Klarinet Archive - Posting 000721.txt from 1998/01

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: reeds
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 10:02:13 -0500

On Thu, 15 Jan 1998, Edwin V. Lacy wrote:
> I admire your determination to follow the example of your teachers. Just
> in case anyone else would want to try waterproof sandpaper, or silicone
> carbide paper, it comes in various degrees of abrasiveness. You can get
> #220, #400, #600, #800. #1000, etc. - the lower the number, the greater
> the degree of abrasiveness. #600 works for most reed applications. By
> the time you get to #1000, the paper feels about the same on both sides.
> As far as expense is concerned, for less than $2.00 you can get a sheet
> approximately one foot square. I cut it into pieces about one and
> one-half inches or two inches square, and that amount will last a very
> long time.

Ed has covered this quite well. The only addition I would add to those
die-hard knife users, is that use both! I scrape with the knife, and, if
I have let the knife get a teeny bit dull, I then smooth with the
sandpaper (same little square!!). Werks best when the reed has a puddle
of water sitting on it.

On the same discussion.....I didn't know you could get paper in 1000 grit!
I will get some......the polishing always makes me feel good! But I have
never seen it at the hardware store. Do you go to a wood finishing store?

Roger Garrett
IWU