 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: oboesage
Date: 2014-09-23 04:18
I get tired of using Goldbeaters for leaky reeds over the years. Maybe I use it incorrectly so I found some stuff and ordered it from Reedmakers Reed Shop from CrispinsCreations called Oboe leak Sealer. Has anyone else on here tried this item?
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-09-23 12:27
I haven't tried that one, but I did just order a product called simply 'Parafilm' from Forrests. I am super impressed and completely converted. The packaging says 'laboratory film M', whatever that means.
It is transparent and stretches many times its own length. I cut a small piece, say 1cm long, and it wraps around the reed about 4 times. It does not come unstuck. The sheet I bought I think will do several hundred reeds because you need such a small amount.
I use it primarily to cover the wire of my reeds and I wire all of them (short scrape), and it is much better than plumbers tape, which eventually wears through and exposes the wire anyway.
Rachel
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2014-09-23 13:25
I slice a roll of cling-film (saran wrap) into little rolls of 16-18mm width. Wrapping directly from the roll is a cinch, just pull to cut to length. If it comes off (it does if you over-soak), just wrap a fresh piece. One regular kitchen-sized roll of cling-film cut into narrow rolls will last several life-times.
I have also used plumber's tape but I find it a bit heavy - it muffles the reed somehow, and you DO need a knife to cut it to length. The advantage of plumber's tape is that it doesn't come off when you soak the reed.
Once you have scraped a reed to the point where it plays reasonably well, it is important to seal before scraping further - the tiniest leak can have a huge effect on the reed's stability and response, especially in the low register.
I find that once a reed has played in, the wrap can be removed. The blades of the reed settle in to each other and form a good seal, most times. I never wire my reeds (even though I am short-scrape) so I don't need the extra protection.
J.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-09-23 14:44
You can get general quality PTFE plumbers' tape that's very thin which does the trick, snaps off cleanly and never comes undone during soaking. That's what I swear by.
The gas grade PTFE plumbers' tape is very thick, so get the one used for domestic plumbing and central heating.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2014-09-23 15:16
Thanks, Chris.
I've been using plumber's tape for 25 years, never realized there were different grades. Doh!!
J.
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Author: JRC
Date: 2014-09-23 16:37
There are also 1/2" and 1" width PTFE tapes available.
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Author: oboesage
Date: 2014-09-24 17:43
I found the PTFE light gauge sealing tape 1/2" works very well. White though and aesthetically I was thinking clear would be great.
The Oboe reed leak sealant works well too although two concerns: 1) you need access to an regular light bulb, which is not a given in our age of floresants to save money and 2) I worry a bit about material somehow getting ingested over time. Minor worries to be sure. Thanks for all the information.
Post Edited (2014-09-24 17:44)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-09-24 18:02
I've heard there is a clear version of PTFE tape, but have yet to see it in the DIY shops (which I avoid having to go to if I can help it).
White PTFE tape turns transparent when water soaks into it, so for a while you'll have clear wrapping.
I used to use cling film but it never stayed put once wet, so I'd stick sellotape over it to keep it in place. But for me, PTFE tape is the answer.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: oboegy
Date: 2014-09-24 20:25
Listen to Rachel. Parafilm is the absolute best for all of the reasons she cites.
George
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Author: oboesage
Date: 2014-09-25 05:36
Yes I think Parafilm would do nicely. I will look for that in Forrest catalogue next time.
Thanks much,
G
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Author: mschmidt
Date: 2014-09-27 06:33
I have not used parafilm on reeds but there is a roll of it in my laboratory. It seems like it would be heavier than the PTFE tape, even when maximally stretched. More mass on any part of the reed that vibrates would mean a greater effect on vibration. I'll probably try it, but I'm very happy with PTFE.
My first trials with PTFE were just "emergency" use, and I was quite sure I would go back to goldbeater's skin. Does anybody want my old goldbeater's skin?
Mike
Still an Amateur, but not really middle-aged anymore
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Author: ptarmiganfeather
Date: 2014-10-01 22:45
I can second, third etc. the recommendation for parafilm. One roll was not that expensive, and I garden anyway so I had a second use for the film if it didn't work.
The parafilm I ordered was not in a sheet, it was a roll called "grafters tape." The roll is about the same width as PFTE tape. The stuff is waxy, stretches very thin and sticks to its self very easily. Can confirm it does a marvelous job of sealing leaks and you only need a tiny bit. As a bonus I can still see my favorite blue/pink/hot pink thread underneath. Came in a decent size roll and will last me a very long time.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2014-10-02 01:17
I can only find green or white parafilm listed on eBay - clear isn't available in the UK.
Is it all the same thickness? I assume it's pretty much like amalgamating tape but much thinner.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: oboegy
Date: 2014-10-02 05:57
Chris,
The version of parafilm that you want to look for is the nursery "grafting tape" variety that comes in 1/2" or 1" wide rolls and is the most convenient to apply for reed sealing purposes. It is semi-transparent rather than really clear, very similar in appearance to 3M Scotch brand magic tape.
I saw at least one listing on the eBay.uk site for this variety, although most listings there, as you pointed out, were for the green or white colour "floral" variety of parafilm. I'm fairly sure the thickness and other characteristics of all the varieties of parafilm are the same, however.
George
Post Edited (2014-10-02 05:59)
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-10-02 06:01
Faith, the reason I originally bought the parafilm was because I make VERY colourful reeds and I didn't want the plumbers tape to cover it up (very shallow I know, but I tell my reeds apart by their thread colour!)
Chris, I just bought mine from Forrests. I like the idea of the sheet because I can alter the thickness, so I can just cover the wire if I want, or cover lower down the thread if I suspect a leak further down. I find I need to turn it fewer times around the reed to make it stick as opposed to plumbers tape, and by the time it is fully stretched it is so thin, I doubt you would notice a difference in vibrations. I have replaced the existing plumbers tape for parafilm on a couple of my favourite reeds and haven't noticed a difference.
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2014-10-02 10:49
OMG $2.80 on Amazon. Grafter's tape! I'm SO getting a roll .. and while I'm at it, that Zenport K106F "grafting knife" for $12.70 looks like a really good investment (I'm a leftie).
J.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-10-02 12:24
Good find, J! I'll keep it in mind...although with the minute amount of this stuff I need, it will be awhile down the track!
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Author: oboi
Date: 2014-10-02 20:34
I bought a super giant 2-inch wide roll of Parafilm from a chemical shop. This size is used to cover test tubes. I use it very sparingly because it's sticky and so can turn an ugly grime colour with minimal handling. I only use it when my reeds leak at the end of the wrap or in the thread. I will basically use a 1/2x1 cm piece because it easily stretches. So I need not ever buy a new box ever again. I will use Teflon tape for all other leaks.
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