bumtummy
5 posts
Jul 03, 2011
10:48 AM
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I know this has been beaten to death here. And I've learned a lot from searching through the previous posts (thanks to everybody), but I have a question anyway...
I have a nice D harp that after playing only a short while began to notice that the finish was coming off the wood comb near the holes. I was afraid of breathing those chipping in so decided to dismantle and sand down the comb. Now I'm soaking it in mineral oil.
Question is how long do I need to do this? Some say just dunk it in a few times, other say leave it soaking for 3 days or more.
Will this alleviate the problem I was having? Or do I need to do anything else? I learned about flat sanding but was confused on whether to sand before or after the soaking.
This is a total experiment so any guidance would be appreciated!
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Baker
132 posts
Jul 03, 2011
11:23 AM
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I flat sand before. Then I fully submerge the comb and leave for about 30secs. I then dab the excess off and leave to dry for at least 2 hours. I do this 5 times, after the final time I leave it to dry for about 24hours. I then put a coat of clear nail varnish over the front of the comb (the side that goes in your mouth). I then flat sand it again
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zipperhead16
33 posts
Jul 04, 2011
4:18 AM
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The last sanding gets the comb flat again. Pear wood is soft and swells with moisture, even oil.If the reeds don't sit flat on the comb it leaks.
Bum, you could use Zinsser Bulls Eye shellac on the face of the tines after oil too. It drys fast,waterproof and isn't toxic. Clear polish works great too.
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Baker
133 posts
Jul 04, 2011
5:18 AM
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If you are using oil, it soaks down into the wood so sanding again will not remove the seal. As Zipperhead says you will get some swelling from the soaking process which needs to be addressed.
I have found that the second sanding actually creates a really smooth sealed finished. I think it drives some of the dust mixed with the oil back into the comb.
I have never had any problems with swelling or leaking due to the comb after using the technique outlined above.
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