Hi,
I'm building an 11x15 two level HO layout, and its my first try at DCC. The layout will have two Digitrax boosters, with 4 power districts each.
I am no stranger to wiring or electricity (house or trains), and have several manual wire strippers I've collected over many years. They work just fine for stripping wire ends, and the need for an automatic stripper just never arose.
However, in developing the RR plans, I realized that having track connections every 3 feet, with 8 power districts and a lower staging area, I would be doing an awful lot of power bus wire connections mid-wire.
And, a good portion of these will be in difficult to reach areas. Heretofore, I would use an exacto knife to cut off the insulation "mid-wire", and that was fine for the relatively few connections I had. But, the new layout will have literally about 200 or so. Yikes!
Through another posting here, I found out that "good" automatic strippers would work removing insulation "mid-wire" (as well as the wire end). I did not know that, and it was a very nice surprise. I was also told to get a "good" one, or I might not be satisified.
Anyway, I picked up a Klein #11062 via the internet for $39, and it not only works - it works beautifully! Yes, there are auto wire strippers out there for $18 or so, but they did not inspire my confidence. Ha, my wife calls it an anniversary present - and that is just fine by me.
In conclusion, I'm now looking forward to the one part of the wiring that I dreaded!
Hey, for what its worth!
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Got one of those some time ago and it is great. Well worth investment. Like always, right tool for the right job saves time (or money) in the end.
Have fun modeling.... Hal
I bought a Klein small AWG stripper, 20-30AWG, for the same reason. It is not automatic, but sure is nice when make small wire connections. Sure beats using an X-Acto and losing some of the strands. It was only 10-12 bucks and well worth it.
Jeff