A better solution to cork.
-
iiipopes
- Utility Infielder
- Posts: 8580
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 1:10 am
Re: A better solution to cork.
I can tell you that after a couple of years, even neoprene starts to compress. It's about time for a new fitting for my 186 as well.
Jupiter JTU1110
"Real" Conn 36K
"Real" Conn 36K
-
kingconn
- bugler
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 10:20 am
- Location: winston salem n.c.
Re: A better solution to cork.
You could use rubber for the compression side and cork for the return or "at rest" side that way you get the strength of the rubber when you push the valve but when you release it you don't get the bounce. That being said , what about leather?
-
The Jackson
- 5 valves
- Posts: 1652
- Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2007 9:34 pm
- Location: Miami, FL
Re: A better solution to cork.
That's what Miraphone currently does with their horns (the 186, at least). I really liked that system.kingconn wrote:You could use rubber for the compression side and cork for the return or "at rest" side that way you get the strength of the rubber when you push the valve but when you release it you don't get the bounce. That being said , what about leather?
-
Lee Stofer
- 4 valves
- Posts: 935
- Joined: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:50 am
Re: A better solution to cork.
I get various-durometer density and diameter neoprene cord from J.L. Smith & Company of Charlotte, North Carolina, a fine supplier to repair technicians. They may also sell to the general public, but I cannot confirm this.
I keep my stock of bumper cord in ziplock bags, to limit its exposure to the environment. Neoprene should last for several years under normal usage. Different instruments need different diameter bumpers, and different density, due to differing spring tension and lever-to-stop arm ratios of motion.
I do also use cork on certain applications. In my earlier days, I tried wine corks, hardware store cork stoppers, just about anything you can imagine, and most of it was pretty disappointing. If you have an instrument with moderate or low spring tension, cork will last quite a while. When feasible, I like to use cork, as it is an earth-friendly renewable resource. The cork-oak trees, primarily found in Portugal, live much longer when their bark (cork) is regularly harvested, so we actually do the environment a favor when we use cork. High-quality stick cork, when dampened, compressed and fit into the bumper channels, and allowed to dry before use, will give virtually no bounce whatsoever and should last for a year or more under non-abusive use. High-quality stick cork is available from major instrument repair supply houses, such as Ferree's Tools in Batlle Creek, MI, and Allied Supply in Elkhorn, WI. I believe that Ferree's may now sell to the general public, also, but I'm not sure about that. What I am sure of, is that your local repair technician can get what you need for your instrument. All you have to do is ask. If they refuse to take care of you and your instrument, find another repair technician. No one should have to play a poorly-performing instrument.
I keep my stock of bumper cord in ziplock bags, to limit its exposure to the environment. Neoprene should last for several years under normal usage. Different instruments need different diameter bumpers, and different density, due to differing spring tension and lever-to-stop arm ratios of motion.
I do also use cork on certain applications. In my earlier days, I tried wine corks, hardware store cork stoppers, just about anything you can imagine, and most of it was pretty disappointing. If you have an instrument with moderate or low spring tension, cork will last quite a while. When feasible, I like to use cork, as it is an earth-friendly renewable resource. The cork-oak trees, primarily found in Portugal, live much longer when their bark (cork) is regularly harvested, so we actually do the environment a favor when we use cork. High-quality stick cork, when dampened, compressed and fit into the bumper channels, and allowed to dry before use, will give virtually no bounce whatsoever and should last for a year or more under non-abusive use. High-quality stick cork is available from major instrument repair supply houses, such as Ferree's Tools in Batlle Creek, MI, and Allied Supply in Elkhorn, WI. I believe that Ferree's may now sell to the general public, also, but I'm not sure about that. What I am sure of, is that your local repair technician can get what you need for your instrument. All you have to do is ask. If they refuse to take care of you and your instrument, find another repair technician. No one should have to play a poorly-performing instrument.
Lee A. Stofer, Jr.
-
iiipopes
- Utility Infielder
- Posts: 8580
- Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 1:10 am
-
willbrett
- bugler
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Tue Dec 12, 2006 10:56 pm
- Location: Tampa, FL
Re: A better solution to cork.
I had a semi-emergency situation today with one of the existing neoprene/rubber bumpers on my horn today. I've now ordered several sizes of the "Buna-N" cord that Matt Walters recommended, but I needed a solution until they arrive. (A chunk fell off of my 1st rotor stop, and the rotor was extending well past it's intended alignment)
My wife and I hosted for Thanksgiving this year, and we had a few empty bottles of wine still sitting in the recycle bin. I grabbed the corks off a couple bottles, and my x-acto knife. The first two corks were completely useless... Very coarsely ground, and would only crumble as I tried to cut them to size.
The third and final cork I tried worked perfectly! Less than 5 minutes with a pair of needle nose and the knife and I was back in business! I can't comment on how long it might last, but I'm guessing it will get me through the next few days until my order from McMaster-Carr gets here.
For those concerned, the cork that worked came from this bottle:
My wife and I hosted for Thanksgiving this year, and we had a few empty bottles of wine still sitting in the recycle bin. I grabbed the corks off a couple bottles, and my x-acto knife. The first two corks were completely useless... Very coarsely ground, and would only crumble as I tried to cut them to size.
The third and final cork I tried worked perfectly! Less than 5 minutes with a pair of needle nose and the knife and I was back in business! I can't comment on how long it might last, but I'm guessing it will get me through the next few days until my order from McMaster-Carr gets here.
For those concerned, the cork that worked came from this bottle:
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
-
Mirafan
- bugler
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Mon Mar 19, 2007 4:37 pm
- Location: Jackson, TN
Re: A better solution to cork.
Hi Guys, my Miraphone 186 BBb seems to beat up its #1 rebound cork, so taking the advice above,
I ordered a length of the Buna N neoprene in 1/4" diameter from McMaster-Carr. Order arrived in
just a couple of business days and I went to work. Had to shave a tiny amount off the diameter for
a snug fit and got the neoprene neatly in place. Checking the index marks on the bottom of the
valve showed them to be lined up perfectly with no need for any more work. Hoorah!
Valves #2,3 and 4 rebound corks look fine, and will be replaced with the neoprene as needed in
the future.
Said all this to say thanks for the advice in this thread as well as the forum.
Bill
I ordered a length of the Buna N neoprene in 1/4" diameter from McMaster-Carr. Order arrived in
just a couple of business days and I went to work. Had to shave a tiny amount off the diameter for
a snug fit and got the neoprene neatly in place. Checking the index marks on the bottom of the
valve showed them to be lined up perfectly with no need for any more work. Hoorah!
Valves #2,3 and 4 rebound corks look fine, and will be replaced with the neoprene as needed in
the future.
Said all this to say thanks for the advice in this thread as well as the forum.
Bill