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Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 11:57 am
by MesaMike
I am considering having a short run of Columbia rubber tonearm flanges molded. See image of an original part. Cost would be approximately $20 each. I am curious how much interest there is before I go ahead and commit to this. The part has been drawn out in autocad, and I have some quotes on molds, but the cost to have a mold made is rather substantial.

The flange is approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. It accepts 6 mounting screws 3 go in from either side.

I am working on my third machine that uses this part, so I am assuming it is commonly needed. Could be wrong about that...

If you are interested, please reply with the number of flanges you would likely buy to help gage interest, and the size of the run. If there is enough interest I will arrange to have a run of them made and post them for sale here.

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 12:25 pm
by PeterF
I’d buy 2 or 3.

I don’t think anyone has tried this before. Good luck!

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 2:34 pm
by pianolist
I would also buy some.

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 9:19 pm
by Columbia78
I am interested as well. Are you modeling these after the US or English version of the rubber gasket? The English ones seem to have survived better, I've found. They have a seam in the middle of the rubber.

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 2:22 pm
by MesaMike
I assume it is the US version. The flange I am modeling it after does have a seam around the perimeter from when it was originally molded.

The final product should be pretty much identical.

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 5:24 am
by CarlosV
Two or three for me. Good luck!

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 8:14 am
by Inigo
Me too, I need two of them, one for immediate replacing and another one for spare... Thanks! Still I owe you the dimensions taken from mine for comparison...
Mine is 1.5" outer diameter, 0.5" inner. Total thickness seems 0.25" at the outer ridge. The resulting distance between center of adjacent screw holes is 5/16". Diameter of the circumference of the six screw holes is 9/8".
I believe it's the very same thing.
IMG_20210505_141020.jpg

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2021 8:01 pm
by MesaMike
I have had 50 Columbia rubber flanges 3D printed. I have tested them, and they fit nicely, and seem flexible enough to allow good sound. Cost is $10 each + $4.75 postage within the USA. PM me if interested.

I am currently working on a modified version for European reproducers, which have a larger center hole. Should be available in a few weeks.

PXL_20210714_232042801_2.jpg
PXL_20210714_232042801_2.jpg

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2021 12:20 am
by Dischoard
You can 3D print in rubber now? That's amazing!

Re: Project: Molded rubber Columbia flanges

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2021 10:23 am
by MesaMike
I think technically it is not rubber, it is a flexible type type of plastic. The protective case on my cell phone is made of similar stuff.