I'm picking up a set of Super Swamper TSL's size 36x13r16 to be used on my 97 FZJ80 (with internal beadlocks from http://www.tireloc.com ). I'd like to sipe the center lugs so I get better traction on the rocks especially when wet. I've looked around and know I want the heated knife from Ideal, but the question is what size head is good for this? 1/8", 1/4"? I'm planning on picking up a beefy old swamper to practice on first so I don't screw up the new rubbers, but any suggestions on the head size?

THanks
Mike

Mike,

Are you siping or cutting blocks?

Siping is adding a whole bunch of thin cuts. You're not removing any rubber, just giving it more bite. Check out the Discount Tire (http://www.discounttire.com/tireSiping.html) write up.

Since you mention the Ideal Heat knife, seems like you are planning on removing some rubber. Lucked out and spotted a neat write up here (http://www.izook.com/reviews/heatknife/heatknife.htm) that recommended using the 1/4" blades as they are thicker.

I spent a few events in the BF Goodrich trailer cutting my own tires. Once you got into the flow of it, it was great fun. A buddy just couldn't get the hang of how to control the cutter, but in no time I was making a nice herring bone pattern to the tires. Started off doing six, but must have cut about 40 by the time I was done for a few other folks. This was some years back, before they had to be paranoiad about anyone using their tools. :(

Just let the knife heat up, and pause a little between cuts, and keep on moving. One neat trick, if running on the highway, is to NOT make all the cuts even. A little randomness to the pattern, and you have less noise at a given speed. :D

Oh, heavy jeans are recommended when cutting. Not a pair of light weight shorts when pulling that hot knife towards you! :eek:

Tom :usa:

I used a #5 cutting blade on my tires. Only used one blade. Nolen used the same size and went through a couple of blades..
IF you do not want to groove the tires but actually sipe them, then all you have to do is turn the blade around and you will have 2 sipes per draw.
Also most of the cheaper groovers that I have seen you push the blade through the tire...

I just got done doing my swampers

I used a number 6 blade on mine

http://wheelingpiazzas.com/pictures/misc/DCP00571.JPG

If I find the lateral traction is someone lacking I will split the side lugs as well.

Thanks for the tips and pics.

Will pick up 5 and 6 and will make sure when I eventually bump into Nolen to not let him borrow any of my blades :D

Mike

Finally got off my fat fawking buttocks and grooved me rubbers. hehe - the wifey always did like the ribbed! :flipoff2:

Anyway, will load some pics once I get me reddie star. I used the #1 blade and grooved each center lug, similar to the post above this one.

Yes, the key was to let the knife heat up. Guess that's why it's called a heat knife. Anyway, wore shorts and no shoes and only dropped one hot rubber doob on my foot. The wife wasn't thrilled by all the rubber doobs in the driveway, but the tires came out great.

Don't ask me how, but it seems like these bias ply TSL's are now even louder on the road :D

Worked great the other weekend.

Nolen, you went through several blades? What were you doing, eating these things? I only used one - got kind of dull (like my personality) at the end, but seemed to be ok.

:flipoff2:

you can e-mail the pics to me.. quinlan@qualexphoto.com

:flipoff2:

Thanks Rick. Will do.

Don't know what the deal with the fawkin red stars is. Paid me flash and got no red star. :mad:

Anyway, will send you the pics this afternoon.

Thanks
mike

Originally posted by climbermike

Nolen, you went through several blades? What were you doing, eating these things? I only used one - got kind of dull (like my personality) at the end, but seemed to be ok.

:flipoff2:

As usual, Mace greatly exagerated:flipoff2:

I broke the POS dull one that he had on the knife and then I used one more.

I got through 3 of my 42's with (1) #4 blade and then replaced it since the going was getting tough.

I wheeled my grooved 42's this weekend for the 1st time and I really liked how they worked.

i got more tire bulge at 6# than I did before the grooving...used to run them at 3#.

Originally posted by wngrog


As usual, Mace greatly exagerated:flipoff2:

I broke the POS dull one that he had on the knife and then I used one more.

I got through 3 of my 42's with (1) #4 blade and then replaced it since the going was getting tough.

I wheeled my grooved 42's this weekend for the 1st time and I really liked how they worked.

i got more tire bulge at 6# than I did before the grooving...used to run them at 3#.

:flipoff2:


Better than at moab huh..

Mabye 42 are in the near future then... Or 44's LOL

Know of any cheap sets?

I can hear shit breaking already ;-)

Both those knives mentioned above are made by Ideal. The one I used isn't that grip, but they all work the same. If you get one, get the higher watts. There are two models and I think they both have a low and a high watt version.

Apparently just don't loan it to Nolen :flipoff2: :D

Mike
:flipoff2: