RSleigh
6 posts
Jun 12, 2015
9:39 AM
|
Hey Everybody,
Wanted to give you a heads up on a new reed tool that is going into production as we speak. It's based on a combination of the best elements of the old Farrell Reed tool and the Romel reed tool with several design improvements that I've come up with from years of replacing reeds.
I put up a video that shows my best practices for replacing a reed with a rivet, and also gives you the low down on the tool as well.
You can see the video here:
http://hotrodharmonicas.com
Thanks for reading this!
Richard Sleigh
|
Meaux Jeaux
77 posts
Jun 12, 2015
10:28 AM
|
Congratulations Richard!
|
1847
2430 posts
Jun 12, 2015
10:33 AM
|
HOT ROD HARMONICAS
|
Bilzharp
70 posts
Jun 12, 2015
10:55 AM
|
Ordered mine yesterday. The Romel reed tool I bought a few years ago has paid for itself several times but Richard's doesn't cost much more and it looks to be a much more substantial tool.
|
florida-trader
707 posts
Jun 13, 2015
10:32 AM
|
I have a confession.
Richard asked me to make this tool for him a while back. More accurately - he asked me to ask my machinist to make it. Richard sent me his design, measurements, a sketch, etc. I met with my machinist and he cut two prototypes, which I delivered to Richard at the recent Harmonica Collective in Indianapolis.
Truthfully, I didn't think it was that big of a deal - until I actually USED the tool in my shop. Was I wrong! (again) It really makes removing and replacing reeds a piece of cake, and watching Richard in action is akin to watching a jeweler cut diamonds.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
|
arzajac
1650 posts
Jun 13, 2015
10:39 AM
|
Looks very nice indeed! I just ordered one.
----------
Custom overblow harps. Harmonica Combs and Tools.
|
SuperBee
2666 posts
Jun 13, 2015
8:03 PM
|
yep, i've been watching this develop for a while and jumped on it as soon as i got Richard's email advising he is now taking orders.
i was going to ask if anyone knew where to obtain those 'rivet sticks' Richard uses. i still am asking that but i see in an old blog Richard suggests calling hohner and asking them.
Last Edited by SuperBee on Jun 13, 2015 8:06 PM
|
Kaining
88 posts
Jun 13, 2015
9:47 PM
|
That's an impressive tool. I have been looking for a good deriveting tool for quite some time and this one looks great.
I have a few question though, how much are the prices gonna raise after the 17th ? I don't think i can buy one this month but i am definetely looking forward to getting one soon.
And a quick one about the process... what's that file you are using during the video Richard ?
Anyway, good job.
|
SuperBee
2673 posts
Jun 15, 2015
4:01 AM
|
found the rivets at the hohner c-shop...much cheaper than screws too...
|
Meaux Jeaux
78 posts
Jun 15, 2015
8:35 AM
|
@SuperBee,
Where on the page did you find them? I contacted Hohner
and was told by Blanca that they didn't sell them.
|
HarpNinja
4097 posts
Jun 15, 2015
8:36 AM
|
Maybe I didn't watch closely enough, but thoughts on the ability to use this tool to get the reed centered perfectly?
I am assuming you could tape the reed down and if it looked off, file the rivet head as you go?
For me, the difficult isn't so much replacing reeds, it is making sure they are centered.
----------
Mike
My Website
My Harmonica Effects Blog
|
RSleigh
7 posts
Jun 15, 2015
9:56 AM
|
Thanks for the interest, questions, and comments!
If you want to know the differences between this tool, the romel tool, and the farrell tool, I do go into it in the video at http://hotrodharmonicas.com (BTW I don't know how you make a live link when you post in this forum, sorry - there is a working link in the post above from 1847 )
The main difference between this tool and the romel tool is the mass of the steel in the base - the plastic of the romel tool flexes or absorbs the hammer strikes so you have to hit the punches harder to overcome this. The steel in the base of my tool is not elastic. Put this tool on an anvil and you get even more of the effect of having mass.
Rivet centering
When you flatten the reed plate area around the rivet hole properly ( one of the things my tool is designed to do) you should get the rivet to go in straight.
