Re: RE: [Harp-L] Soldering Reeds

[yumpin_yimminie@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Regarding the use of epoxy in a harmonica.  I would worry about the deterious corrosive effects of epoxy on the respiratory system or in the mouth.   An acquaintance of mine who is an engineer with a race car team made no small deal out of messing even with very minute quantities of epoxies and super glues. 

Have a Great Day,
Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: MLeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Monday, April 9, 2007 22:06
Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Soldering Reeds
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx

> Matt Smart writes:
> > I am about to attempt to solder reeds to make a low C.  I 
> have never
> > soldered before. I usually just file the reeds.  Can 
> anyone offer
> > tips/instructions? thanks
> 
> Matt and all, I tried soldering and even though I have a good 
> deal of
> experience in soldering electronics and jewelry, discarded it in 
> favor of
> Pat Missin's preferred method: brass powder mixed with an epoxy 
> resin into a
> paste. The trick is finding the brass powder, as the techique is 
> not only
> very easy and convenient to use but it has many other desireable 
> attributes.
> I can place the right amount of paste more precisely and I have 
> much better
> control when sanding it as I tune the reed than I do with 
> solder. It's also
> very convenient in the sense that if you don't like your result, 
> you can
> gingerly flick the chunk of hardened brass powder/epoxy mixture 
> right off
> the reed with an Exacto knife, leaving a perfectly clean and 
> undamaged reed
> surface. There's also the advantage of not having to use heat 
> that may or
> may not effect the temper of the reed. Very reed-friendly by any 
> comparisonwith soldering.
> 
> Check out Pat's "Altered States" web site for the details, And 
> Oh, yeah. You
> can find brass powder at sculptor supply houses. A little jar of 
> it runs a
> few bucks and it will go a long way, enabling you to non-
> destructively tune
> a virtually unlimited number of reeds.
> 
> Works for me. And Pat Missin.  ;^)
> 
> Michelle
> 
> 
> 
> 
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