The Steel Guitar Forum

I know this is an older thread and don't know if anyone here is still looking for bell cranks but I have the capacity to make these if anyone is interested.










These slip over the 5/16 round shaft and have 2 set screws one centered on the shaft to lock it the other is lower to help set and hold the round shaft in place.

Thanks Barry

What do you guys use for pull rods?


bob

The slots in the ones I posted will use up to 1/8" rod without binding the material can vary.

Barry

Barry I sent you a PM thanks Paddy

Just sent you a PM Barry. Thanks!

Thought I'd post pics of the first batch of 5/16 round shaft bell cranks going to Mr. Paddy Long for his Franklin








Barry

Fantastic Barry, thanks so much :-}

Paddy Long wrote:Fantastic Barry, thanks so much :-}

What will you make the pull rods from?

bob

The pull rods could be Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Brass or just regular Steel with a coating to prevent rust.

Barry

Those look incredible Barry! I send you a PM a few days ago, did you see it? I’m interested in buying several of these myself. If you could get back with me on that I would appreciate it!

Thanks!

Jeremy

Sorry Jeremy I answered your PM I will Answer Again.

Guys,

The roll pins in the Franklin pull rods are 1/16" diameter, so I feel like the five slots in those new bell cranks should not be 1/8" wide. The original ones are closer to 1/16" wide. I have a few original ones and some aftermarket ones that I had a local machinist friend make for me. He installed 10-32 set screws instead of 8-32 like the originals and of course the spacing on the slots are more consistently spaced.

Thanks for the info Lynn I'm making these from Picturs and some measurements Paddy Long gave me the set screws are 10-32 the one that will face the changer is placed below center to help keep the shaft in possision and the other center on the shaft to lock the finger to the shaft.

Barry

Bob Snelgrove ... I used new rods that I got from Michael Yahl when I first got the guitar .... he will know what diameter rod is required for the Franklins !!

Paddy Long wrote:Bob Snelgrove ... I used new rods that I got from Michael Yahl when I first got the guitar .... he will know what diameter rod is required for the Franklins !!

Did they have the pin installed?

bob

Hi Bob -- no I installed the pins myself ... not an easy job but I have a great little drill press and a unit to hold the rod firmly so it doesnt go walk about when your trying to drill the end of the rod

Here's a pic of Barry's slip on bellcranks installed on my Franklin ...
An original Franklin bell crank on the left, and Barry's slip on bellcrank on the right !!! Does the job perfectly, and doesn't require removal of the crossrod to install it.

Nice looking install there Paddy I hope they serve you well my Friend.

Barry

Bo Borland wrote:Here’s a pic of one that slips on round crossrod 3/8”

Since this thread has been revived I guess I'll ask here: Does anyone actively make this bellcrank? Weirdly enough, the other day I had the idea for a slip-over bellcrank with pretty much this exact design for the non-screw side. But it would certainly be a lot easier to buy one if someone is making them.

I think I could make one like that but it would be very labor intensive. I think if the sides (area where the bolt holds on the bottom cap) were longer the bolt could cross under the shaft and a set screw to lock it in place.

Barry

The Carter bell cranks are similar to what I'm thinking




Barry

Thanks Barry they do the job perfectly for what I needed ... that particular one in the photo is for a lower return compensator.

It looks good Paddy are the pull rods 1/8" aluminum?

Barry

yeah I think so Barry !