More Foil Blades

[Pun]

If, you guys could help me out that would be great. Again, I am buying my first electric foil so that I can start fencing at this new club and I have no idea what Im doing (but better than last time I asked about blades). Any way, I was just wondering if you guys could tell me everything I need to buy If I buy a bare blade and put it together myself, alos i would like to know if this saves me any money at all because from what I can tell, most suppliers only charge ten bucks more for a wired blade then they do bare, and the parts (lthough they may be of higher quality) seem to cost at least twice that. So please again, could you guys help me out.


Also I have not decided on a blade yet, my budget has gone up to 120 on the full foil so... If Anyone knows of a good blade that has good balance, centered nearest the hand as possible, even without a french grip. The weight doesn't really matter but obviously the lighter the better as long as it doesn't sacrifice balance. Thanks.

[wpotere]

I recommend that you get with the local armour and see if they have a few weapons that you can hold. I have tried several blades over time before I finally settled for a the Uhlmann BF Ultra (maraging). The problem with my method is that it cost me a bunch of money. I broke every blade that I had that was not maraging and sold two others because I didn't like the feel.

As for building your own, it is up to you. If you are good with tools and feel that you understand how to do it, then go for it. I wired my first blade several months ago and it lasted about ten minutes in combat. However, the second wiring continues to be used. So it may pay to get a blade that is setup.

All of the choices are yours to make. I can recommend Uhlmann but there are others out there and you have to make the final decision.

[Pun]

Maybe I need to restate the first question. could someone give me a list of everything a I need to buy in order to wire a foil. Like I know I need body cords and a tip. I think I need some kind of socket too. Thats what Im asking. I will probalby just buy it wired but Im not sure yet, If it can save me mney a may buy it unwired and try to see if the armour will show me how to wire it so I do it right. I just need to know what peices I need so I dont buy to many things, or I dont buy the right or enough pieces. Thats all.

[mifencer]

Maybe I need to restate the first question. could someone give me a list of everything a I need to buy in order to wire a foil. Like I know I need body cords and a tip. I think I need some kind of socket too. Thats what Im asking. I will probalby just buy it wired but Im not sure yet, If it can save me mney a may buy it unwired and try to see if the armour will show me how to wire it so I do it right. I just need to know what peices I need so I dont buy to many things, or I dont buy the right or enough pieces. Thats all.

Do yourself a favor since you have $120 to blow, buy 2 complete weapons. If you're not fencing a lot (2 or less times a week), then go ahead and get a non-maraging blade (ack, I can't believe I said that) -- but you'll be able to get 2 weapons for $120.

But since you asked for a detail list:
grip
nut
washer
bellpad
socket (to match your 2-prong or bayornet bodycord)
bellguard
wire
blade (clean out the grove, especially the grease if the blade is new)
complete point (tip, screws, spring, barrel)
tip tape
glue
6 pack of beer for the nice armorer who's going to show you how to wire a weapon (good beer -- most of them are beer snobs).

I think that covers it & good luck.

[HDG]

I second the suggestion of starting by purchasing a complete weapon; down the road, after you've observed how it's put together and how it works, you can then start assembling your own weapons.

In fact you might rather soon invest in a spare blade that you could try wiring yourself. You'll save even more $ if, rather than buying assembled tips, you buy tip, barrel, wire, springs and screws separately, if for no other reason, it's always good to have spare springs...

[Pun]

Ok thanks everyone. I have one more simple question, that is unrelated but not worth it's own space.

How do you pronounce vniti? as in the blade. is it exactly like it looks. I just dont want to sound like a fool that's all. thanks.

[wpotere]

Adding to the list, here are a few items that I purchased to help with re-wiring.

1. Small vice
2. Chain and two pipe caps to help bend blade while glue dries.
3. Loctite
4. Die and Tap set for threading.
5. Steel pipe threaded with caps to soak blades (Acetone) and remove old glue.
6. Multi-Meter
7. Tape and glue.
8. Toolbox

Once you add everything together, it can get a little costly. However, if you want to learn how to do it and plan on maintaining your weapons then I say go for it. You may fail once or twice, but eventually you will get the process down.

[Epeecurean]

Ok thanks everyone. I have one more simple question, that is unrelated but not worth it's own space.

How do you pronounce vniti? as in the blade. is it exactly like it looks. I just dont want to sound like a fool that's all. thanks.

It should be pronounced vnee-tee.

[TheArmourer]

http://www.thearmourer.pwp.blueyonde...k/Rewiring.htm will tell you how to do it.

[Pun]

Thank you everyone, again.