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Post by schlager7 on Nov 21, 2005 14:15:58 GMT -6
While refereeing at the last RYC, I saw a couple of fencers using a new version of a screwless tip that shows orange plastic if you look where screws would be. www.zipfencing.com/Who makes this and can any armorers give out their opinions on this? (My other observation from the RYC is that I LOVE the new CLEAR pads under the bellguards that are turning up!)
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Post by Parry Nine on Nov 22, 2005 0:54:52 GMT -6
Oh, yeah!
As a referee, I LOVE the screwless tips and I think I'll be giving the clear bell pads out next year for Halloween. The fencers I've talked to about the tips is that they like 'em too. The only bad thing, they're expensive. I'm trying to convince our armorer to get those for our club weapons.
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Post by JEC on Nov 22, 2005 1:18:08 GMT -6
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Post by swordmaster on Dec 30, 2005 0:16:02 GMT -6
I have seen several of these tips now since there official debut in Miami. Most failures were severe (total end separation). As with any epee tip, the style of the fencer does make a difference when it comes to the longevity of the tip. I wouldn't suggest anyone use a working point on a dummy, unless you just want to shorten the life of your point. As far as the orientation of the screw slots, it does seem to make a difference with the ZipTip. One great thing about the Estoc and Schremasport Screwless points is that there are no orientation issues. As far as the Estoc being expensive, the point with wire lists for $20 and the replacement tip (which comes with a contact spring) costs $10 - the same as the disposable ZipTip - without a contact spring. I know that there are several armorers who say that the Schremasport is the best, but I disagree. While it may have a longer period of contact adjustment, it is no easy task for the non-experienced fencer to setup this point and the ultimate life of any point is the life of the wire. Read the assembly instructions sometime on Negrini's website. You have to "file" of additional solder on the tip of the wire so as to insure a flat surface of the correct thickness. Then the post on the tip must be filed to the correct length so that it passes the small shim test - Oops! you have over filed the post, now what do you do?? Sorry you can't get replacement parts for the tip, you must purchase a complete tip. Then there is the special wire, with a center contact and a ring which is connected to the other contact wire encircling the center contact. How many vendors carry these replacement wires in your area? American Fencer is the only one. Some highly experienced armorers have a few of them. In contrast, the Estoc screwless epee point can be assembled by any epee fencer who can successfully install a regular point. It doesn't require a special wire and you can use standard springs (although I have found that the ones which are sold with them work the best.) The one "trick" to completing the installation is that once you have set the contact spring it is a good idea to "set it" with a tiny bit of super glue. This keeps the contact spring from creeping off of the adjustment stud and helps lock the retaining ring that holds the point together. Another thing I have discovered is that the Estoc and Schremasport barrels are interchangeable. So if you have some Schremasport barrels and would like to try and easier screwless point to assemble and maintain, then just buy the Estoc Tip. As far as the contact spring type that you should use on the Zip-Tip, I asked the manufacturer what style he had chosen as the best for his point and I was told, "We picked a size that would work with both French and German contact springs." I sorry, you either have one thread pitch and diameter or another. You would think that since that don't come with one that they would have pick one style or the other. The only thing I think the Zip-Tip would be good for is quick strip side fixes for contact spring failure or striped screw holes. Not for long term use or permanent replacement of a regular point.
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Post by bonemeister on May 1, 2006 19:55:30 GMT -6
i have an estoc screwless foil point and while at first it was great but now every time i go to use it it just starts to white light!! i have to continously readjust it. i cant even use it in a tournament anymore because it lasts about two touches. if anyone knows how i can fix more permanently i would appreciate it!!!
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Post by MTD on May 1, 2006 20:55:02 GMT -6
i have an estoc screwless foil point ... just starts to white light!! i have to continously readjust it. ... What do you "continuously readjust" to get the white light to go away?? Have you ever had an opportunity to measure it while it is malfunctioning, e.g., using an ohmmeter to measure the resistance between the B line connection at the guard and the front of the tip? Knowing the result of a test like that could cut in half the possible problems.
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Post by Terry Armorer on May 2, 2006 17:21:29 GMT -6
Several items to look at before this becomes a re-wire job. There is nothing particularly exotic about these points. 1) First check the tightness of the grip and bellgaurd. 2) Next check to make sure the sockets are tight...sometimes these work loose and can cause an intermittent light when the blade is struck or bent. 3) Check the tightness of the barrel. 4) Next fully service the point with a new pressure spring and cleaning every surface of the point well with isopropyl alcohol. Pay particular attention to the contact surfaces of the tip and spring...use a very fine 800-1500 grit sandpaper to rough it up for better contact if necessary also make sure the spring seats properly in the cup. While you have it apart tap the barrel on the floor, if the contact falls out then it's a broken wire and you'll have to re-wire. If you need anything else you can call me at 713-956-7050. I am putting the final draft together for a 2 1/2 day intensive armory boot camp to be held mid June before I leave for nationals and to finally get myself moved to North Carolina...watch for the details on this site as soon as everything is finalized.
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dhcjr
Contributor
Posts: 15
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Post by dhcjr on Jul 11, 2007 13:11:54 GMT -6
I am afraid the Zip Tip as well as the screwless tips are now illegal in FIE competitions. M.5 has been changed.
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