Technical information

Practical A.E.G Upgrade 2006

What is a variable pitch spring? Is it always better for AEG?

The pitch of a spring refers to the distance, center to center, between two coils.

A variable-pitch spring is one that starts out "soft" and after a certain load is

placed on it, becomes stiffer. This kind of design is good when you do not have

the horse power to start the initial load. Refer to the illustration below (note the

small difference in pitch on the left and on the right):

The technology involved in creating such a spring is not rocket-science. When

you've wound what you want at the first pitch, simply stop the lathe and change

the lead screw speed setting to the second position. Continue winding at the

second pitch until you want to change the pitch again.

A long variable-pitched spring:

When looking at a variable pitch spring, also pay attention to the number of

active coils. Active coils are coils which contribute to the motive force of the

spring. Only the coils which show daylight between them are active coils.

Non-active coils usually act as spacer and nothing else.

Installing the variable-pitch spring: