Cutting down a flex shaft...

[SpeedFreak_86]

Is there a proper way to cut a flex shaft down to size? I noticed the end seems to be welded, I was thinking of soldering the space I need to cut that way it doesn't try to unwind itself. Is this correct or no? Any help with this would be greatly valued, thanks.

Chris

[Heaving Earth]

Yup solder then cut with Dremel

[SpeedFreak_86]

Sweet deal, thanks!

[MAMBA2200]

do you have to solder i have seen some say that it weakens the cable???

[jim82]

I never solder mine i just cut it with a Dremel and never had any problems but hey may learn something new.

[stadiumyamaha]

I always solder mine after I cut then chamfer the end a bit. Just make sure the end is clean before soldering.

[MAMBA2200]

what are you using to solder ??? torch???

[1945dave]

You will find that there are those that are very firm and passionate about soldering the collet end and those that do not. Your question basically was first about the cutting issue. Cutting can be done with a cutoff wheel on a dremel without soldering the end first. Cuting through solder doesn't bring anything good to the party. As far as concerns about weakening the cable if you solder the end this can be an issue because of over heating and ruining the anealed state of the fragile wire stands. Also I am not a big fan of electrical solder on the end going into the collet. Reason is the electrical solder is not really very hard and when tightening the collet the soft solder can fill-in the gripping teeth and cause slipage. Most commercial flex cable would have silver solder on the ends because silver solder is hard and will not fill-in the grip surface. I have been running flex shafts for over 40 years and have done and used both methods successfully but for the most part I am very comfortable with not soldering the ends at all.

Dave

[expresscraft]

I build boats for a living sometimes 5 at a time for 20 plus years, no solder, no bad feed back,have fun.

[SpeedFreak_86]

So just cutting it and installing it is ok?

[Southwest]

Just my 2 cents; the cut-off wheel turns one way and am wondering if you cut with the wind of cable helps the cable not to unwind? This is a pro/con subject using setscrews comes into play and the number of setscrews used . Like i typed, my 2 cents!

[RandyatBBY]

Not soldering will only work for a little while if it is a shelf queen. Soft solder will compress and make the coupling too small and will work loose over a short time. Silver Brazing or hard soldering is the only way for long lasting flex cable ends.

[expresscraft]

guess I need to add my building has been in gas boats with 1/4" cables, might be different for small cables.

[SpeedFreak_86]

I'm using a 3/16 cable... Where can you find hard solder??

[stadiumyamaha]

Mamba
Im using a weller wd1 station