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Written by Dave Neevel
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Sunday, 14 March 2004 |
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Page 5 of 14
Dremel Tool
If you glance into the toolcase of any armorer working at a NAC or National Championships, you are almost certain to spot a Dremel tool and a supply of cut-off wheels. There are a variety of uses for Dremels and the assorted bits available for them in the armory. The cut-off wheel is of particular utility in stripping out wires and glue from blades: it happens to be just the right width to fit neatly into a blade groove and scour it clean. Ideally, you’ll have been able to pull the wire out by hand, so you’ll just need to clean the residual glue out of the groove. If you can’t get the wire out, then you will be able to grind it away with the Dremel, though it will take more time.
There are some safety issues to take into consideration. Between the bits of glue, wire, and dust from the cut-off wheel flying off, as well as the possibility of the wheel breaking in use, it is absolutely essential to wear eye-protection. Also be forewarned that some types of glue can give off fumes when abraded away, so good ventilation is your work area is also advisable.
To clean out the groove, you want to clamp the blade flat. Inspect the cut-off wheel to make sure it is in good shape—they’re a consumable item, and if worn too much you’ll want to put a fresh one on the mandrel. Put your eye-protection on, and you’re ready to start. Run the cut-off wheel along the groove—make several passes while applying light pressure (pressing down hard will tend to break the wheel, and isn’t how Dremels are designed to be used to begin with). Keep making passes until the groove is scoured down to bare metal. It may be easier to work the groove in sections, rather than running down the whole length of the groove.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 May 2007 )
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