I Need An Epee Assembly/Repair Guide

[chinbeard]

I think of myself as pretty handy, so I'm thinking about maybe buying parts and putting together my own epee. Does anyone know of a good online and/or printed guide (preferably with pictures or video) for assembling and/or repairing weapons?

[Fencergrl]

I recommend Merg's book. I think Purple Fencer is selling it as an online book. The Leon Paul site also has a good armory section with clear pics.

[brtech]

Both the above are good suggestions; I think you will get a lot out of the pics at the LP site.

However, I really think you should get someone to show you how its done. Your coach, a fellow fencer, or any armorer can show you how to assemble a weapon.

Doing it from "book learning", no matter how good the book, is nothing like seeing it in person. Even better if they walk you through doing it, so you know how all the parts feel when they go together the right way.

If you buy a pre-wired blade, this will take 15 minutes tops if you do the work. 5 or 6 if an experienced person does it for you. If you are wiring the blade, add another 15 minutes if you do it, 5-10 if someone else does it for you.

[TBean]

The post above is absolutely correct. Learning how it is supposed to feel is difficult from a book.

Does your club have its own weapons or an armory? If so, ask whomever is in charge of those to spend an hour with them to learn how to put together a weapon. Bring the weapons you want to assemble and in turn for thier time offer to help with repairing some of the club weapons. You will learn valuable lessons on the different ways an epee (or foil) can go bad, how to diagnose the problem and the fix. It will be time well spent.

[Craig]

However, I really think you should get someone to show you how its done. Your coach, a fellow fencer, or any armorer can show you how to assemble a weapon.

Something for us to work on.

Craig

[FusionWhite]

epeeguide.pdf

I found this online and have found it fairly useful. I cant remember where I got it so please if you read this give all the credit to the author who obviously put lots of time into putting this guide together.

[Tydive]

Chinbeard,

Assembly of an Epee is very easy except for getting the right bend in the blade. You can damage or weaken a blade with an improper bend or trying to re-bend it until you get it right.

I highly recommend you watch an armorer do a few full blades and then do yours under his/her guidance. Reading the above mentioned books before the session is also a great idea. That way you can spend some time helping out as an armorers assistant to "pay" for your training. Most armorers enjoy teaching their craft, especially if the respectful purchase of a favorite libation is offered.