Random thoughts and questions

[Mark Knoepfle]

I made a clip bender off the plans on PAMPA and have run off about 16 clips of the "nominal" length. Should I make the others on the shorter side or the longer side? I'm hesitant to move the nut because I do not want to lose the "nominal" setting. I guess I could make a gauge block or measure and write down the distance but I lose notes and memories really quick.

My wife gave me my birthday present a couple of days early! I wondered why she gave me a DVD player for the laptop until I opened the box. Thank you Mr. Hunt. DeAnna said it was very nice talking with you. I am looking forward to watching these.

My son said he wanted to make a combat handle. I figured it would be okay. He is checked out on the scroll saw, drill press, and dremel with a sanding drum. What could go wrong?

See attached photos for full explanation of each topic.

[Mike Haverly]

As far as I know the original idea was to make the clip bending tool easily adjustable.  I can't even remember what "nominal" is.  Mine range from about 1" to 2".  Seems like a lot, but if your stuck at the field using different lines, or for whatever reason, you need flexibility.  That is assuming you are using a hard point handle.  Some of us use a piece of surgical tubing over the connector to preclude and problems.

[Dennis Toth]

Mark.
If you are using a standard cable handle then one length is all you need. If you are using or plan to use a hard point handle then you would need several sizes longer and shorter (say in 1/32" increments) to allow for neutral adjustment on the hard point.

Best,        DennisT

[john e. holliday]

It has already been said about the clip bender.  I kind of like your son's idea for a combat handle.  If  you PM me your snail I may have some thing for you.

By the way,  measure you bender and scribe the measurement on it

[Motorman]

If you want to remember your standard setting just gauge it with one of your standard clips.


MM

[Mark Knoepfle]

I was thinking CL combat. He was thinking trench warfare.  Ah well. At least I am getting him addicted to sawdust and making things.

Thank you for the clip ideas and the surgical tubing trick.

Mark

[Steve Helmick]

When I got my clip bender from Jim Lee, I made up clips with much enthusiasm, probably up to double length of the stock Sullivan and Brodak clips. Later found out it was not needed to make them more than about +1/4"...maybe +3/8" at first. Depends on how good you are at making up flying lines, or maybe how good you will soon become. Basically, I wasted a lot of wire making clips that are not likely to be useful.

I now always use three stock clips (Sullivan, probably, tho they seem to be identical except for finish) and one "custom", with the custom clip always being at the handle, which of course is a TED hard-point handle.  Steve

[Mark Knoepfle]

Thank you Steve. I'll keep the made up stock low until I get the hang of what is going on.

Mark