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URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 3:16:28 PM

MstrPBK

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I have been disabled all my life and it seems that the world is changing on me. I am hoping to find someone who is skilled in aluminum (or even metal) manufacturing ... to create a modified crutch for me? The wooden style (Canadian) I have used since the 1960's SEEMS to be a discontinued style (i.e. no longer made). Canadian crutches were the ones that were wood and went BELOW the elbow and had leather loop between the posts. If your really skilled you might get a copyright patent out of this for yourself.

I am wondering if any of you have a contact for me to talk to? I am not at a crisis point yet ... but with one crutch showing signs that it may "snap" in the very near future I have to deal with this pretty fast.

MstrPBK
St. Paul, MN

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RE: URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 3:24:48 PM

SteelofUtah

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Is there any reason that the Cuff style used by many people with Cerabal Palsy use will not work?

Steel

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RE: URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 3:52:32 PM

outlier

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PBK,

You do not need a manufacturer, at least not yet.

What you need is a fabricator. More than likely
this will require a few trial and error fittings.

This ALWAYS takes more time than you think it will.

And will be complicated if you are not capable of being in the
same place as the prototype so it has to be shipped back and forth, etc.

My advice is to start with local welders, fabricators. If none of
these pan out then email me on the other side. I know the perfect
person to do this job but he is in Southern California.

Best of luck with this.

Outlier

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RE: URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 4:00:38 PM

Vendaval

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MstrPBK,

Is there a local veteran's hospital or group you could contact?
They would likely have good resources that could help you in this situation.

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RE: URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 4:37:00 PM

MstrPBK

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quote:

Is there any reason that the Cuff style used by many people with Cerabal Palsy use will not work?

Steel

Because the Laughstrands made today are not a full circle cuff of material; and only have a single post of support. I grew up with a different balance point for walking; not to say I can't change my style but would like to see where this line of hope leads. YOur talking to a optimist here.!

MstrPBK
St. Paul, MN

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RE: URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 4:39:35 PM

MstrPBK

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quote:

You do not need a manufacturer, at least not yet.

What you need is a fabricator. More than likely
this will require a few trial and error fittings.

This ALWAYS takes more time than you think it will.

And will be complicated if you are not capable of being in the
same place as the prototype so it has to be shipped back and forth, etc.

My advice is to start with local welders, fabricators. If none of
these pan out then email me on the other side. I know the perfect
person to do this job but he is in Southern California.

Best of luck with this.

Outlier

thanks for your input it will be kept in mind. I do understand the issue of the time it takes to do a new design.

MstrPBK
St. paul, MN

< Message edited by MstrPBK -- 3/16/2009 4:40:37 PM >

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RE: URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 4:54:07 PM

Emperor1956

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MasterPBK: No need for custom fabrication. Check out Thom Fetterman's company. He is a genius, with several patents that greatly improve stability and comfort on crutches. Indeed, living in the Frozen North, and spending your life on crutches, I can't believe you haven't seen his crutch tips, which are measurable improvements on anything else you might have used.

And if you are a traditionalist kinda guy, you'll see he sells a gorgeous handcrafted "Canadian crutch" just like you use now -- in oak, maple or rosewood! But I'd opt for one of his titanium wonders.

Emperor

(Oh, and I know a bit about what I speak -- was on Laughstrands for about 12 months many years ago while my shattered femur got itself together.)

And before anyone says "Handicapped" -- CHECK OUT THE VIDEO on Fetterman's site. I'll bet any of you with two perfectly good working arms and two perfectly good working legs can't do THAT.

E.

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RE: URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 4:57:09 PM

outlier

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Another thought,

You are not that far from the water.

The people who do trim, and railings for boats could do this work.

They fabricate with tubing all the time. Although they would
most likely be using stainless, not aluminum. Just another possibility.

Also, a community college or high school metals shop might
be willing to take this on.

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the waiting." Pete Seeger

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RE: URGENT: Aluminum manufacturer specialist sought - 3/16/2009 4:59:37 PM

Lynnxz

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Construction's slow right now, at least in our area. Go check out some welding and fabrication companies... not the big guys- the local people that run their own business with a few employees. These are the guys that are going to be willing to work with you on designing and building what you are looking for.

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