SME 3009 S2 'Improved' conterweight screw/thread Q?

[tlscapital]

I'm having difficulties finding a replacement tread/screw in the hardwares store in my neighborhood.

Would anyone ou there know what UNC (unified coarse) thread/screw specifications I should ask/look out for ?

18259

[Spectral Morn]

Ring SME and ask.

[Barry]

Yes, that's the obvious thing to do.

http://www.sme-audio.com/contact

Tel: 01903 814321

[CornishPasty]

I'll take my thread gauges home this evening and let you know.

[tlscapital]

Hi Ralph, that'll be more than welcome ! I've beeb told that it's the "old school" 'British Association' (BA) threaded screws specification;

http://www.ring-plug-thread-gages.com/PDChart/BA-thread-data.html

And that explains why I couldn't find any such thing in my hardware stores in BELGIUM !!! Now, I've contacted SME asking them for the nominal size (BA) but in the meantime, if you or anybody knows, you're welcome to let me know. Cheers, Tim

[CornishPasty]

Apologies for the late reply. I took the counterweight off my own 3009 and the threaded stud is three sixteenths Whitworth. Hope that helps.

[CornishPasty]

I've found a three sixteenths whit allen bolt amongst all the junk. It matches the counterweight stud so I'll take it home with me a try it in the arm. If it fits ok do you want it? It's 25mm long btw. Should be just the job if you're making another counterweight.

[CornishPasty]

The allen bolt fits perfectly into the spider.

[tlscapital]

Thanks a lot for that. Most likely I'll be interested in it, let me study the question close and get back to you a bit later about that. 2,5 cm is a tad short but...

[CornishPasty]

Countersink the Allen bolt into the new counterweight. That will leave you enough stud sticking out and look neat and tidy. If you can't find what you're looking for there are a several suppliers near to me and I'll happily pick you up what you need and send it on. I'm assuming you're making a new counterweight?

[tlscapital]

Hi Ralph, you beat me out of the bush :roll eyes:

Yes, I'm treating myself with a customized and heavier counterweight. The heavier Chinese (not very dainty made) one I bought on the eVilbay was not heavy enough on it's own at 135 grams. I did manage to upload it to 165 grams. And at that, it's still edgy. Even if I put on 3.5 grams on my needle, the counterweight is not close enough to the 'Spider' I find. So I decided to give my tonearm a proper made counterweight of 180 grams ! And it's gonna look amazing.

I've discussed it with the "maker" and he's gonna get a longer one and cut it to size. Thanks to you since Steve (the "maker") now, knows what to get and can proceed with the making... I'll keep you updated.

[CornishPasty]

No worries. Glad you're sorted.