...cut flex cable?
 

Does someone have tips / advice for the best way to cut flexible throttle cable for a 1/2a Herr cub w/Norvel .061? I have read several RC magazine recommendations about the BB Tools classic cutter. Does anyone have these cutters ...do you like them? I just haven't had much success cutting these flexible cables without unraveling or fraying them; probably because of the standard wire cutters I use.

Thanks,
Steve Hord

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

I solider the area I am cutting and use sharp cutters. I have also used shrink tube to hold the strands in place.

Dru.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Definitely solder-fill then cut. Saves all kinds of hassles with frayed ends.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

You can cut it with a sharp chisel on a vise anvil without fraying, but I prefer to solder the area to be cut like the others recommended.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

I solder first then cut on the bench grinder or a dremel cut-off disc.

Ed S

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Soldering first definitely prevents fraying, but in some cases can also prevent the cable from easily fitting through a small opening. In those cases I find a Dremel cut off wheel, used carefully, will work.
Dennis-

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Micro Mark, Item #82477. Indispensible!!

http://www.micromark.com/

Les

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Wrap the cut point with masking tape in the opposite direction of the cable's twist looking from the end you will be using), and use a cut-off wheel. Set it up so you cut through at the center of the tape.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Solder, cut to desired length, taper file end

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

TLH101,
I really hope you are not using a wood chisel to cut cable on a vise, it'll send metal chips flying at a really high rate of speed.

Wrap it in tape and use a sharp pair of diagonal cutters.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

LOL, everyone has their own version. Me too! I just use very sharp high quality dykes. Doesn't unravel, and then I solder the end. I chuck it up in my cordless drill and use sandpaper to smooth it down.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Compound cutters. The cut music wire to 3/16 like butter.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/Pro.a...e=snapon-store

Second choice is a Dremmel with a cut-off wheel.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

B/B
Why do you persit in presumeing everybody is too stupid to be a modeler. Why would anyone try to cut metal with a wood chisel?:eek:

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

A guy whose been building for years, taught me, as stated above, to solder the end then cut and file smooth. Works great! BTW I'm going to start building the same Herr 1/2 A J3 Cub. I bought the same engine too. Looks like a nice kit. How's your build going? It looks like a fairly straight forward build, but, any advice/tips on the kit would be appreciated.
Joe

One more question, did you get the Grish Tornado prop, if so where did you find it?
Thanks!

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Well, all of my screwdrivers are too blunt!

Ed S

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Maybe because they are too stupid to spell "persist" or "presume".

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Cheap shot :eek: The spell checker is a PITA to use, which has been "temporarily" not fully functional. Gee,,, I hope I spelled everything correctly :D Don't want to get scolded [&:] Stay on the subject :eek: and don't worry about how people spell, please... its a BB, punctuation and speeeeelllllinkk are "optional".
Joe

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Sorry, I am not as "PERFECT" as B/B, I am just a normal person who does spell wrong at times. I guess I should try to rise to his pedestal.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Well I couldn't find the flux last time I was going to cut the cable and the solder did not stick.

So I heated the loaction where I wnat to cut from with a small butane torch to red hot for 30 seconds and then cut it with dremel. It was easy and intact. plus putting through the plastic housing was easy as there was no thickness of solder.

Heating to red hot might have strength issues but you really don't need strength at tha 1/4" section of the cable.


edit: spell

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Strange how times change. Back in those long ago days before spell checkers we had a thing called a "dictionary" with which one could determine the proper spelling of a word, and even if it was the appropriate word, unlike these modern things. At that time, of course correct spelling was considered not only important to concise communication, but an indication of the education of the writer and his attention to detail. The matter was given such emphasis that people were actually taught to spell with no outside assistance at all! Imagine that.

Another quaint attitude prevalent at the time was that exchange of insults indicated a lack of maturity and if done anonymously was cowardly.

