[Harp-L] Re: tuning reeds...motors

[Michael Easton <diachrome@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Dave wrote:
>
> There are rotary tools specifically made for tuning harmonica reeds.  
> I sell one. You can get the same thing on the Seydel site. SOmebody  
> else has one that the same, but different in that the bits are  
> interchangeable. Me I like the smoother feel of the fixed-point  
> tool, but ultimately like the feel of a file, sanding wands and  
> modified pen knife for most my tuning.
> Judging by the reeds I've seen, Seydel is going more to the rotary  
> for tuning at the factory. The trend started with the 1847, which  
> isn't all that easy to tune with a file and the tuners had to use  
> those things to get some relief ;). I've noticed them being used on  
> brass reeds as well recently.
> I think the reason I don't use them is because I am so eccentric.

Seems to be a lot of the mini rotary tools  showing up on the market  
the past couple of years.  I bought one at Harbor Freight but ended up  
giving it to my wife.
I do a lot more then tune reeds so I need the power of a Dremel.  It  
isn't necessary to buy something that powerful if you are just using  
it to tune reeds and the
smaller rotary tools are great if you are just using Brownies or  
dental bits to tune.

I tuned a few of my 1847's for the first time in 3 years.  I didn't  
want to risk damaging my good files so I went rotary.   The Brownies  
seem to work ok on SS if you have a lot of time on your hands.  I  
switched over to a  larger rubber wheel that is more abrasive then  
fine tuned with the Brownie.


Michael Easton
www.harmonicarepair.com