Hi Martin,
If you can’t locate a star spring, one can be made from old wood saw blade. It involves softening part of the blade near the end by getting it red hot and letting it cool down slowly. Cut out the star from the now unhardened metal. When it is cut to shape and the hole bored, bend up the arms as shown in the picture. Next heat it up to a bright red and drop it into water. When it is cold, heat it again to a nice mid blue all over and drop into water again. It will stay blue and now it should be a spring. I have made them before.
Regards,
Bob Mather.
