 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kev182
Date: 2009-10-11 05:06
What kind of tools do you need to measure the bore/tenon size? Where can I get them? I'm looking for the cheapest tools possible without sacrificing too much quality
Really appreciate it!
Thanks,
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2009-10-11 13:40
Any machine shop should be able to come up with tools for this. Your local hardware store should carry inexpensive dial or vernier calipers to measure tenons.
Bore measuring tools are more involved. Check with your school's engineering department. I bet they have a machine shop that can do what you want.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2009-10-11 14:35
Attachment: Picture 059.jpg (8k)
Here is what I use for bores.
It is costly.
Contact me off the BB if you want more info.
These are comparitors...you need a standard for measurement. Mine is a 0.5000+/-.0001 steel mounted in a brass rim.
I set the device at zero, and read the measurement, adding .5 when done.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
Post Edited (2009-10-11 14:40)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-10-11 15:01
You put the top of the T-section of the telescopic device into the bore, then tighten up the knurled nut on the handle and that will lock the pins in place. Then remove it from the bore and measure the width of the pins with vernier or digital calipers.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: knotty
Date: 2009-10-11 15:34
Very luckily, my machinist dad left me with all kinds of various mics, including internal measuring ones on rods of different lengths.
Question: where in the clarinet bore do you measure and is the bore diameter tapered?
Thanks, knotty
~ Musical Progress: None ~
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-10-11 15:46
The narrowest point of the bore is the middle tenon where the measurement is taken from, so a clarinet with a 14.6mm bore means it measures 14.6mm at the middle tenon up to the point where the bore widens.
The bore usually widens in the top joint not too far above the throat A tonehole, though some may widen higher up still (by the speaker tube) and some may not widen at all.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: knotty
Date: 2009-10-11 15:55
Thanks Chris, info recorded in my clarinet folder.
knotty
~ Musical Progress: None ~
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Author: kdk
Date: 2009-10-11 17:41
Can this be used for mouthpiece bore measurements (entering from the tenon)?
Karl
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2009-10-11 18:06
Kevin -
Why do you want to measure the bore size? What information are you seeking and how do you plan to use it?
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
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Author: Brad Behn
Date: 2009-10-11 21:03
Attachment: bore gauges 002.JPG (160k)
Thanks Allan for your advice. I too use a similar gauge.
I have included a photo of three different bore gauges that I have used VERY often.
The top two items are a digital caliper and telescoping gauge combination. This is probably the least expensive option as one can get inexpensive versions for about thirty dollars total.
The item in the middle of the page is an inside caliper very much like the one Allan has shown in his photo.
The item at the bottom of the photo is a three point micrometer, which has become my favorite for its ease of use, and high degree of accuracy.
Suggestions:
Digital is the best way to go for the simple reason that in the mouthpiece world we work in both inches and millimeters, and to be able to convert at the simple push of a button is very convenient. Also, digital is very easy to read.
On my telescoping gauge, inside caliper, and three point micrometer, I have attached a simple millimeter rule to function as a depth gauge. I have done this with a piece of "post-it" note, cut to size, where I have marked every 5 millimeters. This is very important.
To begin, I would suggest a digital caliper and telescoping gauge because the caliper can be used for many other things such as: chamber depth measurements, body diameter, chamber length, total height, exit bore diameter, window width etc. This tool is something that I have used a great deal and is the first gauge I acquired.
The inside caliper is very handy, it is easy to use, and it has a wider range which allows me to measure Eb, Bb, and Bass mouthpiece bores. It is less expensive as well. I got mine in new condition on Ebay for about $76 but one can purchase it new for about $170. This gauge's only flaws are that it has two as opposed to three measuring points, (this can be an asset in ovoid bore discoveries), creating a slight potential for less accurate measurements. And it doesn't have sufficient depth to measure the entire length of a Bb or Eb mouthpiece bore, or a clarinet bore.
The three point micrometer at the bottom of my photo is my favorite gauge because it is highly accurate, it has the ability to measure very deep (sufficient for clarinet joints used with the extension provided), and it is easy to use. I don't even need to turn it on, all I need to do is turn the dial more open or closed, and the three points move in or out, turning the indicator on, and making my gauge live. It cost about $265 and is well worth it to me. They can cost well over a thousand dollars but I opted for the less expensive China made version as opposed to Mitutoyo or Starret or Fowler, whose gauges are very good, and very expensive. I have no complaints about its accuracy. The only criticism I have is that its .5"-.65" range is rather narrow: .15" which is perfect for Bb mouthpieces, but I would need a different gauge for Bass, or Eb or clarinet bores, which adds up the total necessary cost quickly.
Brad Behn
http://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2009-10-11 22:36
Brad, great minds run in the same cylinders.
I got the one in my attached jpg when I got tired of setting and resetting a non-digital three point micrometer....several heads were supplied, but had to be exchanged over the diameters that I measure (0.550 to 0.604 inches), and each time I had to recalibrate the new head to a standard.
The digital internal Fowler unit in my picture, and similar to Brad's,(made in Germany) is more "set it and forget it" for each time I use it.
Most bore gauges are designed for metal work (think piston cylinders and intake valves).
Hopefully Kev182 will respond to Walter Grabner's question.
My guess is that he wants to make......(shudder).......naw, only a masochist would even consider it.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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