 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rmr25
Date: 2007-03-07 19:36
I'm in the midst of restoring an old metal clarinet. Unfortunately, missing is the 2mm x 50 mm threaded rod that hinges the lower F and G# keys. I have a couple of old rods from a LeBlanc carcass whose thread pitch is ok, but they're short of the 50 mm length. I've checked Feree's catalog, but they only show rod stock, nothing threaded. Is there any source for threaded rods?
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2007-03-07 21:23
all thoes rods are made one by one. you must buy a Die to cut the threads- Ferree's has this too.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2007-03-08 05:32
You need the measure exactly the thread size and diameter. If you don't have the tool to measure this, then you can buy it or go to some place where they can measure it for you. Then you need the correct size rod (I use the complex method of trying a few and see which one fits best) and the correct die. The rod you can buy from instrument repair suppliers. The die you can probably buy at local stores (we have them at technical supply stores or tool stores). Get high speed steel die if you want it to last.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2007-03-08 08:33
Welcome, rmr25, to the world of the repair technician.... Lots of specialised, expensive equipment, which is often rarely used.
So far, as I have needed them, I have bought 47 threading dies, all 6 mm diameter or less.
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-03-08 12:50
yup, tap and dies aren't cheap.
Of course we haven't mentioned either if the threads are protruding up from the rod or were cut down then threaded.
If cut down (create a relief) then threaded (most are - and assuming you don't want any play) then you'll have to get a bench motor or lathe to rotate the rod and file down a bit and then use the die on it.
There's instructions on this process on the web at votawtools.com and ferreestools.com
http://www.ferreestools.com/new_drill_rod.htm
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-03-08 14:27
btw,
Votaw and Ferrees I believe sell some threaded stock. But for specific instruments like Leblancs - its in the back of their catalogs.
I simply cut and thread them myself. tyring to stock every thread size, length etc would be a nightmare.
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Author: rmr25
Date: 2007-03-08 15:21
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Votaw came to the rescue. The rod stock cost $1.50 and the die was just over $8.00. That's not too bad for the situation I was in. No lives were hanging in the balance here!
Again, I truly appreciate your help.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2007-03-08 21:45
Great!
You've started on the long wallet-emptying journey.
That's cheap for a metric die in USA. Are you sure you have the corrrect thread?
Post Edited (2007-03-08 21:46)
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-03-09 11:47
and here was Votaw instructions on making hinge screw rod
http://www.votawtool.com/zcom.asp?pg=products&specific=jogmfrg0
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Author: rmr25
Date: 2007-03-09 16:47
Votaw's tech ("Don") was most helpful in suggesting the appropriate die. He also said, in his experience, even if the threads aren't 100% correct, it's always possible to force them "a little" to make the fix. Some of the other dies in the Votaw catalog list for $19.95, but the size I needed was the $8.00 one. I didn't consider that "wallet-emptying," since it's a one-time thing and I'm not interested in large-scale repair work. It's just a hobby that, as my 100-year old mother used to say: "Keeps him out of the Pool Hall!"
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-03-10 04:26
Keep us updated on your work on the metal clarinet.
What kind of metal clarinet was it anyways ??
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Author: rmr25
Date: 2007-03-10 19:22
The clarinet is labeled: "Bruno, Royal Artist, Made in USA." The Votaw tech thought it's probably a Conn stencil. I'll let you know how the hinge rod fabrication goes.
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2007-03-10 19:28
I had a Bruno, Royal Artist saxophone - Conn stencil. pretty nice saxes for that vintage 1914ish for mine. I never knew they also had clarinets .....
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Author: rmr25
Date: 2007-03-30 01:46
Folks:
This will complete my exploration into hinge rod manufacture. I did get the right diameter rod at the outset. Votaw's "John" (earlier I had mistakenly called him "Don," due to my poor hearing on the phone) patiently worked with me to get the right die. The rod's in place and now I'm in the usual task of tracking down poorly seated pads and making pad cup height adjustments. The clarinet plays -- more accurately "honks" -- but that's what all the fun is about, right? It'll be a conversation piece on top of our piano, occasionally joining my wife's musical struggles.
Thank you, all, for your suggestions and comments.
Bob
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