Re-threading the tip of a blade

[Neil]

Does anyone know what size die you need to re-thread the threading at the tip of a foil blade (the threading that the barrel screws on to)? Are dies this size easy to get at a hardware store?

[Tomas N]

Well, I've never done it before, but at the Fencing Post, they sell the dies:

AC05 Die for foil point 3.5/.6m $9.20
AC06 Die for epee point 4m/.7m $9.20

Tomas

[DHCJr]

At a large hardware store that has metric, yes you can get them. The m's above should be mm as it stands for millimeter, but the numbers are correct.

One warning, when the manufacturer threads the blade there is no groove in the blade at the tip. In foil the whole groove is cut after the threading and in Epee there is cut the last part after the threads. I am not sure how they deal with the Leon Paul flat blades.

You must somehow make the blade solid at the tip or you won't be able to thread. I usually use a pin and solder to create a solid to thread.

[Neil]

Thanks for the info, especially the bit about having to fill in the groove with something solid - I hadn't thought of that. I may just end up chucking the blade out: it's really old and non-FIE. Seems a waste, though.

[millsisland]

Before re-threading the tip, I use wood filler (the kind finish carpenters use to fill nail holes) to fill the wire groove. It sets up petty quickly and is easy to remove. One tool I've found is pretty handy for cleaning out wire grooves is a dental pick. Ask your dentist to save the ones for you he would otherwise throw out.

[Mergs]

Before re-threading the tip, I use wood filler (the kind finish carpenters use to fill nail holes) to fill the wire groove. It sets up petty quickly and is easy to remove. One tool I've found is pretty handy for cleaning out wire grooves is a dental pick. Ask your dentist to save the ones for you he would otherwise throw out.

Given the nature of medical malpractice suits and the giving out of medical instruments, I would say your best bet would be to go to a model hobby shop or check one of the hobby websites.