After several years of using FC 5min epoxy to adhere tip tops, I now need to remove one. Is there a safe (no blank damage) method to do this?

Many thanks, Mike

heat with a propane torch and have someone else pulling the tip off with a piar of pliers. Once heated enough to break the bond it needs to be quickly removed to not damage the blank.

I also keep a bucket of room temp water nearby to quickly cool the tip back down so any residual heat does not affect it. I also HATE using 5min epoxy for tips.

Thanks Sean, sounds great - I really appreciate your help! Having a helper aid in this task makes a lot more sense than my original "heat, rotate, tug" plan. This one instance has changed my view of ever using 5min epoxy again for tips - it's tip top cement from now on! Thanks again, Mike

I have successfully used a paperclip in the tip top ring with a strong rubber band in the clip attached to the vise. Keeps heat from the rubber band. The judicious application of heat to the ring with tension on the rubber band and the tiptop pops off with the minimum amount of heat. Hope this helps.
Bill

I PUT A CANDLE IN MY LAP AND AFTER HEATING THE TIP A TAPE COVERED JAWS SO i DO NOT HARM THE RING OR GUIDE GIVE IT A LITTLE TWIST. CAREFUL, IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT OFF.

After thinking this--it is better to pull straight off.

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/13/2010 09:08AM by bill boettcher.

I have successfully used a paperclip in the tip top ring with a strong rubber band in the clip attached to the vise. Keeps heat from the rubber band. The judicious application of heat to the ring with tension on the rubber band and the tiptop pops off with the minimum amount of heat. Hope this helps.
Bill

Make sure not to use a twisting motion but instead pull off in a straight direction. Twisting could damage the blank causing it to crack or shatter at the tip.

7 years ago I wrote this: [rodbuilding.org]

Mike,
Take a look using the search feature tor "tip top removal" for an augmentation/amplification of Bill Jones' reply.
Good luck,
Bill

I used the rubberband/paperclip trick after reading about it on this board and it worked like a charm.

Many Thanks to all -- I appreciate each and every recommendation!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/13/2010 08:30AM by Mike Canavan.

I want everyone to know that I got the rubber band tip from Kerry"s post. I don't want to take credit for that. It works great. Thanks Kerry.
Bill

It happens that last week I removed a tip for the first time. It had been bonded with Rod Bond. I put a attached the tip to a cord which was tied to a door knob ... gently heated the ring with a bic lighter while pulling on the blank.. and the tip just separated with no fuss at all.

My pleasure Bill, it is all about sharing.