Advice needed with Lumiere 460

[snallast]

A couple of days ago the needleholder on my 460 gave up - that is, I can´t fasten the needle anymore. I do not know if the threads inside the holder gave up or the screw. The screw looks allright so I presume it´s the threads that are worn out. It hasn´t been subjected to any violence...

I think the whole thing is made of aluminum? Does anyone have an idea on what I could do?

Grateful for advice!!!

H

[alang]

If I remember correctly, Eric Reiss described in the Compleat Talking Machine a way to fix threads like that by letting solder run into them and then re-cutting them. I wouldn't try it with anything that has to hold a lot of tension, but a needle screw should work I guess.

Disclaimer: I have never tried this myself with solder, but I did something similar with JB Weld, which had the advantage that I could put the screw back in while it was still soft and take it out when it had started to settle.

Andreas

[stevel]

You could rethread the hole to the next size up and loctite a screw in to that thread ,cut that screw flush with the needle bar then redrill and tap to the correct size for the thumbscrew.
A bit like a Helicoil if you are familiar with those.

Steve

[snallast]

Thanks! Both those options sound viable... but how do I redrill a hole, with the correct fitting for the original thumbscrew? What tools would I need?

The other option - Alang - you talk about JB Weld, which one would you recommend - there are several kinds out there?

Hak

[alang]

Thanks! Both those options sound viable... but how do I redrill a hole, with the correct fitting for the original thumbscrew? What tools would I need?

The other option - Alang - you talk about JB Weld, which one would you recommend - there are several kinds out there?

Hak

I used the original formula JB Weld in the red and black tubes. I assume the quick setting formula would work as well, but I have not tried that.

Andreas

[stevel]

Thanks! Both those options sound viable... but how do I redrill a hole, with the correct fitting for the original thumbscrew? What tools would I need?

The other option - Alang - you talk about JB Weld, which one would you recommend - there are several kinds out there?

Hak

A pillar drill and the right taps are all you need. I don't know the original thread size but it's probably a BA thread of some description.
Every man should have a pillar drill , but if you don't fancy doing it yourself this chap seems to be reasonably priced for such a repair:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Victor-5-Orth ... 0919318264

or maybe you have a Model Engineering Society near you? Those guys love to help on fixing mechanical stuff!
May be worth contacting this society , they may know someone who can help:
http://bmas.se/joo25/


Steve

[snallast]

Thanks for your advice!! I´ll contact these people and see where it leads me. This never happened to me before -