Cutting flex shaft to length

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  • Shaun78
    Senior Member
    • Feb 2011
    • 416

    #1

    Cutting flex shaft to length

    Do i just use a dremel with cutoff wheel? Also says to solder the end, do i do this? Do I use regular solder? I tried that once on an older cable but solder didn't stick and I sanded it so I was asking if it's needed.
    Genesis (Bosncali Geico Beater) Leopard 4082 1500KV
    (63.7 MPH) Traxxas Spartan (same setup)
  • egneg
    Fast Electric Addict!
    • Feb 2008
    • 4670

    #2
    Yes and yes. Use an acid flux and a pistol type soldering gun. Regular solder is just fine.
    IMPBA 20481S D-12

    Comment

    • dasboata
      Fast Electric Addict!
      • Dec 2010
      • 3152

      #3
      I have good luck with silver solder and a touch just don't overheat and lots of flux

      Comment

      • Rumdog
        Fast Electric Addict!
        • Mar 2009
        • 6453

        #4
        You dont NEED to solder the cut end. I've personally never done it and have never had an issue. Just sand a chamfer on the end.

        Comment

        • Shaun78
          Senior Member
          • Feb 2011
          • 416

          #5
          Ok thanks guys
          Genesis (Bosncali Geico Beater) Leopard 4082 1500KV
          (63.7 MPH) Traxxas Spartan (same setup)

          Comment

          • HOTWATER
            Fast Electric Addict!
            • Nov 2008
            • 2323

            #6
            Make sure you use a fiber reinforced cutoff wheel...

            I know some people don't solder the cutoff end, but I always have (matter of opinion). I actually solder right where the cut is going to be first and then cut. I use Stay Brite solder and flux (comes with it) and a small butane pencil torch. And like Rum said, put a chamfer on the cut end....
            "Will race for cookies!"
            IMPBA D12
            My Gallery: http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/album.php?u=1738

            Comment

            • jingalls007
              Fast Electric Addict!
              • Mar 2009
              • 1015

              #7
              I've never soldered the cut end of the flex shaft. I use a fiber reinforced cutoff wheel as HOTWATER prescribed. High RPM setting on the Dremel seems to cauterize the end if you cut slow enough with a wood block as backing.

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              • martin
                Fast Electric Addict!
                • Aug 2010
                • 2887

                #8
                I now go one further & machine a new solid end that goes on the motor end of the flex, The same principle as the prop end where the flex goes into the solid prop shaft. The new solid piece is soldered where the flex goes into this piece, Flex just needs shortening because of the extra length this piece would add. The 2 coupling grub screws tighten down onto solid steel now with flats on it as well so cant come out either even if screws were to loosen which they havant. If you using very small flex ie 2.3mm you have to use the grub screw type of coupling that chew up the flex even if soldered as i remove clean & grease shaft every time ive been out, No such problems any more though. Martin.

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                • HOTWATER
                  Fast Electric Addict!
                  • Nov 2008
                  • 2323

                  #9
                  Originally posted by jingalls007
                  I've never soldered the cut end of the flex shaft. I use a fiber reinforced cutoff wheel as HOTWATER prescribed. High RPM setting on the Dremel seems to cauterize the end if you cut slow enough with a wood block as backing.
                  Like I said....It's a matter of opinion....
                  "Will race for cookies!"
                  IMPBA D12
                  My Gallery: http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/album.php?u=1738

                  Comment

                  • jingalls007
                    Fast Electric Addict!
                    • Mar 2009
                    • 1015

                    #10
                    Originally posted by HOTWATER
                    Like I said....It's a matter of opinion....
                    I was agreeing with your "fiber reinforced cutoff wheel" statement.. I think it's good advice.

                    Comment

                    • HOTWATER
                      Fast Electric Addict!
                      • Nov 2008
                      • 2323

                      #11
                      It's cool...I meant Soldering the cut end of a flex shaft is "a matter of opinion"....
                      "Will race for cookies!"
                      IMPBA D12
                      My Gallery: http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/album.php?u=1738

                      Comment

                      • gyrotron
                        Senior Member
                        • Jul 2012
                        • 481

                        #12
                        Originally posted by HOTWATER
                        Make sure you use a fiber reinforced cutoff wheel...

                        I know some people don't solder the cutoff end, but I always have (matter of opinion). I actually solder right where the cut is going to be first and then cut. I use Stay Brite solder and flux (comes with it) and a small butane pencil torch. And like Rum said, put a chamfer on the cut end....
                        Guys,

                        How do you put a chamfer on the cut end? What do you use to hold the flex before cutting in the first pace? Can you attach a picture?

                        Thx

                        Comment

                        • Old Sloppy
                          Harry from Atlanta
                          • Jul 2007
                          • 200

                          #13
                          I use a Dremel with a regular cut off wheel.
                          I have owned many flexcables, only one was ever soldered.
                          No failures due to not soldering, I have had many failures due to over application of torque with many lost props as a result......

                          Harry
                          60" Expresscraft SuperCat
                          (2) 2028 Castle motors 64.7 mph
                          10s3p with x450/3 props
                          15,000 mah 40c cells,

                          Comment

                          • kingwrench
                            Senior Member
                            • Sep 2011
                            • 193

                            #14
                            As most all have stated use a dremil with a fiber cut wheel, then using a belt sander chamfer the end, I have never soldered the cut end and do not see the need. I have loaded flex prop shafts to the extreme never had issues with the cut end not being tinned.
                            Top Gun 2011, "current problem" 88MPH. Top Gun 2014 "Marine One" 99 MPH. bet speed to date 125 MPH

                            Comment

                            • pescador
                              Senior Member
                              • May 2009
                              • 499

                              #15
                              I picked up some cable cutters I thought it was Grim that recommended them at some point. But it's just snip, sand the edges a bit and that's it. They look like this but I think mine are a knockoff.

                              Namba District 16
                              1/8 Miss U.S., 1/8 59 Maverick, 1/8 Executone, 1/8 Smokin Joes, MLGSX380, AC Pro40II Q Sport, AC Pro40II nitro,Twincraft mono 10s, Vision AOPC, VS1 FE, M34.

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