Cable insulation stripper

[Philip Davies]

RGBarber’s cable insulation stripper has prompted me to offer my version. I’ve probably stripped miles with it, although it’s not 100% effective and while most of the time I can pull the insulation off in one pull, it can be annoying when it doesn’t!



This is an oak table leg, through which I have drilled different diameter holes to form the drawing dies, and to cut the insulation I have used hardpoint screws,2 each side for each die. Why 4 screws per die? To ensure that the cutter centres on the cable. The screws are very sharp and last a long time.
This is Mark IV. The first version used Stanley blades, but couldn’t adjust the depth.
However, adjusting the depth is rather hit and miss. Too hard and the copper comes out too ragged, too light and it doesn’t come out at all.
Of course, having drawn it through, I have to cut off the first inch to pick at it to get started, ( usually my teeth!!)
Lengths more than 4 yards often tangle.
It’s all a bit tedious, but better than burning it.
I know an engineer who has made a machine to do it, so perhaps there are plans on the Forum.
!