How to Prevent Surface Marring During Precision Countersinking

To prevent surface marring when countersinking, fit your microstop countersink cage with the right foot. A nylon (N) foot gives the most protection on finished surfaces. Phenolic (P) protects nearly as well and holds up to heat, solvents and fuels in high-cycle work. Polished steel (S) wears longest where surface finish matters less. Wescon feet are user-interchangeable.

1. Nylon Foot Pieces (Code: N)

Nylon is a lightweight synthetic material characterized by its low coefficient of friction and flexibility.

• Characteristics: Surface hardness lower than most aerospace alloys; non-abrasive.
• Advantages: Provides a "no-mar" contact patch that prevents circular scoring or "halos" on finished surfaces. It acts as a protective buffer between the tool and the workpiece.

2. Polished Steel Foot Pieces (Code: S)

Polished steel is the standard for heavy-duty industrial applications where tool endurance is the priority.

• Characteristics: High surface hardness, exceptional structural rigidity, and excellent thermal conductivity.
• Advantages: Offers maximum wear resistance. It is designed to withstand high-friction use without the physical degradation or deformation seen in synthetic materials.

3. Phenolic Foot Pieces (Code: P)

Phenolic is a high-pressure thermoset laminate, sold under trade names such as Bakelite and Celeron.

• Characteristics: Exceptional thermal stability and robust chemical resistance. It is inherently resistant to common industrial solvents, fuels, and oils.
• Advantages: Unlike standard nylon, which can soften, melt, or swell when exposed to high temperatures or chemicals, phenolic remains structurally stable. It suits high-speed, high-cycle work where the surface sees friction heat or chemicals.

The In-House Manufacturing Advantage

Every foot piece in our catalog is machined to complement our 0.0005” adjustment precision. By managing design and production entirely in-house, we ensure that every N, S, and P foot piece is perfectly compatible with its respective microstop series. We also offer specialized configurations like vacuum skirt microstops that allow for active chip extraction, keeping the work area clear and further reducing the risk of surface damage.

Material Selection Reference

Code	Material	Surface Protection	Durability	Heat & Chemical Resistance
N	Nylon	Highest (Non-Marring)	Medium	Moderate
S	Polished Steel	Moderate	Extreme	High
P	Phenolic	High	High	Excellent

Complete Versatility: The WESKIT004 Heavy-Duty Kit

For operations that handle a variety of materials and surface requirements, we offer comprehensive kits like the WESKIT004. This heavy-duty microstop and countersink kit is engineered to give operators total control over their assembly process by including all three interchangeable foot pieces in one package.

The WESKIT004 includes:

• WES596 Heavy-Duty Cage: A high-capacity microstop for standard airframe assembly.
• Interchangeable Skirts: Includes straight, flanged, and threaded options to suit different clearance needs.
• Three Foot Pieces (N, S, and P): Includes the Nylon, Polished Steel, and Phenolic foot pieces so users can adapt the tool themselves as the work surface changes.
• Precision Cutters: Nine HSS piloted cutters for a complete out-of-the-box solution.

Order replacement foot pieces from the microstop parts catalog.

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