HarpNinja
1286 posts
Apr 04, 2011
8:16 AM
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http://mikefugazzi.com/files/PollardApril2011.pdf
Check it out! This is a great tool for full slot embossing and is very easy to use. I've had for some time now and it is priceless to me.
Those in the know will understand how well designed and effective it is. It puts things like an exacto knife to shame and saves a ton of time. Why? Because you don't have to swing the reed to emboss by the rivet!
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 3/23/11
Last Edited by on Apr 26, 2011 5:52 AM
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HarpNinja
1288 posts
Apr 04, 2011
8:31 AM
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It also works 100% as advertised with Seydel 1847 reedplates. I'd imagine it works well with harps like the Manji, etc.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 3/23/11
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WinslowYerxa
7 posts
Apr 04, 2011
8:47 AM
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Looks gret. I wish Kinya had given a hint about how to obtain this tool.
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HarpNinja
1289 posts
Apr 04, 2011
8:49 AM
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I am acting as the US distributor. I'll have a dozen or so next week, so if you want one let me know offlist. I am not taking money for them right now, but will contact those who express interest the day I get them.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Updated 3/23/11
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HarpNinja
1294 posts
Apr 04, 2011
11:08 AM
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It is $39. I'd try emailing Dick first as that is probably the easiest way to get it overseas.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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Sjoeberg
8 posts
Apr 04, 2011
2:26 PM
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Hello all!
Please contact me at d.sjoeberg@gmail.com with any technical questions about the UST. I will try to find time to update my website - i know .....
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apskarp
440 posts
Apr 06, 2011
2:17 AM
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Looks promising - I hate the swing/align process of embossing the rivet end of the slot. (That's why I rarely emboss the whole slot with my own harps.) If this works well it saves lots of time and nerves! :)
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apskarp
443 posts
Apr 09, 2011
9:17 AM
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Just ordered this yesterday. Let's see how it works - I should get it next week. I'll let you know how well it works IMHO.
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REM
59 posts
Apr 22, 2011
5:36 PM
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Any more news on these? Has anyone here tried one yet? I'd be interested in hearing some experiences/reviews. It seems like a great idea, I'm wondering if they work as well as they're suppose to.
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HarpNinja
1360 posts
Apr 22, 2011
5:46 PM
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I got a few in the mail with 10 Sjoeberg GM combs yesterday. The combs and UST's are all spoken for, but I have another dozen or so arriving next week.
Dick is working on a Google Doc of instructions.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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apskarp
454 posts
Apr 22, 2011
9:43 PM
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I have the tool, but haven't had time to try it out yet. It's small enough to fit in my leather strap with the other tools and it came with couple of shims.
Hopefully I'll have soon some time to try it out..
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apskarp
455 posts
Apr 24, 2011
6:26 AM
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ok, so today Ihad some time to try it out. It works pretty well! I took a powerbender that I'm working on and emvossed the rivet ends of draw 1-4. Ihad already embossed the non-rivet ends earlier but I didnt have the patient to do the full slots earlier. It was pretty quick operation to do but it does need some practice. The sides of the tool are pretty sharp so you have to pay attention to the angle in order to avoid scratching the plates... I wonder whether it would be easier if it was little thicker..?
But UST really saves time so I ccan recommend it. Perhaps there will be some evolution with improvements to the tool later ... and tips for the usage would be nice too.. I'm sure it will work even better with some practise.
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HarpNinja
1362 posts
Apr 24, 2011
2:47 PM
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Did you read the Harmonica Sessions article before trying the UST? I find the mineral oil to be a crucial step, and have never had any evidence of a thicker end being helpful. I'd imagine if it was thicker, you'd lose some control and wouldn't get as tight a tolerance.
I agree it take a little practice, but Kinya's article is a wonderful primer. I personally will not be making learning materials for this as it is Dick's design and I am literally just a distributor, FWIW. For those of you on the waiting list for the UST, I'd like to note that I was not involved with apskarp's order at any level.
My understanding is that a Google Doc of instructions is currently be finished for the tool. However, if you get yours from me and want to chat about it, no worries!
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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apskarp
456 posts
Apr 24, 2011
10:03 PM
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Mike, I did take a glance to it before I ordered the tool but it doesn't seem to be online anymore..
I didn't try the mineral oil, but next time I will. However, like MP, I would be more comfortable without using any substances for two reasons:
1)I often carry my tools with me and work a little bit when I have some time and it's not so easy to carry mineral oil in your pocket. (Well perhaps I could find a little container if I'd try.)
2)I was also wondering about the dirt.
The reason I was wondering about the thicker end is that I'm used to work with the tools I got from Chris. Those are all pretty sturdy and easy to keep in your hands. Perhaps a good handle would make UST easier to use even if the end would be as thin as it is now?
