Spelunking in a 5200 "Cave"; Removing Miracle Goo from Blind Hole?

[BrianM]

The power wiring that supplies my masthead light was damaged just as it enters the stick at the partners. It turns out to be ordinary un-tinned 3 conductor 12 gauge so I'm going to attempt to replace it.

Near the masthead I've just spent 1 1/2 hours burrowing down with a gouge in a 3/4" x 4" "trough" of solid 5200 inwhich the wire enters the mast. I'm down to the area where the hole follows the axis of the mast, and it is only slightly larger than the wire threaded through it.. all nicely "potted" in 5200.

I can't gouge or slice any more material out without risk of cutting the other two conducutors (yes.....ooops I cut 1 of them).

I'm thinking at this point, to use thin flexible steel strips, and heat them with my torch and try to shimmy into the small gap to cut the 5200. I've done this with epoxy and other plastics. Is there a safer way at this point, or is this my last hope without having to break out the router and start cutting channels in my mast to unbury the wire?

[oakman]

Ouch, no fun. I would say you are on the right track. Thin strips may be too soft when heated enough to go through the goo so you might want to thicken up there. Maybe something with a hook on it so you can go in a little and then pull some out.

Try to save the wires so you can use them to pull the new conductor through. Good luck.

Oakman

[JimConlin]

Hole saw?

[pcford]

Should add that there is a product (anti-goo) which is supposed to dissolve 5200. Have not used it and don't know if if would work in your situation....Fisheries had it.