peter.draper 0 #1 October 7, 2011 all of our domestic skydiving is done in the desert, and usually at makeshift dropzones set up for the day. The sand is gritty and often finds its way into the rigs. Following the discovery of the lead shot ball in the Argus cutter we decided to implement a new stage in our rig inspection and blast compressed air through the cutters to make sure no crap was in there that could foul the cutter operation. Just thought I'd share........ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
holie 0 #2 October 7, 2011 Quote... we decided to implement a new stage in our rig inspection and blast compressed air through the cutters to make sure no crap was in there that could foul the cutter operation. Just thought I'd share........ Hey Peter, why did my engineering teachers told me all the time not to do things like cleaning our machines by blasting compressed air? --> e.g. the dust would be blown between the dovetail guide and that would cause a lot of friction and wear or even blocking. So if you blow the sand it will be blown into the cylinder between the cylinder wall and the blade wich can cause other error ... What's your experience or opinion about that? Holger Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linestretch 0 #3 October 7, 2011 I almost always just vacuum out the rig. I think mainly to keep all this shit off my living room floor.my pics & stuff! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RIGGER 0 #4 October 7, 2011 I would ask the AAD Mfg. for his opinion on that process. They might have a different method for the cutter hole cleaning or does / does not improve the air cleaning. Be Safe !!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captain_stan 0 #5 October 7, 2011 Quotewhy did my engineering teachers told me all the time not to do things like cleaning our machines by blasting compressed air? --> e.g. the dust would be blown between the dovetail guide and that would cause a lot of friction and wear or even blocking. So if you blow the sand it will be blown into the cylinder between the cylinder wall and the blade wich can cause other error ... My years of experience in the machine tool trade cause me to agree with you. Maybe the mfr. will have some advice. I haven't yet found a fouled cutter assy, but an alternative method would be using a "pipe cleaner." This is the disposable, fuzzy, bendable wire tool used for cleaning out smoking pipes and available at drug stores. I keep these on hand for cleaning out small holes in precision instruments, sewing machines, firearms, etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter.draper 0 #6 October 7, 2011 that advice (to use the air) came from the aad manufacturer..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RIGGER 0 #7 October 8, 2011 So you good to go. Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 561 #8 October 8, 2011 Reference your second photo ... I have seen similar dirt, sand, grit, etc. inside rigs jumped in the Southern California desert. The first stage of cleaning involves vacuuming out the worst of the dust. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter.draper 0 #9 October 9, 2011 absolutely! "Shake and Vacuum" - I bought one of the smaller handheld car vacuums, it works really well! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