If the rivet is not perfectly straight, then you can tap it a bit with a hammer to straighten it up. Flatten the top of the rivet after you get the reed installed (as I show in my video) and then start flattening the rivet with the punch. A little bit. Check centering. If it is off, you can file the rivet head so it is higher on one side than the other. If the reed has a wide gap on the right, the high side of the rivet should be on the right. when you hammer again, it will move the rivet to the right.
Rivets give you fewer options than screws when it comes to centering or moving the reed tips toward the end of the slot, but you can overcome many of these limitations by flattening the rivet holes on the reed plate and reeds and by using the technique I just described while checking frequently as you work.
Having said that, you can get really good at installing reeds with rivets, and most of the time this will not be an issue. Worst comes to worst, you put the reed in again with a screw.
Price changes (and design changes)
As far as what the tool will cost after this initial batch. I can't tell. I am not sure how much this tool will end up costing me. I will be including a hammer with a 2 ounce brass head which I will be ordering based on the number of tools I get made. I'm keeping the price low enough right now that I can get the tool in production and get the project off the ground.
I have gotten some great ideas for this tool that I will be doing - one guy sent me an idea for a base for the tool that increases the mass like an anvil would, but allows the tool to rotate like a lazy suzan for switching the side of the tool you are using. It is similar to the way I am rotating the tool in the video on top of the block of steel.
This thing will end up being an optional add - on...
I also got some terrific ideas on ways to streamline attaching reeds with screws that will end up in additional tools that could be included with the tool.
What file is in the video?
- it is a #2 Nicolson file with parallel safe edges on the side edges, the business end is about 6 1/2" long 1/2" wide. I've had it forever and don't remember where I got it.
If anyone has any ideas on features they would like to see in this tool, I'm all ears, and there still may be time to tweak it a bit more before it goes into production...
thanks again!
|
1847
2443 posts
Jun 15, 2015
11:35 AM
|
ok lets see.... the words harmonica and pre-sale
are being used in a sentence
so lets do the math... at a hundred dollars a pop
and by now you must have a zillions orders
what are the chances you buy steve jobs yacht
and just sail off into the sunset
leaving us here with the blues and a broken harmonica.
i suppose perhaps you could use a deck hand
i would like to apply for that position.
|
Greg Heumann
3018 posts
Jun 15, 2015
1:34 PM
|
Very very cool.
True craftsmen often come up with "a better tool" than what they've been using, only through lots of experience with the tools they have and a deep understanding of the job at hand.
When I make a wood microphone, I use over 100 different tools. (I made a list once, and stopped counting at 100!) Some of them are home made. I can assure you that the first time I made a wood mic (or the second, or the 3rd) I didn't use half as many -and the job probably took 10 times longer.
I enjoyed watching the video. Can't get enough of "craftsmen at work".
----------
***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
Bluestate on iTunes
|
florida-trader
708 posts
Jun 15, 2015
2:50 PM
|
@1847 - I think with just a little tweaking, that could be the lyrics for a pretty good blues song.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
|
SuperBee
2674 posts
Jun 15, 2015
3:14 PM
|
Meaux Jeaux, I shop at the European Hohner store...the Aussie $ does better on cross rates and can buy single reeds and screws and rivets blah blah. And postage is so very much cheaper than US and Australia.
|
Meaux Jeaux
79 posts
Jun 15, 2015
4:47 PM
|
@SuperBee I considered ordering parts from Mike Timler
in Germany a few years back but the shipping costs to Florida was prohibitively expensive. It cost more to ship than the parts purchase price! Sheesh
|
RSleigh
8 posts
Jun 15, 2015
4:52 PM
|
Thanks, Greg! I've seen your work and it's amazing. I imagine you use some tools designed for Violin making.
