Testing a wire before assembly

[LTranter]

IN THEORY:
Should a wire ready for assembly into a foil test correctly with one test clip on the wire and the other on the bare blade? I can't think of anything really different about the connections between this and with the wire glued in place.

L

[Aussie_Fencer]

As far as I am aware that should work. Just don't leave it like that :P

[SJCFU#2]

Should a wire ready for assembly into a foil test correctly with one test clip on the wire and the other on the bare blade? I can't think of anything really different about the connections between this and with the wire glued in place.

Maybe if the tip has already been assembled (something I don't recommend assembling prior to gluing - Murphy's law dictates that would be the one time the glue ran into the tip and really messed things up).

Without the tip installed there should be pretty close to zero resistance between both ends of the wire (as well as the contact sitting in the plastic cup), and infinite resistance (or at least several Mega-ohms) between the wire and the blade. Anything else and you have a problem.

The one instance I've heard of where gluing could make a difference would be when using a water-soluble glue. The solvent in the glue can soak through the fabric insulation of the wire and cause a temporary short between the wire and blade. However the short should go away once all the solvent has evaporated (which can take a couple of days in an extremely humid environment).

[LTranter]

Okay, I may be redundant here, but I just want to clarify. If I am testing a weapon preassembly, wire and blade, I should have an infinite reading.

But when assembled, shouldn't I get 3 ohms or below 'at rest' and then infinite when the tip is depressed? Gee, I'm getting depressed LOL

L

[fencerbill]

That is one way I test during rewiring. I also do a weight test at this stage.

[fencerbill]

Okay, I may be redundant here, but I just want to clarify. If I am testing a weapon preassembly, wire and blade, I should have an infinite reading.

But when assembled, shouldn't I get 3 ohms or below 'at rest' and then infinite when the tip is depressed? Gee, I'm getting depressed LOL

L

You are correct.

With no tip in place, test leads on wire and blade = infinite.

After tip assembled, test 2 ohms or less (Rule M.5 requires less than 2 ohms for the entire weapon after assembly).

After tip assembled, infinite resistance when tip depressed.

[twisterfencing]

LTranter;713340

You are correct.

Better question yet, why would anyone ever rewire a blade without assembeling the tip before gluing the wire in place anyway?

For those of us that have rewired too many to count blades, there is nothing more frustrating than having a dead wire after gluing it into place. Feel like an idot kind of thing.

Even on my octapus, I have a lead just to do this test. Simple in make up, two small wire clips (one black for "A", one red for "B") and a aligator clip for the "C" line.

For foil, simply connect the red small wire clip (B) line to the wire, and the alagitor clip(C) to the blade and set the tip. You can test it for weights, fasten the screws and your ready to go when the glue dries.

For epee, use it after you pull the wires, set the black small wire clip (A) and red (B) to the two wires and set your tip. Check it for travel and weight. Once your done, glue it up and your ready to go!

Here is an easy way to make one of these test cords. Buy a cheap epee cord (you know the $12 ones). Cut one end off the body cord. Peel the three wires apart about 6 inches back. Solder a black pomona 3781 (http://www.pomonaelectronics.com/pdf...k5523_1_01.pdf) to the "A" line, the same as above yet in red to the (B) line and and simple 20amp Muller aligator clip to the "C" line (http://www.mouser.com/Search/Product...m%252brg%3d%3d). Then your ready to go with either foil of epee.

Gary Spruill

IN THEORY:
Should a wire ready for assembly into a foil test correctly with one test clip on the wire and the other on the bare blade? I can't think of anything really different about the connections between this and with the wire glued in place.

L

[brtech]

LTranter;713340

You are correct.

Better question yet, why would anyone ever rewire a blade without assembeling the tip before gluing the wire in place anyway?

Because the incidence of glue running into the tip and making the job a complete point write off is more prevalent with some armorers (and would-be do it yourself types) than bad wires?

[Purple Fencer]

LTranter;713340


For those of us that have rewired too many to count blades, there is nothing more frustrating than having a dead wire after gluing it into place. Feel like an idot kind of thing.

PREACH IT, brother!!!

Because the incidence of glue running into the tip and making the job a complete point write off is more prevalent with some armorers (and would-be do it yourself types) than bad wires?

Since I started tacking down about 1" on each end with the gklue and accelerant, I haven't had that problem...there's enough residual accelerant to stop any new glue running toward the top (which is why I do it)

[twisterfencing]

brtech:

You are once again correct. I foget to factor in that most do not know that superglue (CA) will sickel up a wire and,,,defies all forms to the law of gravity and,,,that most do not know that using superglue (CA) lesser is better and,,,when gluing a blade, keep your tip pointed up towards the sky most of the time and,,,,last but not least factor I forgot is: the stupid factor. Reason I know about the stupid factor is because I have done it myself .

Gary Spruill

Because the incidence of glue running into the tip and making the job a complete point write off is more prevalent with some armorers (and would-be do it yourself types) than bad wires?