Author: Bill
Date: 2001-05-31 22:29
At least three "tools" have been mentioned for use as pad heaters. The Votaw/Triton soldering tool, a "regular" soldering iron with and without modified tip, and a bunsen burner. An inexpensive alcohol lamp, and butane micro torch are other options. I'd like to buy the one tool that give the most "bang for the buck". I already have a regular soldering iron, and an alcohol lamp, so what am I asking . I guess I'm looking to buy another tool.
You have to heat the shellac in the cup and then insert and level the pad. Then you need to apply heat to the cup, after it's installed on the horn, and seat the pad.
I think a bunsen burner with a fine point head can be used for the entire process. Ferree's tools catalog has couple of different models using natural or propane gas. They say the bunsen burner flame is easier to direct to a pad cup than the flickering flame of an alcohol lamp. I've been frustrated by the flickering flame in doing flute pads, and I didn't realize that this problem was so common. So, the bunsen burner wins out over the alcohol lamp.
I would like to know if the Votaw soldering tool can be used for the first heating step in the padding process? As John mentioned, it can also be used to rusted pivots and rods. I think it can be used in tight places on the horn, whereas flame devices could do damage. It's main minus seems to be its price.
I'm not sure how well a modified soldering iron, and a butane torch would work.
I'm torn between the bunsen burner and the Votaw.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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