Modifying Craftool A104-2

[jettrash]

Hey folks.

I really like the Craftool Backgrounder A104-2, or 66104-22 depending on which name you go by.

But I would like one that is even smaller and I cant find anyone that sells a smaller version of that tool.

I've read a few threads here about customizing Craftools and I'd like to try it. One problem is I dont have access to a grinder.

Is this something that is possible to do without power tools? And if it is what would I need to do it?

Or should I take one to some tool & die place and have them do it?

Thanks.

[Tina]

Hey folks.

I really like the Craftool Backgrounder A104-2, or 66104-22 depending on which name you go by.

But I would like one that is even smaller and I cant find anyone that sells a smaller version of that tool.

I've read a few threads here about customizing Craftools and I'd like to try it. One problem is I dont have access to a grinder.

Is this something that is possible to do without power tools? And if it is what would I need to do it?

Or should I take one to some tool & die place and have them do it?

Thanks.

Hi,

I have modified the same tool, I was just using my dremmel with the sander to make it smaller, finished of by using a 600 grit sandpaper by hand... "Easy as apple pie" :-)

Edited April 14, 2009 by Tina

[Mike Craw]

In a class in Asheville, NC that I took with ArtS a couple of weeks ago, Pete Gorrell taught us how to modify some Craftools. He just used a fine milled file and some 600 and 1000 or 1200 emory cloth that you can get from auto body shops. If Art and I can do it, you know it ain't brain surgery!!

Mike

P.S. Sorry Art, I mean if I can do it...

Hi,

I have modified the same tool, I'm was just using my dremmel with the sander to make it smaller, finished of by using a 600 grit sandpaper by hand... "Easy as apple pie" :-)

[BearMan]

Hi,

Yep,,, that's the best thing to do, just like what Tina said. The only thing I'd add, is to burn off the chrome platting also. It's easy to do, & it makes the impressions quite a bit crisper. Ed

[jettrash]

Can you burn it off with a lighter?

[jettrash]

The Dremel Tool worked great for grinding it down. Thanks a lot for the advice.

[mendedbowl]

Hi,

Yep,,, that's the best thing to do, just like what Tina said. The only thing I'd add, is to burn off the chrome platting also. It's easy to do, & it makes the impressions quite a bit crisper. Ed

what's the safest and best way to remove the chrome platting?

thanks,

ken

[BearMan]

Hi Ken, Just a regular propane torch works fine. Just be careful to not get it too hot. Once you see the it's getting hot, just rub it with a fine wire brush, & the chrome will come right off. One point you need to be wary of,,, some of the newer tools, are made out of "sintered" metal, which melts at a very low temp. Sintered metal is made by compressing metal powder. So if you are going to do adapt a tool,,, it should be an older one. Ed

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

If you are going to remove the chrome with heat , do it outside in a well ventilated area. Chrome gives off some nasty fumes. Do not breath them.

[mendedbowl]

Hi Ken, Just a regular propane torch works fine. Just be careful to not get it too hot. Once you see the it's getting hot, just rub it with a fine wire brush, & the chrome will come right off. One point you need to be wary of,,, some of the newer tools, are made out of "sintered" metal, which melts at a very low temp. Sintered metal is made by compressing metal powder. So if you are going to do adapt a tool,,, it should be an older one. Ed

Hi Ed,

thank you for the for the quick answer.

I've got the torch, the wire brush, and a bunch of old craftools collected off of ebay that i'm looking forward to cleaning up.

and thanks for the warning Biggundoctor, i'll be sure to do it outside with adult supervision (another way of saying my son will be standing by with the garden hose, ready to put me out)

thanks,

ken