Calling Graflex experts: Rust? Converting a 4 Cell?

[tingjunkie]

Hey Guys,
I wasn't able to find specific answers by doing a search, so I could use some advice from the Graflex experts out there... I just picked up a really nice 2 cell on eBay for a great price which also came with a 4 cell tube. When adding this to another 3 cell I had found in the past, I am going to combine parts and make a Luke ANH, and possibly an ESB as well.

Question 1) The flashes have a little rust on the inside of the tubes and clamps, so I was wondering what i could do to make sure the rust is stopped and won't spread in the future? Perhaps apply some clear acrylic or clear nail polish to the inside? Any better ideas or products to use?

Question 2) Has anyone ever cut a 4 cell tube down to the correct 3 cell size? How did you (or how should I) go about it? What tools would I need to cut the tube to size and then cut the L shaped notches out?

Thanks in advance for any info or advice.

 

[franz bolo]

You can clean it first with some vinegar. Pour it in and let it sit for a while and it will take a lot of the rust off.

You can use electrolysis also! There is some rust neutralizer paint you can get that will stop things from rusting. It paints on black so you can only use it on the inside.

I cleaned a flash tube that was really rusty with vinegar and it came out really clean.

FB

 

[franz bolo]

Question 2) Has anyone ever cut a 4 cell tube down to the correct 3 cell size? How did you (or how should I) go about it? What tools would I need to cut the tube to size and then cut the L shaped notches out?

Use a Dremel tool and make a template, transfer the template and cut.

FB

 

[franz bolo]

Oh yeah!

http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=15162&highlight=rust

FB

 

[TheRealMcFly]

I am in the process of cutting down a 4 cell bottom now. I'm using a small jewlers saw... though its nothing more than a minature coping saw with a nice blade.

Originally I was going to cut the 4 cell bottom so it would join the clamp in the exact same way as the 3 cell. Still, those cuts are difficult and time consuming. Ultimately you will not see any of them, so you might as well cut the 4 cell to length and then use a dremel to cut some holes for the interior clamp notches. This is probably what I'll end up doing or I'll spend another year working on this thing.:lol

 

[p0sitr0nic]

Yeah, its all inside the clamp, so it doesnt matter really how it looks, as long as the tabs on the clamp fit in.

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

If the rust is just on the inside, I would clean off the rust with some rust remover, and then paint over the metal where the rust grew and you should be fine. As to cutting down the 4-cell bottom. You can use a 1-1/2" pipe cutter from Home Depot to do the shortening and then use a dremmel to cut out the L shapes. (You don't actually have to make the L shapes too perfect since they will be covered by the clamp).

Good luck

Dan

 

[tingjunkie]

Thanks for the advice folks. You guys are right- no reason to cut out a complex L shape notch when a straight one will do. Work smarter, not harder!

 

[motivealloy]

Ack, I'm going to pretend I didn't read that someone is going to destroy a 4 cell flash bottom. They are incredibly rare.

 

[tingjunkie]

Ack, I'm going to pretend I didn't read that someone is going to destroy a 4 cell flash bottom. They are incredibly rare.

I will happily trade it to you (or anyone else) for for one of those common, boring 3 Cell bottoms. :cool

Edit: Since I'm feeling generous, I'll even throw in a 2 cell bottom to sweeten the deal! Come on, you know it's your duty to stop me from destroying this piece of photographic history. What Would Ansel Adams Do? :angel

 

[Probe Droid]

I've had a buncha 4-cells, but only ever had and even seen a single 5-cell.

 

[tingjunkie]

I've had a buncha 4-cells, but only ever had and even seen a single 5-cell.

Funny you should mention that... Just went back to look at mine and it is a 5 cell, not a 4 cell. :$ Should I take it that 5 Cells are a pretty rare item?

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

You'll never get a straight cut with a dremel.

Use a plumers pipe cutter. Trust me. They are cheap, less then $20 for one that cuts up to a 2.5 inch pipe, and avaliable at most hardware stores.

 

[tingjunkie]

You'll never get a straight cut with a dremel.

Use a plumers pipe cutter. Trust me. They are cheap, less then $20 for one that cuts up to a 2.5 inch pipe, and avaliable at most hardware stores.

Good call, but now I'm rethinking cutting it if it's really that rare. :confused

 

[Prometheus]

So did you cut it?

 

[tingjunkie]

So did you cut it?

Haven't touched it yet. Might not now.

 

[modelcitizen]

are ye a cameraman or a saberbuilder?

 

[tingjunkie]

are ye a cameraman or a saberbuilder?

Both actually, but not the old school press cameras like Graflex. I like my sabers antique and my cameras cutting edge (puns intended :love).

 

[p0sitr0nic]

If you really dont want to cut the thing, just get some plumbing pipe, and an end cap off of Ebay. (they have Ep 3 Anakin style endcaps up there, maybe you could find something closer to a graflex)

 

[modelcitizen]

does the endcap stamp say Graflex or Folmer Graflex?