Mask Dent

[Greg]

I just noticed that my Uhlmann 350 F/E mask got a nasty dent from a recent epee meet. Its about a quarter inch deep just off center. The wire is not spread or broken and the mask is generally in pretty good shape. It's 4 years old. Can this be massaged out? Also, will it get DQ'd by the weapons check at the Nationals?

[Fechter1]

Apply rounded hammer to inside of mask (or apply hammer force through a rounded intermediary, such as a piece of wood). Repeat until dent is removed. Test mask with 12Kg punch, preferably in the previously dented area. Try to do this before a tournament, but with an experienced armorer.
Be prepared to spring for a new mask if it fails.

Whether the dent can be removed in such a way that the mask passes the punch test entirely depends on the dent.

Personally, I've removed several dents from my current mask, and never had it fail...

$.02

[brtech]

If it's big enough to catch a point, it won't be allowed. It can be pounded out.

If you can get a hammer on it from the inside, do it. Otherwise, we usually use a "dolly", like a body shop uses, on the inside, and hammer on the outside.

Come early to SNs and bring it by the armory. Ask nicely, and one of us will smooth it out for you. We're not going to do it when there is a big line.

[fencerbill]

I have found a trailer hitch ball to make an excellent tool for use with masks. They have enough heft to just hold in your hand and use. Support the mask, from the inside, with the ball under the dent, and tap with a hammer from the outside.

If you have any reservations about doing this, wait for an experienced armorer. Maybe you can find a mask ready to discard to practice on. The least amount of tapping that you do is better. It can be a little wavy but can't have a dent that could catch a blade.

[rdg]

I have found a trailer hitch ball to make an excellent tool for use with masks. They have enough heft to just hold in your hand and use. Support the mask, from the inside, with the ball under the dent, and tap with a hammer from the outside.

I like this idea. I always have a problem getting the ball peen hammer down in there.

Rep for sharing.

Sam

[brtech]

If you just gotta have a cool tool, this is the one to have:
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/show...roductid=11745
Small, fits in the mask easily, doesn't weigh much when traveling (50 lbs of tools doesn't go far)

[Purple Fencer]

If you just gotta have a cool tool, this is the one to have:
http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/show...roductid=11745
Small, fits in the mask easily, doesn't weigh much when traveling (50 lbs of tools doesn't go far)

Oooooooooo.....purdy!

*and ONLY an armorer would get hyped about a tool like that!*

[brtech]

Oooooooooo.....purdy!

*and ONLY an armorer would get hyped about a tool like that!*

Hey, I resemble that remark!

[Mergs]

Hey, I resemble that remark!

In your dreams!