By Mick on Thursday, 20 June 2019
Posted in Technical
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Found some info on the heat treating stages required for making leaf springs so leaving it here for later...


  • Steps in making a leaf spring without special equipment
  • Anneal the steel strip raw material - Heat to approx 800~850°C (cherry to bright red) and allow to cool s-l-o-w-l-y in air.
  • Cut, machine and form and shape the individual leaves.
  • Test assemble the complete spring assembly.
  • When satisfied, disassemble the spring again and harden the leaves (individually). [Heat to approx 820°C (bright red) and quench in oil].
  • Clean the surface with steel wool or similar to see the colours clearly when tempering (next).
  • Temper the leaves. [Heat to approx 320°C (dark blue/grey) and quench in oil].
  • Clean the leaves, and paint or apply final finish if desired.
  • Assemble the spring.
It would be cool to make your own springs, I'll give it a go:D
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4 years ago
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I made some from mild steel and skipped the heat treating. Mild still has some spring to it but the elastic limit is nowhere near as much as for spring steel.

https://cyclekarts.com.au/stream/item/202

I haven't tested them yet but think they'll work okay, although they may be more cosmetic than functional.
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4 years ago
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