Parallel/Conical Fulcrum Procedure

A tube with a parallel/conical fulcrum is a tube where the height at wires II and III is roughly the same, but the height at wire I is lower. For example if the height at wires II and III is set by a 4.75mm-diameter forming mandrel, the height at wire I might be set by a 4.25mm-diameter forming mandrel. This fulcrum offers medium resilience.

The procedure to make a parallel/conical tube involves the use of two different straight (not tapered) forming mandrels (of course, these may have a pointed tip). Single-pointed knitting needles can be used; these are available in a range of diameters.

For the first step, insert a straight mandrel with the diameter intended for the area under wire I. In the example opposite, this is 4.25mm. Place wire I, tighten, and use the pliers to conform the tube to the mandrel at wire I by squeezing from top-to-bottom only, not from side-to-side. For the second step in the procedure, remove the first straight mandrel and insert a different straight mandrel, with the diameter intended for the area from wire II to the butt. Place wires II and III and tighten. Use the pliers to conform the tube in the area around wire II to the mandrel from top-to-bottom only. In the area around wire III, use the pliers to conform the tube to the mandrel all around.

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