The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Over-soaking before tying?

Author: jhoyla
Date: 2008-08-18 13:50

Hello everyone,

When I tie blanks, I generally do so in a session that lasts no more than 80-90 minutes. Soak for 30-45, then shape and tie, shape and tie etc.

This week I tried to do a larger than usual batch (10 pcs), and then got called away in the middle. The first five pieces all tied on easily (one cracked along a natural weakness in the cane - this is usually unavoidable).

When I went back to the soaking cane after an hour and tried to tie-on, the cane felt much stiffer than usual. The bark cracked as soon as I began to pull the thread (the crack "sounded" different also - a higher-pitched crack) This happened for two consecutive reeds, after which I put the rest of the cane away to dry out, and perhaps to try again another day.

Is this a known phenomenon?
Why does the bark stiffen up and become more brittle after (say) two hours of soaking? How long does the "sweet-spot" for tying last?
If I let the cane dry out completely will it be possible to tie these stiffened pieces, or should I throw them away now?

J.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics