Looking for a machinist to make Bronze Hardware for my Banjo build project.

[Tumbleweed]

Hi Forum. I am looking for a machinist to make Bronze Hardware for my Banjo build project. I am wanting to use Bell Bronze 78% copper and 22 % tin. So far i have only found bell bronze for sale outside of New York USA and with the possible trade war coming and postal costs, i would definitely like to buy Canadian. I am needing a 13 inch Tension hoop and the tensioning hardware to tighten the rawhide head over the rim. One possible source of Bell Bronze would be to melt down broken Drum symbols. So id need someone with foundry skills and machinist skills. Thank you in advance for your replies.

 

[140mower]

Sadly I am of no use to you..... But, Welcome to the forum from Lillooet BC....

 

[Mcgyver]

Welcome to the forum. Interloper not in Alberta here, but it caught my eye.

That's a tall order. A quick search suggests 91300 is the alloy you are after. Have you contacted foundries? Might be hard to find one that that will cast this allow (although several list it) and be interested in a one-of, but you don't know until you ask. I get bell bronze has resonating properties needed for bells and cymbals, is that the reason for the alloy and does it matter for this ring? I know nothing about making banjos but you peaked my curiosity and seems most use brass or bronze. Maybe you're looking for something better but would rolling one out of silicon bronze work..... otoh you can get anything you want with enough money .

 

[Johnwa]

Interesting project. Where are you located? There is an art foundry in Cochrane Ab that does bronze castings. Perhaps they or another art foundry could assist you.