Klarinet Archive - Posting 000161.txt from 2009/02

From: Nancy Buckman <eefer@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Teflon Tape
Date: Sun, 08 Feb 2009 10:24:11 -0500

I'm not trying to be contradictory here, but teflon tape isn't expensive. =
A roll =0D
costs me $1.50, or six rolls for $5.00 at my local hardware store. It cost=
s $25.00 =0D
to have a tenon corked here where I live. I have used tape for everything f=
rom =0D
recorder joints (no more string!) and loose flute heads, to sax necks, loos=
e =0D
brasswind slides and mouthpiece shanks. Rather than being a drain on the b=
ank, it =0D
has saved me a lot of money in unecessary repairs. And I don't have to buy=
=0D
lubricant anymore, either. It's a great conversation starter, too. People=
always =0D
want to know what is "wrong" with my instruments. Their expressions usuall=
y change =0D
after my explanation.=0D
=0D
When applied correctly, it lasts for a long time. On joints that I have ta=
ped, the =0D
original tape is still just fine (over 3 years, at least). Make sure to lo=
op it =0D
when you finish winding it (like you were tying a shoelace). If you have t=
rouble =0D
with the first part of the wind, you can loop that, too. That will keep it=
from =0D
coming undone. Start the winding with the tape on the bottom of the roll, =
not on =0D
the top. It will help keep the winding process controllable, and you can u=
se the =0D
right amount of tension. Remove any old grease with a little alcohol befor=
e =0D
starting.=0D
=0D
I never cut it. After breaking it off and looping it, (yes, it does stretc=
h), I =0D
just smooth the frayed ends down. If you have used enough tape, they will =
compress =0D
right into the rest of the tape and stay smooth. =0D
=0D
Nancy=0D
=0D
Nancy Buckman=0D
Orchestra AACC=0D
Opera AACC=0D
Baltimore Flute Choir=0D
Early Music Society of Northern MD=0D
eefer@-----.com=0D
=0D

------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2009 Woodwind.Org Donation Drive is going on right now - see
https://secure.donax-us.com/donation/ for more information.
------------------------------------------------------------------