Replacement Clamp Bases for 7mm slot depth machine [SilentPartner]

[papado]

I have an old Silent Partner stringing machine (back from my junior playing days) and the base clamp screws are on their last legs and starting to strip and not clamp anymore. I've tried looking for replacement base clamps/bars however my machine has a much longer bar than standard and the plate depth is shallower than most of the 'generic' clamp bases. I tried the pro's pro bases and without using the replacement bar and found that their base mechanism is designed for a ~9mm slot depth (like many other ones I've read about online). Does anyone know if previously 7mm was a more 'standard' size where I can find replacement base clamps for or am I doomed to just use this machine for a few more uses until they totally fail [mid stringjob of course)?

If anyone has tips for fixing or replacing the clamp base screws I'd also greatly appreciate it.

 

[esgee48]

Options are very limited. Perhaps you could remove the bars and bring to a machine shop. Have them make a copy and use 9 mm stock. Then you could replace the clamps and bases. Second option could be to use a set of washers under your new clamps and bases to make up for the missing 2 mm. However, I suspect that this option may be more problematic if the washers are not flat or smooth. Since your screws are stripped, I assume you have to replace the bases and clamps in either option.

Your other question would involved retapping the holes. Not sure you want to do that as you need to have enough material left afterwards to support an insert and subsequent threading.