Great stuff David - its much appreciated that you (and other experienced guys) pass on these tips!
I am just considering embarking on buying and tweaking some wood combed harps (btw - I love the expression 'optimised' on your web site!) and this video is just the ticket.
However, I do have a question - have you ever needed to sand a plastic comb to improve the playing? I imagine the 'square profile is moulded then machined into a comb so wonder if there are any imperfections in the original mould - just a thought.
Nice video. The marker trick is really clever. I'm picturing a jig that might be useful. If you made a double thick comb blank and then cut away one thickness as the reverse of a harmonica, leaving raised ridges in where the gaps would usually be you could fit the jig together with comb like a jig saw puzzle (or like a Lego). That might make the side to side movement easier, although, you did say you usually used tape.
I use a "jig" that I made for flat sanding--and I use the same basic method Dave lays out in the video--the granite flooring, (which I thought was my own brilliant innovation), works great.
The jig is just a scrap of 1/4" plexiglass 4 1/2" long by 1 1/2" wide with a 1/4" wide strip of 1/8" plexiglass glued along each side. I then glued another hunk of 1/4" plexi on the back, for a handle. This rig slips over a comb--then go to the sanding. Doesn't even need adhesive.
I use the spray contact adhesive you find in the craft store to stick he sandpaper down--and I put one grit on each side of the stone. I have a set of three stones to cover the grits I use most (they only cost a couple of bucks each at Home Depot). When it's time to change the sandpaper, I use an orange shop solvent to clean off the old glue--then windex the solvent off--then stick down a new sheet.
I don't use water at all, but I probably should. . . ---------- ==================================== Always be yourself--unless you suck. . . -Joss Whedon
