Using putty/resin to mold and fix a broken film advance lever?

I

intangiblethings

Member
Local time
11:48 PM
Joined
Nov 17, 2016
Messages
28
View My Gallery
I bought a Fujifilm GSW690III with a broken film advance lever.

The metal knob is still there but the plastic part has broken off.

Would it work to just mold something with putty that could cure/dry in the form of a film advance lever?

s-l1600.jpg


Thanks in advance!
 
Couple options as I see it. The neatest would be to have part 3D printed, but that's contingent on a few things. If you decide to go with epoxy, you'll want to reinforce it with metal, preferably as closely to the remaining metal as possible. I'd drill and tap the remaining tab with a fine machine thread, thread in a long screw, then bend it in line with where you want the part to extend. Red Loctite will make sure it doesn't move. Build the epoxy over it, then shape and finish.
 
One of the strongest epoxies I've used over the years is "JB WELD" . It is however very slow setting and fabricating a mold of sorts to hold it in place while setting up may be challenging, and if your fine machine skills are good , then I'd follow the above suggestion to drill and tap a few small holes in the remaining tab , good luck ! Peter
 
JB Weld is good for holding things together, but it won't hold up the shear forces on a lever that long very well. Metal reinforcement is necessary if you go this route. If you just want to mold a part, you'll need a steel-reinforced epoxy such as Devcon Plastic Steel for durability. Personally, I prefer a mechanical connection to the existing part, hence my original suggestion.
 
If it were me, I would make one out of T6(6061) aluminum. Mill out a pattern to accept the metal lever. Drill and tap the existing lever arm for holding screws for the new lever. You have to be able to measure and draw accurately if taking this to a machinist. I've done many mods and made many things this way. High school mechanical drawing has come in handy. A tool and die maker vendor helped me sharpen my drawing skills years back. Don't spec to 5 thousandths, when 15 will do. Paint or anodize black if you wish. It will last longer than a plastic replacement (finding one is easier) and you can shape it to the best fit for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom