walterharp
1086 posts
Apr 29, 2013
6:51 AM
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Hey there,
For some reason my ultimate sizing tool started scratching my reed plates and not working properly. I tried to gently sand away any burs... still, it is not right. Any tips? I saw another embossing tool discussed here, maybe I should just switch to the other one?
Thanks,
Walter
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S-harp
95 posts
Apr 29, 2013
3:47 PM
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Yes ... the metal in the UST is a bit soft ...
When needed I sand it back in shape and polish it ... and that is quite often ... tricky to get it right, but doable.
But I'll soon get another tool with harder metal.
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The tone, the tone ... and the Tone
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arzajac
1041 posts
Apr 29, 2013
4:34 PM
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I make a tool similar to the UST. I make it out of hardened steel shim stock. I found that if I dress it up regularly it seems like it will last forever.
Basically I sand the bottom surface to be round and I sand the top surface (the one the leans into the reed) flat. You need to make sure the tip is sharp or the tool will create a burr on the reedplate and not in the slot. When I first started making them, I would emboss a slot and then swing the reed over to look where the burr was.
It took me a while to figure out how to get the angle correct. You don't have to swing the reed over to verify your work, you can just pick the slot with your fingernail and feel for the catch.
I really lean the tool on the table when sanding either side. That way, I am not rounding out the tip.
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Last Edited by arzajac on Apr 29, 2013 5:03 PM
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arzajac
1042 posts
Apr 29, 2013
4:58 PM
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The blue triangle is an artist's conception of the embossing tool (lol!)
Brand new, it has a proper shape and enters the slot:
When it gets dull, it doesn't enter the slot and therefore scratches the surface. Think of this when you use sandpaper to bring it back to life.
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Last Edited by arzajac on Apr 29, 2013 5:02 PM
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walterharp
1088 posts
Apr 30, 2013
6:57 AM
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I think it was the 1847 nickel steel reedplates that jacked up the UST in the first place.. pity it is made out of soft metal
nice diagram!
where do you pick up the hardened shim stock?
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arzajac
1043 posts
Apr 30, 2013
8:56 AM
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Walter: I buy hardened feeler gauge stock.
I believe the UST to be made out of hardened A2 tool steel. It's not a soft metal, nor is it cheap! But everything wears out. I found that I was getting better results by using thinner stock but sanding it regularly.
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MP
2739 posts
Apr 30, 2013
11:42 AM
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well Andrew,
i'm impressed. ditto on "nice diagram!"
i make various tools out of feeler gauges. i buy get them on the cheap from auto parts stores. i just have to get rid of the oil that protects them from rusting.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name [MP] for info-
repair videos on YouTube.
you can reach me via Facebook. Mark Prados
Last Edited by MP on Apr 30, 2013 11:44 AM
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