Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-03-21 18:21
Wood won't split under compression from the outside - it will split if there's pressure applied within the bore, such as a peg that's too large or poorly shaped and applies pressure to the inside walls of the bell. It's the internal pressure or expansion that causes cracks.
Think of a glass tumbler - it's got a tapered inside. That's like the die the bell fits into in the press, then the bell is pushed down into the die and the bell ring gets compressed as the diameter narrows.
The downward force applied to the bell rim is equalised all around it using a circular plunger in the press to push it down into the die. The wood is in compression and not in expansion, therefore it shouldn't split.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
|
|