wiring an epee

[suregrip]

Does anyone have any goof-proof tips for wiring an epee?

[grotto]

Practice,

Seriously the key in my opinion is to have everything checked staightened cleaned and all residue off, I like to put some glue on the wires first so they get tacky, (I don't use any sort of super glue, so I use my fingers.) then gently pull them into the groove. and tape down the loose ends before I put a topcoat of glue on. once that is finished into the bend board (or chain) to set.

[SJCFU#2]

Make sure the groove is clean before gluing (better adhesion)

[The Armourer]

No! It really takes practice - I may write a short note on this one though for people to refer to.

The Armourer

[angriff]

No! It really takes practice - I may write a short note on this one though for people to refer to.

The Armourer

Please do.. I'm having problems like newly-replaced wires popping out of the groove after 3 bouts..

Also does anyone have suggestions on how to remove a stubborn epee barrel without a bench vise? I don't have access to one.. thanks!

[DHCJr]

One item that many do not do is pre-stretch the wire. Many do tension a wire by bending the blade when wiring, which is good, but this is different.

This takes practice or you will break wires. Use the wire that you cut off and old wire to practice with so you can feel when you should stop. What I do is pull on the wire to stretch it. Each type of wire is different. With a French style, I will stretch it from 2 to 3 inches, with German a little less, rewrap wire a lot less.

Practice first to find what it takes to break first. The other thing is to make sure the wire is completely covered with glue and the blade was clean.

[SJCFU#2]

Dave Neevel once posted a write-up on rewiring that might be worth reading. I believe it is in the "ask the expert" section. Try searching fencing.net for "rewiring".

Wires popping out that quickly suggest the glue isn't adhering to the blade. It may be a matter of technique (different glues require different methods) however the best glue in the world is useless if groove isn't clean.

In the absence of a bench vice you can try holding the blade just below the barrel with a pair of vice-grips (locking pliers) then fitting a wrench to the flats at the base of the barrel. That should provide more than enough torque (maybe even too much if you aren't careful).