Anyway, I work with harps only now and then so the ergonomy isn't so important for me, but I guess if you use these tools on daily basis it would be different...
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Sjoeberg
9 posts
Apr 25, 2011
2:15 AM
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The use of UST with mineral oil prevents seizing and leaves a result, in most cases, without Burrs. I use paraffin oil. If the UST is used with a lightning box, mineral oil, and the supplied shims, the so called surface tension, that acts as an indicator and tells when the sizing is correct. UST can of course be used with thicker shims, such as 0,025 "or thicker and without lightning box. What is important is to bring the tool back and forth, in the" final third, keeping the UST is kept at 90 degrees to Reed edge. Kinya Pollard clearly shows a picture how the tool should be held. By holding the UST in 45 degree angle the effect is faster. Try out different angles. With a little practice, the UST is very fast and easy to use and the result is the best possible. A Google Doc's presentation will up as soon as I find time to do it. Until then, it's recommended to read the article of Kinya Pollard. Also,feel most welcome to ask me or Mike Fugazzi any technical question about the UST.
Sjoeberg
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HarpNinja
1363 posts
Apr 25, 2011
6:01 AM
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You wash the mineral oil off when you are done. In fact, I'd suggest doing that any time you are moving brass as you always run the risk of inhaling it or something.
Haven't both of you made reference to using things like wax and nail polish on reed plates? The use of mineral/paraffin oil is not something done unto the reed plate permanently, nor is it added to effect how the harmonica plays. It will also help you from over embossing/creating burrs, and I've found it keeps the work much cleaner. By this I mean you end up with a smooth reed slot vs jagged.
I can't get anything to work from harmonicasessions.com. I don't think I saved the article as a pdf, but I will try and find a working link.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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apskarp
457 posts
Apr 25, 2011
10:05 AM
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Thank's for the clarifications. It's of course a good idea to wash the plates. However, when you are on a run it's not always possible - but of course you can do it as soon as you are back home.
I will start to use the paraffin oil from now on as I have that on my shelves.
Btw, Mike, I stopped using wax on the reeds. I noticed I can get the reeds play well (also OB's) without it so it's a lot cleaner way to do it. It does make the reeds more balanced so I might use it in case nothing else works but I will try to avoid it. And the nail polish I used mainly to make the rivet ends more air-tight and with UST I won't have that problem anymore either... :)
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KingBiscuit
39 posts
Apr 25, 2011
10:46 AM
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Trying to go to the link
http://harmonicasessions.com/?p=179
Getting the message "Server Not Found".
Any problems with your server?
Dan
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joshnat
139 posts
Apr 25, 2011
10:59 AM
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I wonder if harmonicasessions.com has been affected by the Amazon web services crash?
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HarpNinja
1365 posts
Apr 25, 2011
11:17 AM
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@MP
As some one who has actually done both methods, and isn't just guessing as to how it might work, you are incorrect in your assumptions.
First of all, mineral oil isn't messy at all. You are, like in the Harmonica Sessions article that isn't working, just dabbing the tip into the oil and using a very very small amount. I don't even pour out any of the oil. I just turn the bottle upside down and back up, remove the cap, and just take the occasional dab from there. You use just enough to have it on the tip and if you can obviously see it on the tool, you are using too much (which just means you have more to clean up).
Most the time, I don't have anything to clean up on my embossing table from it. The use of mineral oil regarding embossing is not something new. In fact, many of the "pros" have used mineral oil or the likes for the same reasons Dick states. It is also frequently used to seal combs (not by me, though). Mineral oil is completely safe for ingestion and its primary purpose is as a natural laxative (another good reason to rinse your reed plates, although you use such a small amount it doesn't really matter...and after months of using this method, I've never had an issue).
Secondly, the actual embossing takes a simple stroke or two to be completed - without creating burrs, under embossing, or having to check how the reed is centered. Speaking from actual experience, it is minutes faster to do it this way then swinging reeds. That doesn't mean it is the right way or only way, but it is a highly efficient way of doing it that is also extremely effective. In fact, I know of at least two other pro builders, who are extremely famous as customizing goes, that use a similar approach because swinging reeds takes so much time.
Between moving brass, using shims, and having my hands all over the reed plate, I prefer to clean them off frequently with a dry toothbrush, water, or spray. I would do this regardless of if I used the UST or not. I don't like the idea of swallowing brass particles. If one chooses to polish reeds, it becomes even more important.
It cannot be understated the importance of sorting fact from opinion on this board...or at least informed opinion form uninformed opinion. A couple of members on this board have insisted on making negative comments/jokes towards this tool (amongst other tools) without having ever even seen one in real life or having tried a harmonica that has been modded with this tool - let alone trying a UST.
