epee tip issues

[glowstix]

ok, this is a follow up to the thread i did earlier about the tip whose screws keep popping out. apparently the tip threading was worn which was causing the screws to come out.

now i'm putting a new tip in that particular epee but i have a new problem with this new tip: the travel is not smooth. in fact the tip is almost getting stuck in the barrel which suggests that its just a bit too large for the barrel (i bought both barrel and tip from same vendor so i'm assuming its from the same manufacturers). it seems to fit the barrel for the most part its just that something is getting slightly stuck somewhere when i press the tip in (really not good for scoring.. ).

is there anything i can do to the tip?? can i file it down to make it fit or will this most likely damage the tip??

[Dee EffEll]

Originally Posted by glowstix

ok, this is a follow up to the thread i did earlier about the tip whose screws keep popping out. apparently the tip threading was worn which was causing the screws to come out.

now i'm putting a new tip in that particular epee but i have a new problem with this new tip: the travel is not smooth. in fact the tip is almost getting stuck in the barrel which suggests that its just a bit too large for the barrel (i bought both barrel and tip from same vendor so i'm assuming its from the same manufacturers). it seems to fit the barrel for the most part its just that something is getting slightly stuck somewhere when i press the tip in (really not good for scoring.. ).

is there anything i can do to the tip?? can i file it down to make it fit or will this most likely damage the tip??

Ah, the "crunchy tip" problem. A couple of things you can try. There is probably debris in the barrel. I use a q-tip with solvent (usually just alcohol will do) and swab out the inside of the barrel. You can also drop the point in alcohol to see if that helps. Note that you don't want to stick the barrel into solvent too deeply, as this will soften the wire at the end of the blade. After that, you can put a very small amount of graphite in the barrel to lubricate the tip. Note that graphite is conductive, so too much will short the weapon.

If this is a brand new barrel and tip, it could be a manufacturing defect. Good luck.

[DHCJr]

As was said there could be a manufacturing problem. Look at the screw holes. When those are done there will be some burrs. Part of the process is to take out the burrs. Take a fine flat jewelers file to clean that up. Also since the barrel is older, you should also work on the barrel. Look at the groove. Does it appears to have nicks. Use a round jewelers file for the groove and a half-round for the inside at the groove. Look also for any dents that have gone to the inside and check that the new tip is round. Without a spring or the screws put the tip in and turn it and see if it catches at any point.