom sizes/shapes) 

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192939815778?chn=ps&var=493125108022&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=493125108022_192939815778&targetid=&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1007449&poi=&campaignid=16789158644&mkgroupid=&rlsatarget=&abcId=9300845&merchantid=7148914&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmuiTBhDoARIsAPiv6L-D7YCiawoyLsZqRzRdEEDQlS7CjEq1Woxi5ec4ALSIWNDpPc8PqdgaAsalEALw_wcB 

 

Although the holes only go up to 8mm it would be easy to choose suitable size hole and drill (or ream) it out to the required 9mm.  You could then glue on either: M13 washer (ebay again) with the collar slightly proud, or  m9 washer with the collar flush.  

 

 

Hope this helps.

Edited May 10, 2022 by 3below

[ead]

Thanks for all of this, most helpful and I will investigate further.  I would indeed like to keep the tuners and work out something for the bushings if I can't find anything.

Edited May 10, 2022 by ead

[Matt P]

if you can get a model made then having the bushings custom made would be the cleanest option, If you get stuck with the model then i might be able to help (design engineer by trade)

 

at work we have had some stuff made by these guys with good results, the prices have been reasonable as well  https://fractory.com/ you just need a cad model to upload to get a quote.

 

Matt

[ead]

Just found these little beasties that might do the trick:  https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/p142858/FMB1009D-Flanged-Wrapped-Steel-Plain-Backed-Bush-10x12x9mm/product_info.html

[ead]

Or possibly these:  https://www.mooreinternational.co.uk/Products/flanged-bushes/QOIAMF101310

[fretmeister]

If the headstock holes are too big then a common fix is to use plumbers tape to wrap the bushing before putting it in.

It works very well. The tape is really really thin so it might need a lot of layers, but you can be very accurate to the size needed.

[Matt P]

the wrapped type bushings are quite thin so you would possibly need to use 2 sets inside each other (of the correct dimensions) to get a nice fit.

I would be wary of the Oilite ones as they are imptregnated with oil which is designed to leech out over time to lubricate the surfaces, this might stain the wood around the tuner.

 

have you got some way of taking accurate measurements of the bush you have (verniers or similar) it would take me only a couple of minutes to create the CAD model to get quotes (a drawing might be possible also)

 

Matt

[3below]

Following on from @Matt P excellent suggestions, the word model made me think of model engineering clubs.  Within that world you will find people who can knock up new bushes based on the existing one, probably for minimal cost as well.  Sadly, as I am now a gentleman of leisure, I no longer have access to such facilities and people who could do these type of jobs on the side.

[ead]

4 minutes ago, Matt P said:

have you got some way of taking accurate measurements of the bush you have (verniers or similar) it would take me only a couple of minutes to create the CAD model to get quotes (a drawing might be possible also)

 

Matt

 

Sadly not Matt.  I have my Dad's old micrometer screw gauge but it would need calibration and I don't know how to do that.

[ead]

Thinking about it though, the current bushing is a very loose fit into the headstock and the tuner post also has plenty of play too so might give it a go.  Worst case I could try a couple of standard offerings for a few squids first.

[3below]

Ebay (again) digital vernier calipers, about £5 - 6.  One of the most useful and essential tools in my woodworking kit   Accurate measurements of the posts, holes, inner and outer diameter of the bushings will help considerably.  Play in the posts seems quite common even with new tuners which I find quite surprising from an engineering point of view.

Edited May 10, 2022 by 3below

[Matt P]

i've had a quick play with the refractory website and a rough model and the prices seem incredibly high (130 quid machining costs!)

I'd look at @3below's option of finding a local modelling club and ask nicely there, one that specialises in larger scale modelling and live steam should be able to help, possibly for the cost of the materials and a few beers.

 

you might also have some luck with tubing meant for model making, they are available in a range of diameters so putting a couple inside each other might get the desired result.

 

 

Matt

[ead]

Haha, thanks will invest in a pair of those right away.  Takes the fun out of it though, although I can now annoy Mrs ead by randomly measuring stuff around the house.  Every cloud....