While I fully agree that one size does not fit all, I don't see how anyone benefits from such behavior.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Last Edited by on Apr 25, 2011 11:21 AM
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HarpNinja
1366 posts
Apr 25, 2011
11:32 AM
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@aspkarp
If I am tweaking a harp on the run, embossing of any sort would not be a priority. Reed shape, centering, and gapping would would be higher...but not as high as making sure it is in tune.
Paraffin oil, as I understand it, is pretty much the same thing as mineral oil. While it may be necessary to wipe off excess here and there, it is still more efficient in regards to time than other methods I have tried. I've found that with the UST/oil, my embossing tolerances are tighter and I spend much less time deburring. Again, though, that is when using the oil. Without it, I am much more likely to get burrs.
It should also be stated that you can use the oil with other embossing methods. It works with things other than the UST.
I don't use any wax or nail polish on reed plates...not even when setting up overdraws on a F harmonica.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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HarpNinja
1368 posts
Apr 25, 2011
12:34 PM
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Your question was answered at length and any misconceptions cleared up by two people.
I am not quashing queries. You made assumptions and stated an opinion on something for which you have little to no background, and I tried to clarify those statements based on as much fact as I can offer. Other people will read this and using mineral oil is a relevant enough topic to describe at length.
IMO, there is more evidence providing a thin veil for trolling on your behalf than me trying to hide a sales pitch (I in no way mark up the tool when selling...same cost as from Dick...nor do I make much off of them to begin with compared to custom harps or even the combs). That came out after someone asked a question and I had confirmation from Dick that I'd work with him on moving it.
The tool was designed to be most effective with using something like mineral oil. Mineral oil is NOT messy. It is NOT hard to clean. It is NOT dangerous to consume - not that you'll be licking rivets anyways. This tool wasn't just stumbled upon but has a high degree of engineering and science behind it - built by someone who has a formal machining and engineering background that goes back farther than a lot of us have been alive.
I don't make a huge amount of money related to harmonica and my decision to promote the UST is based on my passion for it. Let's face it, hundreds of thousands would need to be moved in order for anyone to make a living off it. It is just a great tool that I know others would like to have (and the order numbers prove that).
People in the know will understand just how much of a game changer this seemingly simple tool can be in regards to setting up harmonicas - especially with regards to overbends and reaction - and making things like wax and polish meaningless.
Regarding the For Sale page, I asked a legit question. If anyone is making distasteful comments in the For Sale page it is certainly not me.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
Last Edited by on Apr 25, 2011 12:44 PM
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REM
60 posts
Apr 25, 2011
12:47 PM
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MP,
To be fair to Mike, the comments of yours that he was responding to weren't "questions" or "queries", they were statements. And I agree with Mike that your assertion that using mineral oil would cause problems, doesn't make much sense, seeing as you only use a tiny amount and it is quite easy to then wash it off. It's not like you leave it on there when you assemble your harp. I can see how Mike's reponse may have come off as a bit harsh or confrontational, but I really doubt that was his intention, you have to remember this is the internet and it's easy to get the wrong impression. I really think you took what mike said the wrong way. I also sincerely doubt that Mike's responses had anything to do with him trying to protect/increase his profits from selling the UST.
I also agree that when someone starts making negative comments about a product they've never even used, that person's opinion should be taken with a pretty big grain of salt.
But if there are people who own and use the tool, I'm certainly interested in hearing their opinions(good or bad). It will help me decide whether or not this is something I should invest. (thank you for your review apskarp)
Last Edited by on Apr 25, 2011 1:14 PM
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HarpNinja
1369 posts
Apr 25, 2011
1:04 PM
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No...I said there was more evidence that you were looking to stir the pot/troll then I was trying to hide selling something.
And, yes, your opinion on the merits of this tool are uniformed. The fact that you implied your query was valid is a joke. You didn't know what mineral oou've never used the tool before. That does not equal validity.
And again, I've stated on several threads that there is more than one way to do things and get the results you want. I feel like I have to keep saying that since the last time the UST was brought up you had to try and pick a fight too.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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HarpNinja
1370 posts
Apr 25, 2011
1:06 PM
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Lol, I see you went back and edited your last post to further impose your spin on things.
Uninformed troll is heavy handed...too bad I never said that! Your original wording was much more appropriate.
Sounds like an excuse for realizing you were called out on not being an expert in everything.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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HarpNinja
1371 posts
Apr 25, 2011
1:09 PM
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Aren't you supposed to be at the beach? Enjoy the weather and don't forget your sunblock.
I am trying to get where your joke is. At least the other guy running his fingers uses some colorful language.
