Looking for flexible bore scope that will fit euph tubing

[dave]

I am looking for a bore scope to check valve port alignment on a compensating euphonium. Maybe bore scope is the wrong term - I am not looking for a fiber optic device. Just something with a cheap CCD on the end that is flexible enough to go around the bends is actually what I am looking for.

I bought a cheap one with a USB cable that is 1/4" dia, but the end is rigid for 1" or so, and it won't go around any of the bends...

Not trying to spend a huge amount for this, just hoping that there is one out there that I have missed in my searching that has the flexibility for the job.

[sousaphone68]

I made the same mistake all of $30 to $50 scopes from eBay have rigid camera housings.
To get flexible tips you have to go to the $125 or more range you could try auto part stores as Halfords a chain store in Europe sell one.
Could you split the cost with some band mates?
In my case I was able to use a customers endoscope to inspect the alignment.
A good torch and a small dental mirror may also work.

The rigid one works ok up to a point on sousaphones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vykM-tce ... ata_player" target="_blank

[dave]

Bloke, so requested. I'd like to see the device you use to transfer the measurements. How do you take the compression of the felt or synthetic into account?

[Alex C]

I just happened to be at Northern Tool today and saw a Cobra Cam USB2. I snatched it up and hooked it up as soon as I got home.

As someone else mentioned, the camera head is about 2" long and not flexible. It will not go around 90-degree turns. However... I was able to do a heck of a job aligning tuba valves with it. I'll try to save the pictures when I have time to fool with it. This is too big for euphonium

I'm looking at a couple of options that do not have such long camera heads. This head is about 2 inches long and not practical for instrumental use. One I looked at has no light added and is supposed to be about a quarter the length. I'll let you know how it turns out. Right now I have to go look at the inside of my bass trombone.

[bigtubby]

Bloke, so requested. I'd like to see the device you use to transfer the measurements. How do you take the compression of the felt or synthetic into account?

...
I think you'll be able to figure out what to do with these...

Looks like your basic Allied T1428 piston corking tool and One Time Use Tool Store Caliper which are great for pistons. I've been working on more rotary horns lately and so am also looking into endoscopes. A friend has one that won't make the corners. I have one on order from deepest, darkest China that looks as if it might work (only 7mm dia lens, in the $50.00-$60.00 range). Will keep you posted.

[dave]

Bloke, thanks for posting that picture. Its simple, and solves the problem.

I made a copy, and will put it to use.

valve_height_tool.JPG

[Dan Schultz]

Bloke, thanks for posting that picture. Its simple, and solves the problem.

I made a copy, and will put it to use.

valve_height_tool.JPG

OK. That tool will work just fine as long as the top caps screw down until the underside of the cap is dead against the top of the casing.

Just a note... some Martin tubas (and possibly others) have caps that bottom out on a ridge below the threads on the outside of the casing. There is actually a gap between the top of the casing and the underside of the cap. You'll need to consider this and add the amount of that gap to the felts & corks.

I chased a valve alignment problem on a Martin 'mammoth' sousa I used to own.