 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: ptarmiganfeather
Date: 2014-01-25 17:52
Hello.
I am cleaning a student model plastic oboe for a friend. At some point long, long ago the reed well became hopelessly stuck to a reed and the reed well came out. The well was really thin metal and I couldn't think of a good way to get the reed out without damaging the metal.
Since rubbing alcohol removes old shellac I reasoned I would try soaking the stuck reed and reed well in rubbing alcohol overnight. The reed came out like magic!
So now my burning question is what adhesive to use to reattach the reed well? Should I use superglue or shellac or contact cement?
Thanks! Have a great weekend.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-01-26 19:48
While epoxy is still liquid, any excess that gets onto the joint surface or into the bore can easily be removed with alcohol (methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol) on a cotton cloth or cotton bud (Q-tip).
Most makers nowadays use epoxy to glue reed sockets and socket linings in with. Shellac is brittle and requires heat to melt it which isn't any good where plastics are concerned - the last thing you want to do is melt the body on a plastic instrument.
Liquid shellac takes far too long to harden, so your best bet is to use slow setting epoxy - you have plenty of time before it sets solid so any cleaning up can be done in the first 30 minutes, then leave it for 24 hours to fully set before use.
Don't use superglue as it can run into the bore and is difficult to remove - solvents (like acetone) will remove superglue from wood or metal, but will also dissolve plastic, so you shouldn't use superglue in this instance.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-01-27 15:03
"While epoxy is still liquid, any excess that gets onto the joint surface or into the bore can easily be removed with alcohol (methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol) on a cotton cloth or cotton bud (Q-tip)."
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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