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Question for techs....tools!??

Author: klook
Date: 2011-07-22 16:18

This is for the repairmen/women out there.

I've been messing around with repairing clarinets for a number of years now, my tool collection has been growing steadily and my work is getting better and better.

I'm in a position to make an investment in some more costly tools that I think would really help improve my repair work. I'm wondering what the seasoned folks can tell me about what is really necessary and what is not needed.

The tools all deal with two areas of repair, and these are areas that I often come across in my repairs working on mostly old Albert clarinets: chipped toneholes and loose keywork.

So first:

Swedging. Should I get a pair of the pliers that allow you to do many size rods? Or, a few of the smaller narrower pliers? If so which ones?

How about the collet tool from Ferrees? Do I need pliers and this tool?

Second:
Pivot screw counterbores: which sizes would I need? Ferrees sells a whole set but I'd hate to buy them all if I only need a couple.

Third:
Tonehole repair: now I use plugs and gule/grenadilla dust and file as even as I can. Can I get away with just making toppers with flat steel/brass rod and sandpaper?
I see Ferrees sells these tonehole files that are rounded, 4 sizes, are these handy?
Do I need a tonehole counterbore? The Reg Thorp manual says to fill the chip, use the topper, then cut a sharp edge with a counterbore but I can't find anyone selling a counterbore.

Any thoughts would be awesome. I'm totally ready to plunk down some money on good tools that will be used, but I'm very curious about what ya'll might have to say about what is needed and not needed.

I've got 75 or so old Albert system clarinets here that I plan on overhauling in the next few years! I know its an obscure passion but I love these old clarinets.

mark

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