Cutting flex shaft to length

[Shaun78]

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.

[egneg]

Yes and yes. Use an acid flux and a pistol type soldering gun. Regular solder is just fine.

[dasboata]

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

[Rumdog]

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.

[Shaun78]

Ok thanks guys

[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....

[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.

[martin]

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.

[HOTWATER]

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....

[jingalls007]

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.

[HOTWATER]

It's cool...I meant Soldering the cut end of a flex shaft is "a matter of opinion"....

[gyrotron]

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

[Old Sloppy]

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

[kingwrench]

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.

[pescador]

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.