Parts for a Foil?

[Christul]

I know this sounds like a very "beginner" question, but what parts do I have to purchase to put together a complete electric foil? If anyone could list the parts needed, I would very much appreciate it.

[neevel]

Complete point with wire (unless you buy a blade pre-wired), blade, guard, socket, pad, spaghetti tubing, grip, nut, tip tape. It's best to order some spare springs and screws as well.

-Dave

[downunder]

you forgot the glue

[CarlKnoch]

And a lock washer

[Mergs]

What about the tools to put it together?

[Swordmaster]

There are a few things you will have to know before ordering/gathering up the parts to assemble your foil.
1. What length blade?
2. What brand of blade?
3. FIE or non-FIE?
4. Which point do you prefer - French, German, Chinese, Screwless...etc?
5. What size guard - 90,100,110,120mm.
6. What type of guard - Italian or standard?
7. What type of grip - French, Italian, or Orthopedic (pistol)?
8. What type of pad - Leather, felt or plastic?
9. What type of pommel nut - if French or Italian, insulated or un-insulated - it pistol grip, outside hex, inside hex or screwdriver slot?
It is best when ordering your blade, to either speak with the vendor about these requirements or have the help of a more experienced fencer, or instructor.
Putting together a good foil is more than just gathering parts. There are a lot of small details that if overlooked will effect the life of your weapon and the level of frustration you can have trying to fence with it. I suggest using the services of a good armorer to assemble your weapon, or atleast have him/her observe your procedure.
Best of Luck!
Scott

"Time sneaks up on you like a windshield on a bug."

[npkeith]

I'm just wondering -
Why do you want to build a weapon from scratch? If you are doing it for the learning experience, great, more power to you. However, if you want to build your perfect weapon, you are going to spend a lot of money.

I haven't looked at your profile, so I don't know anything about you, but your question suggests that you are relatively new to fencing (if you don't know all the parts of an electric foil, I'm guessing you've never owned one...). If thats the case, don't bother trying to build your perfect weapon, 'cuz you don't know what you want yet. I've been fencing 9 months (a rank beginner - I've never competed, and probably won't for a while yet) and I certainly have no idea what I want in a weapon, beyond what other people have told me. Consensus is that Ulhmann or german points last longer than Prieur or french points, but I haven't had any problems with the french point on my santelli epee so I don't know for sure. I upgraded to a russian grip about 2-3 weeks ago, but if you look at old posts here, I agonized for months over which grip to get.

I would say just get a starter set (weapon, lame, and body cord) from some reputable company (Santelli, Triplette, American Fencing Supply etc.) and fence with it for a while. after you you have had it for a while, then you will have a better idea of what you want or need.
Recoup some of your expenditures by selling the stuff you want to upgrade on the trading post forum or EBay, and buy better stuff.

Does that make sense?