AF epee wire and LP barrels

[slow_learner]

Nothing came up in my search of the forum.

So, to rewire my epee that has an LP barrel, will the plug on the AF double-insulated wire fit the barrel?

If it does, can I use the LP plastic gizmo to set it in the barrel?

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by slow_learner

Nothing came up in my search of the forum.

So, to rewire my epee that has an LP barrel, will the plug on the AF double-insulated wire fit the barrel?

If it does, can I use the LP plastic gizmo to set it in the barrel?

In epee, the parts from the big manufacturers are -- for the most part -- compatible.

Just make sure, if your old wire had the spacer ring, that you get that ring out, or it won't seat down far enough.

[slow_learner]

Hmm--no ring. Just the black plug.

I queried AF, but all they could say was their wire fits German and French. Yet they also carry LP parts...

Thanks, PF

[Nolano]

I typically use whatever epee wire is handy for whatever blade. the majority of them will work in most points.

[slow_learner]

I'm still not clear on what is standardized in equipment parts and what is not. This helps.

Thanks

[SJCFU#2]

Originally Posted by slow_learner

I'm still not clear on what is standardized in equipment parts and what is not.

A few simple rules of thumb that might help:

Almost nothing is compatible between different types of foil tips (i.e. French vs German vs LP). In fact, sometimes parts from the same manufacturer aren't even compatible with one another (this is usually the result of lax quality control when work is subbed out to different machine shops from one year to the next - a complaint most often associated with French tips).

With epee tips on the other hand, almost everything is reasonably compatible (although not necessarily a perfect fit). The most notable exception is probably LP tip screws, which fit quite snugly into a French and German tip but leave a hole that will no longer hold a French or German tip screw very well. Also be aware of older-style French wires with a plastic ring that goes in the barrel underneath the plastic contact block (which was distinctly shorter than the contact blocks found on German, LP or even newer French wires). If you forget to remove that plastic ring prior to rewiring you may find that there isn't room to properly set the travel (assuming you can get the tip in there to begin with).

There are separate rules regarding thread-size for both foil and epee blades so at least in theory points from any manufacturer should fit on blades from any other manufacturer (but not between weapons). Unfortunately dies do wear down over time so it doesn't always work that way in the real world.

These days almost all pommels use a 6x1 metric thread. However every once in a while I still run across an old 12-24NC thread (that used to be Santelli's standard).

Guard sockets tend to be similar to points - in foil, a German type two-prong plug might fit into a French two-prong socket but it won't be a particularly snug fit and the retention system is likely to be all messed up. Meanwhile epee sockets tend to be much more tolerant (probably because there is a rule specifying the plug for the reel socket and most manufacturers choose to use identical plugs at each end of their epee bodycords). German three-prong plugs don't always get along with the retaining bail on LP epee sockets however this problem can usually be solved by sliding the rubber ball on the bail around to the side.

Bear in mind that these are all generalizations - you will occasionally run into the odd exception.

[erooMynohtnA]

Originally Posted by slow_learner

Nothing came up in my search of the forum.

So, to rewire my epee that has an LP barrel, will the plug on the AF double-insulated wire fit the barrel?

If it does, can I use the LP plastic gizmo to set it in the barrel?

I have used AF wires in LP barrels, using the LP setter. Worked fine.

[EldRick]

There's also a lot to be said for the fencing.net wire for LP points. They are soldered to the cup, and are higher quality wire than anything else available. Really good stuff for $.20 more.

Paul Plus Foil wire

And, BTW, the LP "point setter" is unnecessary, to say the least...

[DangerMouse]

Except that won't work well in his EPEE

[EldRick]

Good point...

[slow_learner]

Originally Posted by erooMynohtnA

I have used AF wires in LP barrels, using the LP setter. Worked fine.

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks.

[slow_learner]

Originally Posted by SJCFU#2

...
With epee tips on the other hand, almost everything is reasonably compatible (although not necessarily a perfect fit).

I've already found that out. Am trying to standardize on one brand and leave it at that.

German three-prong plugs don't always get along with the retaining bail on LP epee sockets however this problem can usually be solved by sliding the rubber ball on the bail around to the side.

Ha. Actually, closing the bail on my LP sockets onto an LP plug requires some persuasion. It feels like the bail will snap or pop out. Every time...

Bear in mind that these are all generalizations - you will occasionally run into the odd exception.

I am sure. That's why I posted.

Thanks for the info!

[twisterfencing]

Yes, a AF wire will fit just about anything. The inside diamater on all epee barrels is/are the same (almost) yet all wires (french,german and so on) will fit.

The AF wire will fit. Now, for the plastic point setter, this thing is made for the LP cup. On the AF wire, use the French point setter, fits just a tad bit better.

Gary Spruill

Originally Posted by slow_learner

Nothing came up in my search of the forum.

So, to rewire my epee that has an LP barrel, will the plug on the AF double-insulated wire fit the barrel?

If it does, can I use the LP plastic gizmo to set it in the barrel?

[slow_learner]

Originally Posted by twisterfencing

Now, for the plastic point setter, this thing is made for the LP cup. On the AF wire, use the French point setter, fits just a tad bit better.

Gary Spruill

I'll watch for that.

BTW--I ordered some wires from AF. Really excellent service. Quick and responsive. They seem to know their stuff, and they answered all my questions about product and shipping details.

[fencerchica]

Originally Posted by EldRick

And, BTW, the LP "point setter" is unnecessary, to say the least...

That was what I thought, too... until the one time that I was careless in setting the contact cup with my screwdriver and didn't get it seated evenly in the bottom of the barrel. The point setter guarantees the contact cup will be sitting nice and level, all the way in the bottom.