Hello,
I have a need to attach the footboard and headboard from a French antique bed to an existing metal bed frame. The antique bed is a full size vs queen size metal frame, but I can handle the modification on the metal frame. The problem is that the threads embedded in the headboard/footboard are non-standard 3/8 x 13TPI. The weight of the bed will be on the existing bed frame, not on the headboard/footboard. The side rails will not be used. I would like to do this conversion without altering the antique bed, since it is a very nicely done piece in rosewood with carvings. That rules out using the existing bolts, because they are captive in the side rails. I would need 8 hex head (or whatever head) bolts 2″ long x 3/8″ x 13TPI. The measured diameter is actually 0.35″, about 20 thou less than a typical 3/8″ bolt. Will I need to have the bolts made? I would appreciate any help, as I would like to check this off the honey-do list so I can get back to the lathe! Hmmm… any way to get 13TPI on 3/8″ brass stock using a woodturning lathe?
Rick
Replies
Hi Rick,
Being a French bed, they have been using metric since the French revolution - 179? from memory (history was never my strong point).
0.35" = 8.88mm. The metric standard thread for 9mm is 20tpi (pitch = 1.25mm). There is no standard thread for 8.88mm and no imperial thread that I am aware of comes close.
I wouldn't try cutting these threads on a wood lathe - you could try 'chasing' them at slow speed but I don't think that the accuracy is there.
I'd go to a machine shop with a thread and ask them to duplicate it - might cost you $40- but at least they'd fit accurately. They'd cut them on a metal lathe with a tool ground to the correct profile and use the back-gears on the lathe with auto feed to get them accurate. Would also save damaging the bedhead with potentially poorly fitting screws.
Cheers, eddie
Edited 8/23/2002 8:08:14 PM ET by eddie
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