Abstract: A spring retainer for retaining a compression spring within a spring pocket formed in the bed of a press includes a circular base of a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the pocket and a circumferentially spaced series of radially flexible tangs around the perimeter thereof. Each tang includes a retention wall with a radially inwardly extending bias portion spaced from the base so as to form a helically rising angle with the other bias portions so that the lower coil of the spring may be threaded onto the retainer with the bias portions engaging a helically rising upper surface of the lower coil. Each tang also includes a radially outwardly extending pointed barb. After threadably attaching the spring, it is inserted down into the pocket with the pointed barbs on the tangs lightly engaged with the wall of the spring pocket. The spring may be further threaded to more tightly engage the barbs with the wall as the tangs flex to maintain the spring within the pocket.

Abstract: A contoured die surface is milled with a toroidal cutter and a three axis milling machine by orienting the toroidal cutter with its axis of rotation at an acute angle substantially greater than zero degrees with respect to the plunge direction of the milling machine, driving the toroidal cutter from the milling machine and passing the cutter over substantially all the die surface in engagement therewith while maintaining the acute angle constant and moving the cutter in the plunge direction according to a predetermined program.