Repairing a Cracked-Barrel Coles Slant

[Rob72]

I was a little unhappy when I received this- just another caveat emptor, watch the pics more than the words issue. in any event, it led to a touch of creativity (at least I think so).
The problem:

I tried pressing, heat stress relieving, then silver soldering. Worked fine, initially. Since the Coles neck is Zamak, however, it can't be turned, without opening it for aggressive oxidation, down the road. That left the choice of 1) reaming the barrel, for a looser epoxy-set press fit, or 2) trying to press the neck, as-is, and hope for the best. Looking at the barrel, reaming would have left too little material at the mouth of the barrel- drop it on the counter, and it snaps, sooooo, I tried a straight press. Oh, well.

 

[Rob72]

After some searching, I found a carbon fiber manufacturer that sells stray ends in packages, on ebay, various sizes. Happily, one set was exactly OEM with the Coles barrel. $12 later, I have about 9 times the CF tubing I need. Measured, zipped the end off with a diamond Dremel wheel (be sure to wear an N95 mask & goggles if you play with CF- its much worse than asbestos on the lungs), and checked my fit.

I wanted to keep the maker's mark/vintage tone with my razor, in spite of the Zamak, so I used a tubing cutter to take off the "Coles-Germany" stamped band at the base. Filed it flush, used 5 minute epoxy, and pressed the flush ends together. CF is more flexible, and "slicker" than brass, so I could actually press the neck in by hand. Again, CF is flexible, but retains its shape with considerable force. The head could be removed again, but not at all easily. Overall, I'm pretty happy. Its been 24 hours for te epoxy, so I may give it a run tonight!

One other note, this CF is a spun band, like an Ace bandage wrap, and has a high-gloss finish, and a perceptible barber-pole seam. If you wanted, you could smooth this, running fron 200 down to 1500 grit wet/dry paper. It gives a finish like mica, or smokey quartz. I left the seam for a touch of traction.

 

[Rob72]

FYI- the ID on the CF tubing is 0.375", OD is 0.447". If anyone has a New lying in pieces, I'm thinking some polished brass would go well with this- I'm searching. You might be able to sleeve a Tech, I don't have one, so I couldn't say.

 

[itsmedave]

Wow that looks fantastic!!!

 

[LegionPrime]

Damn! That is badass! I will HAVE to keep that in mind. Even on an old school razor that CF just looks awesome!

 

[Rob72]

Yes, and thank you! Something about that slant head just screamed for something a tad different, and the spiral CF flows just right.

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Great Job, Thanks for Sharing