440: Wind instrument mast cable run frustrations.

[Phoenician]

I'd be very interested to learn how you were able to insert the dremel 30 cm above the step. Did you take pictures by any chance?

Clearly, you are very agile with your fingers!!!

Congrats on the new cables :-)

[2Wind]

My dremel has a motor unit from which a flexible drive extends to the bit. The diameter of the bit is about 1.2cm. I cut a 1.8cm hole just above the existing cable exit hole on the leading edge of the mast. By taping the end section of the flexible drive unit to the long sturdy metal rod, I could control the dremel when it was deep inside the mast, cutting the access hole in the conduit which lay directly on the opposite side of the mast. The only vision was via the camera, which was able to be passed through the existing hole just below the dremel port. I will have to bung or cover the new access hole as it is now no longer required.

No picture, but should have in retrospect.

[Phoenician]

Thanks for the info, might come in handy if I ever have to drill a hole in similar circumstances. And Kudos for your skills, I guess the "brain surgery" comment should be taken only half in jest :-)

[FXbyLou]

Thanks for sharing! I have the very same problem with my 53' Annapolis Spars mast: electronic cables stuck, eventually removing the mast (about time to sand and remove all crud before re-painting same) for servicing. Mast down and still not able to pull the old cables from withing the conduit. I do not see removable access ports at top of mast, nor spreaders. I've lubricated will all imaginable concoxions with no luck. I'm in Acapulco, with very limited technical resources here, awaiting one of those scope cameras purchased on eBay- problem is length of cable- anyone know of a provider for the scope cable needed= 53'
I'm afraid to winch the cables and doing more harm... i'm thinking a cable relief web inside, maybe?