[Harp-L] Arbor Press to fasten reeds

[Michelle LeFree]

David Pearce wrote:

> I meant using an Arbor press to fasten the reed in lieu of a hammer.  Or how would one go about making a reed riveting machine?

Funny you should ask, David.

As it so happens there is no need to make one yourself because in order 
to address the current void of commercially available rivet replacement 
systems I just recently created a 3D-printed jig for this exact purpose. 
It's the first in a series of SilverWing 3-SPace's 3D-printed harmonica 
repair tools I am introducing. [SilverWing 3-Space is my new company. 
3-Space refers to the coordinate system used by mathematicians to 
described 3-dimensional objects.] I was going to post about the set all 
together but in view of this thread I am compelled to announce my "Reed 
Replacer" system for diatonic harmonicas here and now.

The SilverWing 3-Space "Reed Replacer" system incorporates:

- a 3D-printed ABS plastic frame that features an oil-impregnated bronze 
bushing as a precision guide for the included punches

- 2 hardened O-1 tool steel punches: 1 tapered (pointed) to remove old 
rivets and 1 flat punch to flatten donor reed pads and recipient reed 
plates

- an 18 oz. 1" square cold rolled steel bar as an anvil with a slot 
running across its short dimension to accept the row of rivet heads

- a port for a flashlight  to ensure that the reed, rivet pad and reed 
plate slot are all well illuminated (flashlight is not included, but any 
1" diameter one will do)

Here are a few photos:

https://silverwingleather.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Reed_Replacer_v1.1-1.jpg

https://silverwingleather.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Reed_Replacer_v1.1-6.jpg

https://silverwingleather.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Reed_Replacer_v1.1-4.jpg

https://silverwingleather.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Reed_Replacer_v1.1-7.jpg

And a PDF of the instructions:

https://silverwingleather.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Reed-Replacer-Instructions.pdf

I am pleased that both Andrew Zajac and Gary Lehman have posted positive 
demonstrations and reviews.

http://harp.andrewzajac.ca/LeFreeRRS

https://www.facebook.com/groups/harprepair/permalink/1768928946561462/

I am also pleased that Rockin' Ron's is carrying the RRS system for 
$135, delivered. He has them in stock.

https://rockinronsmusicsd.com/silverwing-3-space-reed-replacer-includes-free-usa-shipping.html

Feel free to contact me via email for any comments, questions, or 
inquiries: mlefree at silverwingleather dot com

Thanks!

Michelle

PS: Other products soon to be released include an all-encompassing 
3D-rprinted system for replacing reeds on diatonic or chromatic harps 
with rivets or screws (includes an exciting USB microscope attachment 
for advanced visualization), and a series of LED flashlight-illuminated 
probes that I call "Harmonica Lightsabers" that fit into reed chambers 
and illuminate the reed space between reed and reed plate 
(https://rockinronsmusicsd.com/silverwing-3-spaces-light-saber-includes-free-usa-shipping.html).