Open Flame in the Pits

[sanddrag]

Based on what I've seen from many teams, with regards to their work habits and work environment in the pits, I for one am completely in favor of the rule.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Based on what I've seen from many teams, with regards to their work habits and work environment in the pits, I for one am completely in favor of the rule.

Emphatically seconded

[D_Price]

Yep. Due to safety, insurance, and a million other things including common sense is why we have this rule

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

Emphatically seconded

[philso]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Based on what I've seen from many teams, with regards to their work habits and work environment in the pits, I for one am completely in favor of the rule.

^
|
Yes.


Try soaking about an inch long section with superglue. When the glue is set, cut the cord with a sharp implement.

[asid61]

We have a DIY nichrome wire cutter that cuts rope for us and cauterizes the end at the same time. Great tool.
Costs about $10 to make; just a power supply and nichrome wire.

[cadandcookies]

Yeah, uh, I'm going to agree with the majority here-- while there are some teams I would trust to safely have an open flame in their pits, I'm not sure I could say that about the majority or even many teams. Heck, I'm not sure I'd trust myself to be safe with fire in the pits, and I was a scout for almost ten years. Also, consider the many teams that have big, potentially flammable banners in their pits... In close proximity to other pits... Yeah, I like the no open flames rule.

[EricH]

And then there's the off-chance that somebody tries to fuse a rope that isn't plastic-type. Read: Is flammable, not meltable.


Not fun.

[ratdude747]

Originally Posted by Kevin Sevcik

Butane powered soldering irons are also good. They usually have a hot knife bit and a hot air bit that gets melting things hot. They get around the open flame rule since they're run off a catalyst once they heat up.

Still not legal as they require an open flame to start up. Otherwise, they'd be great for pit use.

[Kevin Sevcik]

Originally Posted by ratdude747

Still not legal as they require an open flame to start up. Otherwise, they'd be great for pit use.

Nope! They make piezo-electric self-starters now:
Weller Portsol PSI100K
Weller P2KC Pro Piezo Kit Cordless

I've got the PSI100K. You really think I'd mention them if they weren't 100% legal? I mean, provided you don't use them in flame-thrower mode.