PVC FRUIT PICKER

Step 5 MOUNT THE RAZOR BLADE

Mounting the razor blade is a little difficult. Be careful to avoid cuts.

You have already gained some experience heating and shaping PVC when you folded the fingers that close the bottom of the pipe. This step calls for more precise heating. You will need a propane torch. Needle nose pliers are also useful, for holding the razor blade during insertion.

I made several of these pickers and modified one of the razor blades to use as a tool for forming all the slits. I ground off the sharp corner of the blade so it would enter the slit more easily, without snagging on the plastic.

After making the slits in the plastic, the plastic will probably have cooled and hardened up again. Bring the local area back up to temperature with the torch. Keep the flame moving to avoid scorching areas.

After the blade is mounted, cover the exposed blade ends with electrical tape to prevent accidental cuts.

Comments

[chriscc63]

I suspect there is a ton of pressure holding the blade in there from the pvc, it would be preferable to have the blade on an angle. would a small screw and nut thru razor to hold it in be a solution?

[Thinkenstein]

Give it a try. It might work better. I wouldn't say there is a ton of pressure holding the blade. It slides in and out sideways with resistance, but fairly easily. Put it at an angle and there would be some pressure toward sideways movement of the blade. Straight on there is not.

[glenner003]

You can probably get a better cutting action and a cleaner cut by inserting the blade in an angle. Nice and simple idea! Thanks, Glenn

[Thinkenstein]

Thanks for your suggestion. It's a nice idea, but I suspect mounting the blade at an angle would tend to push the blade sideways out of the slot.