TubeNet

Maybe you guys can help me with my current problem. I own a 995 that I wouldnt trade for the world but my leadpipe has a crack in it that is just building in size and my linkage for my 5th valve rotor has broken.(quite a laundry list I know). My question is: with Besson and all that nonsense thats goin on with them how much is something like this to fix? I have to get it fixed but I dont want to spend too much doing it(maybe just one thing at a time). Thanks for your help.

JB

Linkage is no big deal. A Tech with adequate skills and facilities should be able to address most any problem. You could spend 50.00 to 200.00, depends on the extent of work needed and cost of parts replaced, if any. As for the mouthpipe, if the shop can get one, the installation with minor fitting and finishing 100-300 plus parts, depending on the desired finish. Keep in mind that if there is other damage that is to be corrected in order to properly install the new pipe, you should expect the upper end of costs and possibly more. If a factory pipe can not be acquired, a replacement can be made but at a higher cost. Mine start at 280.00, I can't speak others. Your existing pipe may also be able to be repaired but it would need to be inspected before a proper judgment could be made. Good luck.


Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
www.oberloh.com

Mike Johnson wrote:I would suggest ordering a pipe from Walter Nirschl as he built the 995 for Besson. The crack is because the pipe is brazed sheet not drawn pipe, and was badly worked when bent to fit. It's the braze coming apart. Make sure your tech DOES NOT use lead or pitch to bend it. They must use Cerrobend or a similar metal.

Out of curiosity, Mike, what's the difference between bending with Cerrobend and lead? I've worked with both, but never thought that there was a difference in the quality of the bend, other than Cerrobend was harder/stiffer than lead.

Hey Mike-
I must second Chucks question. The only serious issues I have had with these metallic filler materials is the high melting point and toxicity of lead and the sensitivity requirements with cerrobend-like materials with there heat expansion/contraction issues and how if incorrectly cooled, can split the ''but-joint'' seams or weaker spots in the tube prior to bending or additionally weaken the tube in such a manor causing it to split or crack during bending. Pitch on the other hand, I understand, its okay for cornet mouthpipes and some french horn work but it has a narrow window working temp. and is not strong enough to allow for adequate support for the larger tubes during bending and hammering, allowing for the tube to buckle, collapse or become out of round. Is there something I am missing?


Daniel C. Oberloh
Oberloh Woodwind and Brass Works
www.oberloh.com

Is it possible to plug the leak without replacing the leadpipe?

tubatooter1940 wrote:Is it possible to plug the leak without replacing the leadpipe?

They call that "tape"!

Mike Johnson wrote:It's also better for your health than lead fumes and melts about 200 deg. C lower.

Given that most repair people are using solder with a substantial lead content, I wonder if the use of lead for bending makes any sort of dent (sorry! ) in the overall amount of inhaled lead vapors.

I've certainly had cerrobend-filled leadpipes go oval during the bending process, but perhaps the degree was less than lead.

Isn't cerrobend about one-quarter lead and about a tenth cadmium? Not that good for you either--admittedly melting at a much lower temperature than pure lead.

Chuck(G) wrote:

Mike Johnson wrote:It's also better for your health than lead fumes and melts about 200 deg. C lower.

Given that most repair people are using solder with a substantial lead content, I wonder if the use of lead for bending makes any sort of dent (sorry! ) in the overall amount of inhaled lead vapors.

Cerrobend is quite high in lead content, too!

Cerrobend Tin 13.3%, Bismuth 50%, Lead 26.7% Cadmium 10%

My 'everyday' solder is 33%.