Official Pioneer Owner’s Club!

[pietervn]

How do you perform the nubectomies? Do you snip with like a bolt cutter and then file down? How do you file down without hitting the scales?

That is pretty much what I do. I use jewellers files that are narrow to minimise any scale damage. I also protect the scales with masking tape and put blue tack / Prestik in the tool slots to minimise any filings getting into the pivots. Once the filing is done I use very fine metal sand paper to make it smooth. I cut the sand paper in 1.5mm widths to complete the removal process. I find using the fine grit paper (up to 1500) you get a very smooth factory finish.

Pete

[Myron]

This is pretty much my technique too, although I was looking at a Scientist that I modified this way 30-odd years ago, and I regret it now. 

Nice to see you, Pete!

[gustophersmob]

That’s pretty close to my process, though lately I take shortcuts to do it faster by using a small bench grinder.

I snip off most of the nub with side cutters, then mask off the area with electrical tape, stretching it over the pivot area to avoid metal shavings getting in. Then I use the bench grinder to remove the remaining 99%+ of material. Then finish with some needle files to smooth everything out.

I used to use just the needle files instead of the grinder, but it does take a long time. And since these are all users for me, the risk of nicking the scales a bit isn’t a bother for me.