IslandRoad wrote on 01/13/17 at 01:36:52:Hey guys, just updating this thread with today's progress.
I had some time to do the needle spacer mod. I gotta tell ya it's basically impossible to get washers at the right size around here.
I did some research on here and found a handy chart by Verslagen1 which confirmed the metal spacers have a larger OD than the nylon ones. Anyway I tried four different hardware stores and none could supply washers with the correct OD, and none could supply nylon washers at all.
Try McMaster-Carr (mcarr.com) as they have nearly everything and in the 25+ years I have done business with them (I was a purchasing manager for several large factories) I have never had any bad experience.
They now will sell to private individuals, and their online catalog is extremely easy to use.
Also, anyone living in Ohio, it is worth a trip to Hartville Hardware, Hartville, OH, as this is a HUGE hardware/lumber store that has everything. It is privately owned by a Mennonite family and has a history of about 70 years. The store itself is larger than any big-box store you have ever been in. Wonderful people wonderful service.
I used to live near there, but now I am in SC. I regularly call them, get the correct department, and get a salesman to find me what I want, and they will send it to me in the mail. Check it out on the internet at hartvillehardware.com
While you are there, check out Hartville Kitchen. Also owned by the same family, and awesome, family style food!