Over the past few years, there have been a number of posts on tubenet regarding valve rebuilding. I came to realize that even with repair folk, there was very little understanding of how much really was involved in the process. Recently I started doing more of this work myself, because sending them out to a sub-contractor was taking too long and holding up progress with rebuilding projects. Because there is little information available on the process, I thought some of you would find the images of interest.
Prior to the plating the pistons were seriously modified so nylon guides could be installed. I also replace the top threads on the first valve casing.
The tools employed for the job are quite expensive and require special training to master. The extensive process of rebuilding brass instrument piston valves takes additional training and the plating process even more. some tooling had to be custome made for the job. I just wanted more of you to get a better understanding and that simply dipping them in a beaker and making them nickel colored is not even close to doing the job effectively. The valves shown were copper plated three times accept the forth piston which was plated five times with copper as it had considerable damage. The pistons were honed between copper plating until they were perfectly straight and round with no dents or pitting. After final copper and honing, all were plated once with nickel which was .004''-.0065'' thick. Following nickel plating they were honed again to there final dimension and lapped to a fine smooth feel.
I assembled this photo essay for the owner of the tuba with plans to share the details with additional text, when I had time to put it together. Anyway, have a look and feel free to give your thoughts and questions. Be prepared, the page has nearly eighty images. I hope you find it interesting and that it is able to stimulate interesting conversation.
http://www.oberloh.com/gallery/tubavalvereferbish.htm
Best Regards,
Daniel C. Oberloh
Repair Technician to the Stars (Floyd and Emma Star of George, Wa)
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
www.oberloh.com
Valve Rebuilding Pictorial Essay
-
Daniel C. Oberloh
- pro musician
- Posts: 547
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 9:22 pm
- Location: Seattle Washington
-
tuba_bloke
- bugler
- Posts: 68
- Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2004 3:49 am
- Location: Indiana
-
trseaman
- 4 valves
- Posts: 696
- Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:26 pm
- Location: Broken Arrow, OK
