rewiring foil blades

[jld]

Hi,

I have to rewire my foils & put new tips but I have never done it b4.

Just wanted some advice on what I should & shouldn't do.

What glue can I use.

Any info is appriciated.

THNX

[Craig]

Check this:

http://www.fencing.net/about/armory/wiring-blades.html

Craig

[jld]

thnx 4 the info

[SJCFU#2]

First find someone who knows what they're doing to walk you through the first time.

Then consider getting a copy of Merg's "Care and Feeding of All Things Fencing".

One thing that can't be stressed enough - clean the blade thoroughly before gluing the new wire down.

[jld]

ok, thnx

[melensdad]

First find someone who knows what they're doing to walk you through the first time.

Then consider getting a copy of Merg's "Care and Feeding of All Things Fencing".

One thing that can't be stressed enough - clean the blade thoroughly before gluing the new wire down.

Your first bit of advice is GOLDEN and that is how I learned. The link provided in post #2 makes the process sound more complicated than it is but it is very complete.

I'm going to have to see if I can find a copy of the book you mention. I'm looking for a simple guide to repairs to keep as a reference.

[Purple Fencer]

I'm going to have to see if I can find a copy of the book you mention...

Send a PM to Mergs.....it's his book.

[Mergs]

Your first bit of advice is GOLDEN and that is how I learned. The link provided in post #2 makes the process sound more complicated than it is but it is very complete.

I'm going to have to see if I can find a copy of the book you mention. I'm looking for a simple guide to repairs to keep as a reference.

See my signature line.

[SJCFU#2]

I'm going to have to see if I can find a copy of the book you mention. I'm looking for a simple guide to repairs to keep as a reference.

It may not be the simplest but it's certainly the most comprehensive (and arguably the best). And if for some reason you don't want to order a copy directly from the author (Mergs) or his original distributor (Purple Fencer) I believe it's also available from the Fencing.net store and from Absolute (and possibly a couple of others by now - seems like everyone is starting to sell it these days).

Others you might consider (assuming you want to build a library) would include Rudi Volkman's ELECTRIC FENCING EQUIPMENT, Chris Green's HOW TO BE AN ARMORER WITHOUT LOOSING YOUR SANITY (although it's probably too late for most of us), Ted Li's YOU CAN DO IT - ARMORING video, the ABC ARMORING BASIC CLINIC video, the ASK THE EXPERT: ARMORY section of Fencing.net (where Dave Nevel's guide to rewiring is posted) and the ARMORY section of Leon Paul's web site (I've repeated that list so many times over the years that I feel like I should just make it my signature line).

[Craig]

I'm going to have to see if I can find a copy of the book you mention. I'm looking for a simple guide to repairs to keep as a reference.

Here's the link to the book on Fencing.Net: The Care and Feeding of All Things Fencing

[chase]

Just have an armorer do it. You really only save a couple of dollars in the end if you do it yourself, plus it's a big pain in the butt and takes all kinds of time.

[RebelFencer]

Just have an armorer do it. You really only save a couple of dollars in the end if you do it yourself, plus it's a big pain in the butt and takes all kinds of time.

Once you've done it a couple times, then it doesn't hurt anything having an armorer do it. Fencers should be mostly self sufficient in terms of weapons repair (not to say that I don't need help sometimes, but basic stuff like rewires should be learned).

[chase]

Once you've done it a couple times, then it doesn't hurt anything having an armorer do it. Fencers should be mostly self sufficient in terms of weapons repair (not to say that I don't need help sometimes, but basic stuff like rewires should be learned).

But whenever something breaks, there's always an armorer around so there's not much point in learning that stuff unless you want to be one.

[Purple Fencer]

Responding to Chase (since I saw the quote)...as Matt Porter at American Fencers told me when I was just starting out...once you wire your first 1000 blades, it gets easy.

It only takes a long time if you're trying to figure it out on your own. My first foil rewire (my own blade) took me about 2 hours just because I was stumbling my way through the process. Today tho, if I was going from grinding the wire out to finished assembly...15 minutes or so for foil (depending on how long it takes for me to grind the wire and let the blade cool down). Epee's about the same (easier to grind the wire on an epee)...it's the tip travel that's the deciding factor there.

My record was 5 minutes for a new epee...but that also had the blade already being clean and the contact spring happened to be the correct length, so that took a lot of time out of it.

[melensdad]

But whenever something breaks, there's always an armorer around so there's not much point in learning that stuff unless you want to be one.

Well I think that it is always a good thing to be aware of how to do things even if you don't do them on a regular basis. My daughter does not build rifles or fix her saber, but she can break down an AR15 and she will be taught how to replace her saber blade. When she gets her driver's license she will not be allowed to drive until she can change a tire. And she knows how to reasonably cook a basic meal despite the fact that there are drive through windows staffed with minimum wage workers more than willing to hand sacks of food through the window.

So I guess I tend to disagree with your logic.

I can tear down an antique tractor, put tracks on a snowcat, and replace the plug wires on a car, even if I usually rely on others to change the oil or do repairs to my daily driving vehicles. I guess I just think it is wise to KNOW as much as possible even if you don't actually DO the work.

[DangerMouse]

But whenever something breaks, there's always an armorer around so there's not much point in learning that stuff unless you want to be one.

No there isn't. If you think there will always be an armorer willing to fix your equipment, you really haven't been fencing long.

[RebelFencer]

But whenever something breaks, there's always an armorer around so there's not much point in learning that stuff unless you want to be one.

Not true. Your inexperience shows.

[Purple Fencer]

No there isn't. If you think there will always be an armorer willing to fix your equipment, you really haven't been fencing long.

Indeed...2 of the 3 the divisions I go to (SoCal and San Bernardino) never really saw an armorer or even a remotely regular basis until I started going out. Orange Coast has Don Clinton at almost all the events. The scholastic league had Carl Oberg for a long time, and the Collegiate has have Dave Clarke and Dane Burgess for a long time....but many divisions probably don't ever seen an event armorer but infrequently.

[melensdad]

Not trying to DEFEND or REFUTE anyone in this thread but it is interesting to see all the reply that are refuting Chase.

I simply have to wonder if it depends on the area or perhaps the level of fencing? At almost every High School event that my daughter attended this season there has been an armorer on hand, typically one at a table at the tournament and often several team armorers. Now a simple dual meet would not have an official armorer but might well have armorers from 1 or both teams present. I know we have fixed weapons for other schools fencers when needed.

My daughter has only fenced at one college/open event that I can recall, I don't believe there was an armorer at that event.

So could it be that at the level Chase is competing has armorers, just as my daughter's competitions have them at most events? Just curious.

[Purple Fencer]

Chase is a troll....ignore him.

There's ALWAYS a point to learning basic armory....when there's only one guy there (if at all), trust me...he gets swamped VERY fast.

It's the FENCER'S responsibility to make sure his gear is in working order...don't depend on an armorer to give a quick fix between your pool bouts if he's hip deep in work for others who got to him first.