Have a wonderful week.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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Zadozica
93 posts
Apr 25, 2011
1:24 PM
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Actually, food grade mineral oil is used to seal wooden utensils like salad bowls, cutting boards etc. Using them on a harp and even soaking them in mineral oil if one was inclined to do so would pose no harm other than making one hell of a laxative should one inbibe in it.
Mike, the link you originally posted seems to be broken.
BTW - the oil is not really messy and if used on wood, it penetrates really well and does not leave any resual mess. I used it on a salad bowl that I stripped the varnish off of and resanded. I resealed it with mineral oil - which is not a one step and you are done, it needs reapplication after several washings.
Last Edited by on Apr 25, 2011 1:27 PM
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HarpNinja
1372 posts
Apr 25, 2011
1:27 PM
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The whole site is down, Zadozica. I am waiting to hear back from Mel Bay as to why. It should eventually work again, but I didn't send an email to get a pdf of the original article.
Just to prove a point, I will make a video with it soon. The hang up is I can't get a good enough pic from way up close (I use a magnifier over a light box), so give me a few days, but in general, I am willing to help people via email, Skype, or phone who have questions.
I really don't want to be the one responsible for a formal instruction book/video, though.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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Zadozica
94 posts
Apr 25, 2011
1:31 PM
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I don't blame you Mike, I just want to see it. I am a tool freak and most likely will NOT be getting into customizing my own harps anytime soon.
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arzajac
505 posts
Apr 25, 2011
3:13 PM
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Mike, does the page appear here?:
http://replay.web.archive.org/20090530182239/http://www.harmonicasessions.com/backissues.html
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REM
64 posts
Apr 25, 2011
4:16 PM
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arzajac,
The article about the UST is in the most recent issue of Harmonica Sessions, and unfortunately the link you gave only has back issues up through 2009. But it's cool that I can still find several of the back issues online. Hopefully they'll eventually get the main site back up and running, it would be really unfotunate if they didn't.
Last Edited by on Apr 25, 2011 4:17 PM
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arzajac
506 posts
Apr 25, 2011
4:50 PM
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Yeah, I looked around quickly and I thought that may be the case....
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apskarp
458 posts
Apr 25, 2011
8:13 PM
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Using paraffin oil is actually a good tip also with the other tools as you mentioned Mike. Never thought of that before, but it makes perfect sense. I have used paraffin oil with beeswax to seal the combs and it works really well.
What I meant when I said I sometimes tweak the harps on the run, is that I sometimes carry a "harp project" in my pocket and when I have 15 minutes or more time on hand I might continue to work with that harp. I have all the necessary tools wrapped in a piece of leather with me and so it is easy to establish my "workshop" on any table I find myself sitting at...
I think it is really wonderful that people continue to make innovations on both the tools and harps - it makes this hobby a really interesting one as it is actually possible for us hobbyists to stay on the leading edge of the development. Harp is such a simple little instrument that you don't need to invest a lot to establish your little harp workshop. And it seems that there are still plenty of things to improve in every aspect of it - be it the air-tightness/responsiveness, tuning systems, playing techniques, etc...
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HarpNinja
1377 posts
Apr 26, 2011
5:52 AM
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Working link!
http://mikefugazzi.com/files/PollardApril2011.pdf
There is a bit of a typo, though. The comment about the oil leaking to the bottom of the reed plate if it isn't embossed enough isn't accurate. You shouldn't be using enough oil for any to drip to the back of the plate. I confirmed this with Dick.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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MrVerylongusername
1683 posts
Apr 26, 2011
8:12 AM
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Mike, I think you need to update your bookmarks - the Melbay site and all the instrument mini-sites have been updated to a more interactive wordpress format, are working fine and are online. For some reason however http://www.harmonicasessions.com is not redirecting to http://harmonicasessions.com
the link you want for this article is:
http://harmonicasessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/PollardApril2011.pdf
Last Edited by on Apr 26, 2011 8:13 AM
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nacoran
4091 posts
Apr 26, 2011
8:19 AM
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Oh the harpmanity!
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Nate
Facebook
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145nE
20 posts
Apr 26, 2011
11:36 AM
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MrVerylongusername - What is up with the harmonicasessions archive. I can't get them to come up. Did they move them and didn't make the link correct?
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MrVerylongusername
1684 posts
Apr 26, 2011
3:59 PM
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Try here:
http://harmonicasessions.com/?page_id=5
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jim
805 posts
Apr 27, 2011
10:00 AM
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I've just received it.
All I can say - right now it's the most efficient tool for embossing.
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Joch230
464 posts
Apr 27, 2011
12:50 PM
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I downloaded the PDF and I'm impressed with the entire concept. I've been just doing what I can using a socket. Going to have to get me one for sure.
John
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