What is the best way to remove fans on blue box shells, so I can put cannon fans on?
I have done this a few times. Here is the way I have done it. Start by drilling a hole in the center of the fan with a 1/4" drill bit. From there I used a variable speed dremel tool with a metal cutter to carefully enlarge the hole to near the edge of the fan from therfe I roll up some 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper and continue to open the hole until the cannon fan fits.
Try what I do Bob, I just mount the shell in the vise on the workbench, shove a full clip in my old Army .45 and get a little "target practice".
When the neighbors get upset I tell them it's the darn flys again!! Funny, they used to bother me all the time by always wanting to visit and such, They don't come around much anymore, don't understand why...............;-)
Mark
I think a 45 is just a little overkill. A ball hammer would work but you have to be good.
As noted earlier a dremel would probably be the best bet.
Springfield PA
Another related method: drill a ¼" or so pilot hole in the center of the fan, then enlarge with a tapered reamer - fast but easy to control.
I put a tiny hole in the center with a small hand drill. Then I use a cone shaped drill bit in a drill press to open it the rest of the way. If there's any left around the sides, I use a small file and sandpaper to smooth it out.
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John
nfmisso Another related method: drill a ¼" or so pilot hole in the center of the fan, then enlarge with a tapered reamer - fast but easy to control.