TubeNet

From what I've read here in the past, I would suggest having the alignment of the slide checked by a good brass repair person. If the tubing is not perfectly aligned, no slide grease in the world will get you a really fast slide.

Then clean it well and use an appropriate weight Hetman. YMMV

jlb

From what I've read here in the past, I would suggest having the alignment of the slide checked by a good brass repair person. If the tubing is not perfectly aligned, no slide grease in the world will get you a really fast slide.

Then clean it well and use an appropriate weight Hetman. YMMV

jlb

I've heard of people using Bar Keeper's Friend on their tuning slides to get them loose, anyone ever try that?

I had my first valve slide lapped, which I believe the word is for removing metal from the innerslide. I had this done and used regular slide grease for a while, until I went to Lee Stofer for a better grease for my horn, and some valve oil. He gave me some light slide grease by Hetman. It's a great product and its very fast and smooth. I'm sure you can search his name and get his e-mail, or just find the Hetman's website and look at their products. I hope I am of some help.

ParLawGod wrote:I've heard of people using Bar Keeper's Friend on their tuning slides to get them loose, anyone ever try that?

I don't like the idea of using any abrasive past on slides unless one can thoroughly remove every last trace of the stuff from the outer slide. Otherwise, the stuff can migrate into your valves.

When I want to clean and polish slides, I use #0000 steel wool--it's far too fine to scratch (in woodworking it's used to polish varnished surfaces) and it can be completely removed with the use of a small magnet . For outer slides, I wrap some around a wooden dowel and chuck it into a drill and carefully run the spinning dowel the length of the inner slide. I probably should mention that the valves are removed first.

Joe said:

"Perfect alignment" is defined (by me) as being perfectly parallel and perfectly coplanar.

Another way to say this is parallel in all three dimensions. The two tubes could be perfectly parallel in the X and Y planes, but off in Z (not coplanar), causing a twist. Or, parallel left and right as well as up and down.

Hope that helps.

bloke wrote: "Perfect alignment" is defined (by me) as being perfectly parallel and perfectly coplanar.

Joe, are you aware of any adjustable jig that makes this job easier? I've not seen one, yet it seems like an obvious need.