Re: [Harp-L] cracked chrom body

["John Kerkhoven" <solo_danswer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks Vern.

I'll let you know how it goes.

John


> You can fix it.  Here is how:
>
> If the "nails" are long and extend through the opposite reedplate, you
will
> remove them by putting their heads in a small hole in a block and tapping
> from the other side of the harp on the tips with a punch and a small
hammer.
>
> If the nails are just into the wood comb, force a single-edged razor blade
> under the plates to lift the them about .010".  Then press them back down
> and pull the nails out with a pair of cuticle nippers.   Buy you wife a
new
> pair and keep these for removing harp nails.
>
> Here is the repair procedure:
>
> 0. DO NOT apply any wax to the crack in a prelimimary attempt to fix it.
> This will prevent the epoxy from adhering.
> 1. Cut two pieces from a thin plastic grocery bag, 2" larger in each
> dimension than the reedplates.
> 2. Mix a small quantity of epoxy, available from your local hardware
store.
> I like JBWeld because it is filled with powdered metal and will fill the
gap
> in the crack but not run too badly.  It is also very strong.
> 3. Using a flat toothpick as a tool, fill the crack with epoxy. If the
comb
> is in two pieces, butter both halves with epoxy.
> 4. Stretching it smooth, place pieces of plastic between the reedplates &
> comb. This will keep the glue off of the reedplate if/when it runs.
> 5. Replace the nails, rivets, or studs.
> 6. Completely reassemble the harp including mouthpiece assembly and
covers.
> This acts as a splint for the comb and assures that it is straight as the
> glue dries.
> 7. Place the harp, mouthpiece up, on a piece of waxed paper and in a warm
> place.  If the glue runs, it will run away from the slide and will not
stick
> to the waxed paper.
> 8. Wait intil the next day.
> 9. Disassemble the harp.
> 10. Using an Xacto knife, scrape/cut away any excess glue that may have
run
> about on the inside of the chambers.
> 11. If the epoxy has run out of a very wide crack gap, it may be necessary
> to repeat steps 1-9.
> 12. Reassemble the repaired harp.  It should be OK.
>
> Please let me know how this works out for you.
>
> Vern
>
>