Bar for keyboard stand

[paulprogram]

I have an old keyboard stand but I have lost the bar that adjusts the height. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement? I Ask because this type of stand doesn't seem to be made anymore. http://www.variousassortments.co.uk/images/stand.jpg

[Drew Stephenson]

It might be easier looking for a replacement stand.
Alternatively, B&Q will sell you a strip of steel that you can cut and drill accordingly?

[paulprogram]

I thought as much Drew. So a steel strip 5mm thick and I'll have to get someone to drill holes maybe 3cm apart. Cheers for response

[Drew Stephenson]

5mm thick will hoist a house, 20x2mm will be more than strong enough and much easier to drill.

[tomas]

A 2mm thick aluminium bar will probably be fine, and it can be drilled with a small battery powered drill.

[Drew Stephenson]

A 2mm thick aluminium bar will probably be fine

In tensile terms, definitely. Depending on what was loaded on the stand and how it was being used I might be a bit nervous about overall robustness of 2mm aluminium. 5mm would be plenty I reckon and, as you point out, much easier to drill.

[N i g e l]

Ive got a slightly heavier stand to that but with an indexed clamp at the center of the X.
The clamp is unreliable so I have tied 1" webbing to the horozontal top bars to space & hold in place. I had to brush up on my knots 1st.

[resistorman]

Ive got a slightly heavier stand to that but with an indexed clamp at the center of the X.
The clamp is unreliable so I have tied 1" webbing to the horozontal top bars to space & hold in place. I had to brush up on my knots 1st.

That’s a really nice solution if you use it at the same height every time. Just unfold and it’s ready.

[Eddy Deegan]

Mild steel should be easily drillable, especially if you use a centre punch first, unless you're using a drill-bit made of cheese and/or a drill made out of bread. Stating the obvious here I'm sure but use a drill-bit intended for metal. You'd be amazed how many people don't know the difference between wood, masonry and metal bits.

Aluminium is probably fine but, as Drew said, should be a bit thicker ideally. Steel is cheaper and stronger though. I'd certainly go with that. 2mm thick will more than suffice and is easy to work with.

[paulprogram]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I managed to make a bar from an old curtain track. It's very strong!