Sizing drill press quill return spring?

[pwinters]

I am happy to report I acquired an Atlas model 54 drill press (12 3/4” size). Cosmetically, it has seen better days but everything appears to be in place, with no obvious play in the quill or spindle pulley. I’m excited to get started on the restoration.

The only problem is the quill return spring is broken. Does anyone know the closest size option I can buy or how to size a replacement? I know it is measured in diameter/total length, width, and thickness, but if I have to compromise is it safe to assume width and thickness are somewhat flexible? Can I squeeze in a longer spring if the width and thickness are closer to the original?

Thanks!

 

[Cleave]

I've had to buy new springs before for a couple old import drill presses at work. I just had to estimate from the size of the housing (the circular part that covers the spring), and dig around on Amazon or Ebay until I found something close. Pay attention to how the end of the spring connects to. I had to modify something a little too, but it all worked out.
Or maybe somebody is parting out an Atlas Model 54 on ebay and you can find the right spring.

 

[pwinters]

Thanks for the information about your approach in the past. I figured I would have to do the same more or less. Interesting, the successor to Atlas still has many of the parts drawings and they sent me the one for the spring, which should help in my search.