1847 - As any good harp tech will tell you, you can make 10s and 10s of dollars doing this work! The boats, the booze, the 4 star hotels - it's all waiting for you! Why settle for being a deckhand?
|
SuperBee
2676 posts
Jun 15, 2015
6:53 PM
|
Hi Meaux Jeaux, when i first considered an order from Hohner Europe i baulked at the postage, then someone from Hohner told me the default option was a premium service, and there was a cheaper option. much more reasonable but without insurance. i've been using it all the time since for my reed purchases. ive actually forgotten the details because my account is just set up for it now, but the people there were very helpful.
|
Meaux Jeaux
80 posts
Jun 15, 2015
9:33 PM
|
@SuperBee,
Thanks for the info M8, I'll checkout that option.
Regards, Pete Meaux Jeaux
|
Kaining
89 posts
Jun 16, 2015
5:58 PM
|
Thanks for the answer Richard !
I am curious about your add-ons, especialy the one for streamlining screws attachment.
Turns out i sold a kidney and just ordered one :) So will your add-ons be compatible with the first batch of tools that you are putting up to sales now ?
That would be quite useful in the long run even if seeing how easy it is to change reed with rivets i might want to use them.
Might even be cheaper to use rivets instead of screws and bolt for what i have in mind. And more practical too regarding compatibility with customs comb, screws and bolt require more spaces in the comb.
|
Rubes
952 posts
Jun 18, 2015
3:38 AM
|
Ok I had to bump this as my Lo-D Thunderbird has just 'shat' draw reed 1 (E).......so I'm gonna get the tool and fix it! So.........ordering that single reed.....um.........Superbee? I'm in Oz and I'm on the Euro C shop and can only find the reed sets.....?
----------
Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
Dads in Space at Reverbnation
|
SuperBee
2690 posts
Jun 18, 2015
3:41 AM
|
you gotta go to the 'downloads'. on the right hand side on the gray bar just above the red bar. i know, its weird, but when you get there you'll see, its easy..ish...once you figure it out
Last Edited by SuperBee on Jun 18, 2015 3:47 AM
|
Rubes
953 posts
Jun 18, 2015
4:09 AM
|
..right...got that far but when I click on the notes on the note layout
...nothing other than..'do you want to open in I books?'....
DOH! just tried successfully on the mac (b4 on the iPad)!!!
----------
Old Man Rubes at Reverbnation
Dads in Space at Reverbnation
Last Edited by Rubes on Jun 18, 2015 4:47 AM
|
RSleigh
11 posts
Jun 19, 2015
10:22 AM
|
Kaining - yes, everything I am cooking up to add to the reed tool will be compatible with the tool I am getting made now
The jig for making it easy to ream out rivet holes in reeds is now featured as drawings at http://hotrodharmonicas.com
I just did some reed replacements with cell phone screws (M1.4 x 1.5mm) and they rock... Will never use screws and nuts again unless I have no choice...
|
Kaining
90 posts
Jul 08, 2015
4:32 PM
|
Has it already been 3 weeks ? Anyway, how are those tools add-on coming along ?
The reed jig seems usefull from what you wrote on your website.
Keep the good ideas coming Richard :)
|
RSleigh
12 posts
Jul 09, 2015
8:45 AM
|
Hi Everyone,
Tom Halchack sent me a photobucket album with pictures of the rivet tool in process.
At first I was going to make a reed jig for holding reeds secure while you open up the hole in the rivet pad with a reamer or similar tool. Something to make it easier than holding with your fingers or pliers.
A stand alone tool. Then Tom suggested integrating this idea into the rivet tool. It's a great idea. So that's what's happening.
Here are pictures:
Check it out !
Richard Sleigh
http://hotrodharmonicas.com
|
Kaining
91 posts
Jul 12, 2015
9:07 AM
|
Definitely a big improvement to include the reed jig. It also makes it a lot more impressive too.
|
SuperBee
2879 posts
Oct 16, 2015
11:29 PM
|
I've done a few repairs with this now. 7 in fact. Quite happy, will use it as first preference whenever feasible.
|
MP
3319 posts
Oct 17, 2015
4:45 PM
|
I have a Rommel tool I never use. RSleigh is being kind about the limitations. There are more than he has mentioned. In fact, I'd not even thought of the ones he's mentioned. I put it away as soon as I saw over how easy it was to be inaccurate. the new tool looks good and solid.
----------
I'm out of the Biz for a while till I get over my burnout. You can try HarveyHarp or arzajac, or just look the page nacoran put together under Forum Search.
