 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-08-11 20:53
Hi reedmakers all,
I've wondered through the years about the use of sandpaper to finish reeds.
Since I've got some numbness in my fingers (which can make them awkward at times) I thought I'd try an alternative: emory boards.
These are the 'orange'-colored cardboard things one uses to file one's fingernails. They are cheap, portable, and have a fairly fine 'grit'. I was surprised at how well they worked on the backs of my latest reeds.
I'll report further when I have outstanding results, but I thought I'd share a possible tool with those of you who use sandpaper.
GoodWinds
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2012-08-12 01:22
My teacher used ceramic nail files -- they come in a range of grits -- to fine-tune her tips. I have some, but don't use them, as I find a knife does better for what I need to do.
Susan
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-08-12 01:36
My only hangup with the emory board is that it's rigid. Maybe that's a good or bad thing, but for how I approach reed making, it just gets in the way. I have some in different grits, but sandpaper did wind up being cheaper when I cut the pieces up small, but I didn't look hard into emory board suppliers. Either way, it's still 'gritty'.
Drew S.
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Author: JRC
Date: 2012-08-12 16:04
There is a difference between sand paper and emery cloth/board. Emory board uses iron particles; so the color red. You do not want to use that. It will color your reed when wet and impossible to get it out.
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2012-08-12 18:54
You could try reed-rush - a natural, cylindrical grass with lots of silica in its outer bark. Rather like pieces of tube-cane, but rougher. Because it is cylindrical and not flat, it can be used on the back and the blend without damaging the spine or heart.
Clarinetists use reed rush on their reeds for fine adjustment.
J.
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2012-08-12 19:34
I've thinned and refined my tips forever using 600 grit Wet-Or-Dry sandpaper (rubbed against itself to make it less aggressive) wrapped around the cork end of a staple. The curve of the staple is consistent with the slope of the blend and, particularly with cane that wants to tear rather than scrape, it lets you thin the corners easily.
I usually do everything with my knife, but there are times when the sandpaper seems to be the better choice...
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-08-15 06:33
I've wondered about it but never tried it. I like the rigidity of the file (or a tube), due to nerve damage in my hands.
There is a 'white' side to the emery board that I favor, so my reeds are not going pink or red or orange.
GoodWinds
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-08-15 06:35
I've never used sandpaper before; I've been experimenting some with the 'catch' part of the back (between windows and heart) and whether it's due to long-formed habits or just how I was initially taught, I don't really care for much 'roughness' on the back of my reeds. maybe for aethestic reasons, but I think more for comfort.
GoodWinds
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2012-08-15 08:24
Try flipping the reed round (with the plaque inside, obviously) and scraping in your normal direction - that is, you scrape forwards, but from the reed's perspective you are scraping backwards.
With this grip, you hold the cork with your thumb and forefinger, and support the heart on your middle finger.
It takes a couple of tries to get the grip on the reed correct, but it really helps to smooth out the catch area. Be careful not to take any cane out of the window itself! You can seriously weaken the reed this way. Dust within the catch area and you'll be fine.
J.
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-08-16 18:44
OOoh, I like that suggestion. Usually I DO use the knife (more than the grit) to 'soften' the shards... by shaving very lightly ('dusting') at a 45 degree angle, both sides. But I shall try this 'backwards' approach... THANKS.
GoodWinds
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Author: oboe1
Date: 2012-10-12 19:36
Hello,
just bear in mind that sandpaper might not be invented to be used on something you put into your mouth...
In Europe a plant ("shave gras" or "horse tail") is still used as a natural alternative to sandpaper.
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Author: Oboe Craig
Date: 2012-10-12 20:29
That is funny. I don't think I want want horse tail in my mouth either, although it may be the original dental floss...:)
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