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Where to get end bolt anchors for new bellows frame?


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Do you mean the little flat plates buried in the ends of the frames?  They have two screw holes for wood screws to attach them to the frame and a central hole tapped to receive the end bolt?

 

I made my own out of some brass plate of the right thickness, it was not difficult but a bit tedious.  The only problem (a big one) would be if you cannot find a tap of the right size for your existing end bolts.  I replaced the end bolts and was able to get a matching tap.

 

Since then I have noticed that 'Sandylaneman' on eBay sells sets of new end bolts with matching threaded inserts for about 60 euros.  A bit pricey but that would save a lot fiddly work.  Sandylaneman is the guy in Ireland that makes bellows, pads and some other spares for concertinas.  I would check the bolt lengths before laying down any money.

 

I don't know if this link will work, if not then try searching for sandylaneman on eBay.

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.ie%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F113983760680

 

I have never bought from sandylaneman, maybe somebody else can vouch for him?

 

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Happy to vouch for him. Bought a few things from him and found his prompt communication, helpful advice and delivery times especially welcome.

I'm loathe to place his name and email address on an open forum; he obviously has his reasons for keeping a low profile, which we must respect.

 

I have not tried his end bolt and anchor sets, and I wonder about the extent of repairing damage to the end frames caused by removing the old traditional style anchors if restoring old bellows.. His anchors appear to be a bit wider than the typical bellows frame, so some creative woodwork may be required. I note that the OP is talking about a new bellows, so may be less of a concern, designing the bellows frame to fit the anchors. However, I'm sure he would advise.on the best method....or he might be willing to fit them for you on request (for a fee) if you were to send him the concertina. Dunno.

 

 

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Personally I ran into difficulties with accurately installing cylindrical nut inserts in bellows frames, so I went back to the traditional flat 2mm brass plates held on with two small wood screws. I make my own end bolts with an 8BA thread, which is the same diameter as the vintage ones but a bit finer pitch. They work fine and are possibly slightly stronger.

 

At one point I looked into the possibility of having a custom tap and die made to match the vintage Wheatstone thread pattern, but it was going to cost hundreds of pounds for a one off.

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Thank you all for your expert suggestions.


I like Alex's method best even if it is a bit more work. Noting that brass is easier to work with anyway, and new end bolts solely for a new bellows would be the best way ahead.

 

But I am not stripping the old bellows frames for this project, rather, planning to save the entire good working bellows as it is. Job needs a full new frame with new end bolts and anchors.

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