.
|
Gnarly
1500 posts
Oct 17, 2015
10:36 PM
|
I dunno, I'm pretty happy using the Romel copy of the Farrell tool, but might spring for the Sleigh version as mine is pretty well worn. I think I have gotten my money's worth out of it!
BTW, I think Betty Romel is still selling Bill's model.
|
Kingley
3948 posts
Oct 17, 2015
11:55 PM
|
I've never replaced a reed. That tool makes it look pretty straight forward though.
|
MP
3321 posts
Oct 20, 2015
2:52 PM
|
Howzit Gnarly! I tend to think we all have our strengths and weaknesses and pet peeves. I was out of line. Bill Rommel helped soooooo many people picking up when Farrell ended. If it works for you...:-)
----------
I'm out of the Biz for a while till I get over my burnout. You can try HarveyHarp or arzajac, or just look the page nacoran put together under Forum Search.
.
|
SuperBee
2893 posts
Oct 21, 2015
3:12 AM
|
I bought mine direct from Richard. Have a look at hotrodharmonicas.com
|
florida-trader
808 posts
Oct 21, 2015
4:29 AM
|
Gnarly - I make them for Richard. He is the only guy you can get them from at the moment. He shipped the first batch that was ordered pre-launch. We are in production on a second batch as we speak.
Also, for those of you waiting on the Lazy Susan style base - I just shipped Richard a batch so he will be getting those to you shortly.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
Last Edited by florida-trader on Oct 21, 2015 4:37 AM
|
barbequebob
3046 posts
Oct 21, 2015
10:42 AM
|
I still have a tool called the 3RT that was originally designed by the late Dave Doucette and later produced by late Bill Romel and still works pretty damned good and it came with a tuning scraper/red wrech. I'd love to check this tool out.
----------
Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
|
Roverharp
47 posts
Nov 02, 2015
7:53 AM
|
Can you just reuse the existing rivet from a donor reed to successfully replace a reed?
Alternately, Richard mentions a rivet stick in his video. Where might these be sourced?
|
1847
2854 posts
Nov 02, 2015
8:46 AM
|
rover harp......
you wouldn't be the infamous jonny rover?
|
florida-trader
813 posts
Nov 02, 2015
9:54 AM
|
Roverharp - Yes - you can can reuse the existing rivet in the donor reed. I have had several discussions with Richard about this from the point of view that most of us have never even seen a rivet stick. Most of the DIY's out there reuse the rivet from the donor reed as you say. Rivet Sticks are available from Hohner when you buy a package of replacement reeds.
The nice thing about this tool is that you can tap the reed out of the donor plate very gently and the rivet will stay put. With some reed removal tools the rivet will shoot out of the reed when it is removed.
I have also recommended to Richard the addition of another dowel pin to the tool. The tool already comes with two pins - one with a taper tip for removing the reeds and one with a flat tip for flattening the reed plate, the reed pad and for tapping the rivet into place. We have added a third pin that has a hole on either end. On one end, the hole is sized to hold a rivet stick which makes inserting it into a reed easier. On the other end, the hole is wide enough and deep enough to straddle the head of the rivet. This end will allow you to flatten the reed pad against the plate after the reed has been installed. In other words, you can flatten the reed pad without forcing the rivet further into the plate. If you hammer the rivet in too far you might dimple the reed pad and force the edges to bow up.
----------
Tom Halchak
www.BlueMoonHarmonicas.com
|
SuperBee
2932 posts
Nov 02, 2015
1:05 PM
|
I bought a bunch of rivet sticks from hohner. They are quite cheap.
Re tapping rivets out, what Tom says is true, just with the Seydel reeds the rivets are often quite loose in the actual reed, so the rivet may sometimes just fall out once it's free of the plate. This does make it a bit easier to reuse the Seydel rivets though...I think...I understand that people even replace old reeds with new, using recycled rivets in Seydel harps.
|
HarveyHarp
699 posts
Nov 02, 2015
1:18 PM
|
Great Idea, Tom. When will they be available
----------
HarveyHarp
|
