On Mon, 12 May 2008 08:28:23 +0100 "N_Cook" wrote:

So what is the best mechanical technique?

For this finest wire I've only used a single-sided action of fine emery
against a finger.
As an experiment, later today, I will fold some fine emery, stick a piece of
paper either side of a clear space on one flap of the emery, to reduce the
grabbing effect of double-sided action with no spacers. Tie the 40/45 wire
to a spring guage and try double-sided stripping of the wire and see what
the axial forces are, to get down to clear copper.

I've never tried the one-sided approach, but it's worth testing. Just
don't forget to char the enamel first, because I think that's the key
to making it come off easily.

I suspect that even those who are used to chemical stripping will find
this method to be faster and less hassle. There is some risk of fire,
but less than lighting a cigarette, and I prefer to keep the nasty
stripping chemicals out of my lungs.

-
-----------------------------------------------
Jim Adney
Madison, WI 53711 USA
-----------------------------------------------