 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-02-24 18:01
Hello all,
I have been trying to find out what the equivalent and varying size names of thread are, in the hope of potentially finding a cheaper or closer to home source of thread (so I don't have to order online!)
I know that we use FF thread, which I have also found out is Tex-135. But when I search for FF thread, I also get numbers such as #18, does anyone know what this means or is equivalent to? Any good comparison charts out there?
Thanks!
Rachel
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-02-24 19:53
Thanks Drew!
I actually did find this one, but it turned up as unavailable and wouldn't redirect. Thankyou for uncovering it!
My only wish is that the lettering system of thread thickness turned up in there as well...all I now know is that FF is equivalent to tex 135, or size 20. When I search for thread of this size online in non-double reed places, I have found you can pay the same amount, but get 5x more. i.e. $8 for a 250yd spool vs the same for a 1250yd spool. :0
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Author: oboedrew
Date: 2012-02-24 20:20
Hi, Rachel. I believe our familiar FF designation is from the US Government/Military spec VT-295E included on page three of that chart.
There's more info and a similar (but simpler!) comparison chart at http://www.thethreadexchange.com/ > nylon thread > nylon thread information.
Cheers,
Drew
www.oboedrew.com
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-02-24 20:39
Yes, I didn't scroll down far enough! Thankyou!
In my search (I am clearly enjoying having a day off doing non-productive things!) I have found on That Auction Site (and I'm sure in a lot of craft stores) Omega Hilo crochet thread in crochet size #2.
This is the thickest size of crochet thread before you need to start using yarn. And when I searched through the colours, a lot of the multi-coloured ones are identical the the threads that Forrests sells as FF+. I own one of these spools, and it is definitely identical. And it is brilliant stuff - thick, non-stretchy and strong. It also locks into itself well (i.e. the knots don't slip).
300yd of thread for $3? In 88 colours? I'll take some of those!
Clearly, I am a sad individual who likes very colourful reeds. :D
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-02-24 21:23
I don't find your contributions 'sad' at all. And my reed box is full of different colours; I try to keep them attached to the brand/type of cane or the length of staple etc. but in the end, I just know that 'the blue reed' plays pretty good right now, while the 'peach reed' doesn't, etc.
If all my reeds were tied with the same color thread, I'd have a hard time telling them apart -- especially in a low-light situation when I'm rehearsing with others.
May your reeds always cheer you.
GoodWinds
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-02-24 21:24
PS Is "EE" thread thinner than "FF", or fatter? I'll re-check the chart but I'm pretty challenged with that much info!
GoodWinds
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-02-24 21:56
Mary, FF is thicker than EE. I suspect EE would be too thin for reeds. G is the thickest (this much I know from my research), but I couldn't see that in the table, I'd say it is probably around T205 - pretty thick!
From what I can summarise:
FF = T135 (tex number) = v138 (older measurement) = approx. crochet size #3.
FF+ = T150 = approx crochet size #2
For what it's worth, I did just go to Hobby Lobby (it's behind my apartment, what can I say??) and they have the Omega Hilo #2 crochet thread there, not every colour, but a lot. And it was $3.29 a spool. It is definitely identical to the Forrests FF+ stuff. I just tied three reeds with it, and no problems whatsoever! Also on feebay, if you want more colours than that.
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-02-25 03:09
I've been looking for thinner thread than FF, thanks!
(Not that many carry thinner stuff with enough strenght/elasticity, so I'll have to keep shopping)
GoodWinds
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Author: oboedrew
Date: 2012-02-26 20:00
WoodwindOz wrote:
> Yes, I didn't scroll down far enough! Thankyou!
You're most welcome!
WoodwindOz wrote:
> Clearly, I am a sad individual who likes very colourful reeds. :D
Hehe... to each their own. I need drab thread to counterbalance my colorful language, so I wrap in black. :-)
WoodwindOz wrote:
> In my search (I am clearly enjoying having a day off doing
> non-productive things!) I have found on That Auction Site
> (and I'm sure in a lot of craft stores) Omega Hilo crochet
> thread in crochet size #2.
> This is the thickest size of crochet thread before you need to
> start using yarn. And when I searched through the colours, a
> lot of the multi-coloured ones are identical the the threads
> that Forrests sells as FF+. I own one of these spools, and it is
> definitely identical. And it is brilliant stuff - thick, non-stretchy
> and strong. It also locks into itself well (i.e. the knots don't slip).
I'm right there with you. Every year I find less use for oboe specialty stores. Many of our supplies can be found cheaper elsewhere, once you know where to look. Except mandrels. I haven't found a good substitute for mandrels.
GoodWinds wrote:
> PS Is "EE" thread thinner than "FF", or fatter? I'll re-check the
> chart but I'm pretty challenged with that much info!
WoodwindOz wrote:
> Mary, FF is thicker than EE. I suspect EE would be too thin for
> reeds.
GoodWinds wrote:
> I've been looking for thinner thread than FF, thanks! (Not that
> many carry thinner stuff with enough strenght/elasticity, so I'll
> have to keep shopping)
I've never used EE, but I think I remember Craig saying in a recent thread that he uses it. Perhaps he can weigh in?
Cheers,
Drew
www.oboedrew.com
Post Edited (2012-02-26 20:04)
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2012-02-26 21:41
Way do go, Drew! Great charts and sources.
For years, since I started playing until recently, I used EE Gudebrod Rod Winding Nylon, stocked in sports shops for fishermen to wrap the eyelets onto their fishing poles that the line threads through. RDG & Forrest's stocked the same. Then Gudebrod lost a big gov't contract that supported the business and they went out of business. I had bought a lifetime supply just after that happened, so haven't checked the sports shops recently, but somebody must have filled that niche. I know that the double reed shops stock FF made by somebody, but I always found that too fat for my comfort. Habit, I suppose...
One of my teachers had a spool of waxed linen of about the same size on an industrial spool meant for a garment factory machine. It was cone shaped, about 3 inches in diameter at the top and 5 inches at the bottom and would probably take care of all of us for 10 years. Don't know where he got it but it's another source to check.
I like the idea of colors, though - keep the reed box pretty.
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-02-26 21:46
pretty reeds play better, like clean cars run better.
It's a nice thought, anyway.
I better order something from Drew: I've not owned a 'tuxedo' black reed in a long time...
GoodWinds
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