 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-18 08:02
I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, but I thought I'd share my latest endeavor.
In checking my various acquisitions, I've been using a combination of play testing and Mylar 'feelers' to check for leaks as well as the ubiquitous suction test.
I got to thinking about this and, as others have I'm sure, decided that while a suction test is valid, I'm more concerned with what air is leaking out than being sucked in. I'm not sure I can explain the science but it seems to me that there would be different dynamics in play that could result in a pad not leaking during a suction test but leaking during playing. I'm not sure if that is an accurate statement, but that's my basis for what follows.
I decided I wanted to see what air was leaking out of the pads and got to thinking about the way I've checked vehicles using smoke. With the understanding that I didn't want to damage anything or cause undue odors, I started looking at options.
I first thought of using a fog machine, since the fog is just vaporized propylene glycol (safe for consumption and no lasting odor). That lead me to looking for something smaller and more portable, which led to E-Cigs.
Since you can buy or make eLiquid with no nicotine and no flavor, with the result being just PG or Vegetable Glycol.
I did some testing and found that it leaves no odor and no residue. It is basically just like your own breath vapor and a standard cleaning takes care of any issues. It doesn't appear to effect pads and actually might have some beneficial moisturizing effect.
So my new 'Smoke Test' went into play.
It works VERY well and even the smallest leaks have been detected; where there is smoke there is a leak.
I'm using a set of rubber stoppers, with one of them having a length of tubing that I blow the smoke into. This allows me to have the clarinet section away from my mouth and gives me a better view of things.
I'm sure this has been done before, but great minds think alike.
It does take a bit of vapor to check an alto or bass, but with my current e-cig setup I get enough of a cloud to check a tenor sax!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-18 10:04
It was kind of a take off from the old days of using cigar smoke to find leaks in vehicle intakes. (I'm going back a few years..)
I figured cigar smoke wouldn't be politically correct and would leave not only an odor but nicotine stains. Combine that with the fact I don't smoke and I had to find a better solution.
I make my own E-liquid from food grade PG and VG from Walmart. For about $12 I have enough e-juice to last a year or more.
The only real ongoing cost are replacement coils. Around $4 each and each one lasts for quite a while just doing this.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-11-18 17:27
That is so cool! So much better than all the pressure machine nonsense.
Somehow I'm also visualizing smoke coming out of my ears. Probably watched too much 3 Stooges in my life.
Stan in Orlando
EWI 4000S with modifications
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2016-11-18 17:53
The pressure machines give a lot more information. I understand that they are expensive for the casual repair person, so I'm glad you found an economical alternative. I threw away my cigarettes a while back.
Steve Ocone
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-18 20:24
The mag machines do indeed give a lot more information and to be honest, if I could justify one I'd probably do it.
For me, it was a matter of around $40 vs over $400.
Since you are blowing the smoke (vapor), you can regulate the pressure also.
It seems to work for me better than anything else
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rgoldem
Date: 2016-11-21 02:10
This is really a great idea!
Could you share the e-liquid formulation you found best? Do you use any water? A mixing of PG and VG? Which one is better? I heard PG is Ok but does not produce much smoke while VG produces smoke but has a sweet flavour.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-11-21 04:15
I've been advises that I've been blowing smoke for most of my life, so this should be easy![:)]
Tony F.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-21 05:07
I use a 65/35 VG/PG mix approx. I add distilled water if I need to thin it. Crown II tank @ 60w DLI but a Nautilus at 12w MTL works fine for clarinets.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: klim
Date: 2017-10-03 01:18
KSCop wrote:
> Crown II tank @ 60w DLI but a Nautilus at 12w MTL works fine for clarinets.
Call me dense, but what is a Crown II tank @60w DLI?
And what is a Nautilus at 12w MTL?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Johan H Nilsson
Date: 2017-10-03 02:34
"pressure machine nonsense"
They can quantify the leakage. Smoke can't, so they still have an advantage. Smoke and other methods is for people without a MAG machine.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-10-03 05:55
Mylar is often too smooth and it's hard to feel the friction of the pads for me. I still like cigarette paper, cutting a thin strip. You or myself can feel the friction of the pad better. Old school I guess. It's 0.001" thick.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
