Reduce the size of a mouthpiece shank?

[Michael Bush]

A local machine shop declined today to turn down the diameter of a mouthpiece shank. The owner was afraid he would mess it up. That's fine, I'm glad he was honest. But still I would like to split the difference between a standard American shank and one the size of the Denis Wick "Small European". Can this be done after the mouthpiece is made?

[Ken Herrick]

Yes, it can be done. I still have the old Helleberg I used on the King monster back in the 60' wich I turned down just that way.

Easiest way if you don't have a taper turning attachment on a lathe (probably safer really, as you work gradually) is to carrfully file it while running at a moderate speed. Use a center to make sure it is held securely in the chuck.

Don't get in a hurry and check the fit regularly.

Pretty simple, really.

[Michael Bush]

Thanks, that worked quite well. I made a wooden friction chuck so the cup end wouldn't be damaged, pulled up a cone shaped live center into the end of the shank, and used emery cloth instead of a file. As you suggested, I tested every so often. I stopped at a little more conservative place than is probably ideal, and I may go back and take some more off, but the fit is a lot better now.