People sure had some strange ideas back then.

jess

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

And the correct use of punctuation. A mislocated period or comma, or lack of same, can alter the meaning of an entire sentence. Sometimes the whole paragraph. Then the poster gets all upset :( when the responses aren't what was expected, or are not forthcoming at all because noone can decypher what was said. Of course a fourth-grade spelling level doesn't mean they can't graduate from college:eek:...If they can play Varsity sports.;)

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Why don't you guys lighten up ? This is supposed to be a fun , relaxing hobby.
This fellow was just asking a simple question about a cable.

tommy s

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

I Tootallly Aggreea :D
sooorrryy stilll at kintergarten levell

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

I was going to drop it and let THL have the last word but since it keeps getting off track....

I suppose I instigated this with my reply regarding what type of chisel to use because some out there just might read the post and use a wood chisel. THL took my comment way to personal and flamed me for it. I would recommend to him and everyone else to not take things so personal especially when they do not clearly defame your character. I did blast him in return for what was clearly a slander of my character as I never pass up an opportunity to do so, if you've been on RCU for a while you know what I'm talking about. So THL can have the last word now as I'm done with this thread as long as nobody casts aspersions my way.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

At least you spelled everything correctly :D OK I'm done being a smart *ss He got the answer to his question, and that's the most important thing. IMO [&:]

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Bum, I fail to see where THL flamed you. Maybe you should re-evaluate your sensitivity level.

I'll admit, you've got a knack for turning things around and trying to make it seem that your posts are simply informative comments. I mean, we've all gotta' get off on something, right? I'm sure many members read your replies and recognize the useless sarcasm involved, but few are willing to confront you, or the issue, because that' not what they're here for.

You see, you may believe that your righteous replies are witty, clever and cute; and that's O.K., if that's what makes you happy, but don't expect everybody to take what you say in a non-personal manner.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Hey my momma didn't warn me about you but I am really glad to see you hear. Seems to me you are in touch with the realities here already. A breath of fresh air...hope you stay around.

Welcome

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

I have one of the BB Tools Classic Cutter that I got at Toledo last year. It cuts music wire and stranded cable much better than diagonal cutters or cut off wheels. I would recommend it. I have also soldered stranded wire and cut with a cut-off wheel which works OK, but soldering can be a mess.

Dave Gell
For years ago I couldunt speel Enganeer, Know I are one.
:D

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Well if you want to talk specialty tools try Felcos found [link=http://www.felcostore.com/order1.jsp?code=F-C7&referer=othertools.jsp]HERE[/link] I use them at work all the time but figured most modelers won't want to spend the money for a seldom used tool.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

BB:

Isn't that the tool Saddam picked up to trim dissident fingernails? Back to the first joint?

Haw.

Bill.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

So your first post on RCU and it's to give me a hard time? You seem to have been doing some reading to come up with that, I'm flattered. So is that "what your here for"?

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

I have lots and lots of cutters. Dunno, just ended up with them after many years as a mekanik. Anyways, the compound type are way overkill for the cable used in throttle controls and would actually make a dull cut because thay are intended for much thicker gauge wire rope.

I have to cut cable for the "bellcords" used in buses. It is about 3/16" thick and coated in plastic. A good pair of dykes will cut it but it takes a strong hand which I have. However, the compound cutters do it almost without trying, the leverage is so good. But the jaws of the compound cutters I have would actually look dull under a magnifying glass instead of pointed in comparison to the size of the cable (Dubro) used in throttle controls.

These are the compound cutters I use and are the smallest versions this company (Knipex) makes:Here

But I find I use these more often because they are one-handed:
Here

I also have Snap On; MAC; Craftsman; no name China; etc. The best thing to use is a sharp pair. You can sharpen your dykes using a file.

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

Cutting flex cable: For years I have been lightly tinning the area to be cut then I use a Dremel cut off wheel, just go slowly and without a doubt wear eye protection. Bill

RE: ...cut flex cable?
 

the best way to cut bowden cable is this-clamp the cable between 2 pieces of wood such as pine or ply then cut straight through with a fine toothed hacksaw,voila! a perfect cut every time.