Suspension for a Bulle
Originally this component was made from silk ribbon and brass. If these materials are not available, here is an alternative suggestion.
Cut four small rectangular pieces from an old credit card or similar plastic. If the plastic is smooth, roughen the surface with glasspaper.
Put a small amount of an adhesive suitable for plastic on to one roughened surface and lay two pieces of nylon ribbon, as used for gift wrap, as in figure 1. Use the adhesive quite sparingly as it will be squeezed out when the second plastic rectangle is clamped on top of the first. It is important to keep the ribbons parallel and edges ‘A’ together. I clamp the plastic in a vice or similar and ensure that no surplus adhesive spreads on to the ribbon as this will stiffen the hinge. Leave for about 12 hours.
Next day, repeat this process with the other two pieces of plasic, ensuring that they are parallel to the first, figure 3.
When the second side is dry, trim the ribbons and gently file all edges square to finish your new suspension, figure 4. I have been using these suspensions for many years and they do not show any wear. For dimensions go to: http://www.bhi.co.uk/hints/bullesusp.htm.
Dietrich Siefart, Germany
