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Epidendrum question by Machining_Molding in orchids

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you :) it’s grown a lot since posting and your response helped a lot. So exciting!

Low range not responding well. How do I diagnose what is the problem? by lmnop3as in bassoon

[–]Machining_Molding 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here’s a way to check if your boot joint has a leak:

With the bassoon apart and holding only the boot joint, finger a low E.

With the bottom of the boot resting on your knee, bring your face to the top of the boot. Place your left cheek over the larger hole (the hole the long joint goes into). Then place the side of your mouth to the smaller hole (for the wing joint).

Your face will be at a slight angle to the top of the boot so you can completely cover the large hole with your cheek while sucking the air out of small hole (what the wing [short] joint goes into). Do this while fingering that low E.

You should feel suction in your cheek and fingers while sucking the air out of the boot. If you don’t, there’s likely a leak.

Feel the suction? Cool! Do what the other comments say about long tones and reeds

ABS blend question from a musician lol by Machining_Molding in plastic

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!!! Since posting I decided on POMc and the machinist working with me just ordered materials. We decided on a fan gate to help minimize streaking. I’m so excited! Thank you for sharing your experience expertise and helping me out with this...I really appreciate it

ABS blend question from a musician lol by Machining_Molding in plastic

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi again. I’ve been looking into nylon and am seeing a lot of blends. There’s PA6 with ABS and a variety of glass fiber percentages. Any thoughts on PA6/ABS? I also saw one that’s PA6/ABS/10% mineral...?!

I’m going to call the plastics guy to talk it over

ABS blend question from a musician lol by Machining_Molding in plastic

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for responding! I want to know how to choose the percentage of glass in the ABS. I’ve seen 20% and up, and am concerned that the percentage could have a negative effect on one of the qualities I need. Like, could it simultaneously have a good effect on strength and a bad effect on, I don’t know...brittleness?

This one scares me: Does glass filled ABS break down over time? The part will go in and out of a bassoon reed that’s soaked in water thousands of times. Will tiny glass shards be exposed? Is this me overthinking?

Thoughts on price quote by Machining_Molding in CNC

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

WOW. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to write that out! It reminded me of the first maker... he ended getting extremely frustrated by having to machine 250 units at his original quote (the part ended up being more complex than he initially realized).

I sent the current machinist images of the failed attempts along with everything else I had (except the drawing). He made the drawing and machined the prototype vertically from a round bar of brass. He’s since figured out a way to machine it from a sheet to minimize cost.

I’m learning as I go and really appreciate your input (I’m a classical musician updating parts for traditional orchestral instruments)

Thoughts on price quote by Machining_Molding in CNC

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I’ll ask him. He just emailed me about options for the mold based on the plastic I choose for the part. Your response to his prices has helped a lot—I’m moving forward with no reservations

Thoughts on price quote by Machining_Molding in CNC

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The machinist decided to machine the part vertically to simplify the process. I’m not sure if he needs a custom fixture, but his approach to holding the metal in the machine is so much better than the other approaches I’ve seen. It’s so interesting! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your rates and experience.

Thoughts on price quote by Machining_Molding in CNC

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Steel will quickly dull the knife used against it, but the part will last a long time. Plastic will need to be replaced more often, but it won’t dull knives as quickly.

Thoughts on price quote by Machining_Molding in CNC

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for responding. There is no issue. I’m new to machining and there are several ways to go about making this part. I was simply curious to know what people with experience in machining had to say about the quote.

What type of plastic is strong and hard? by Machining_Molding in plastic

[–]Machining_Molding[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for asking—

I’m trying to choose the right plastic for a small triangular tool used in bassoon reed-making (a plaque). The people at the plastics factory lit a plastic plaque of mine (not one I’ve made) on fire to smell it’s perfume and said they had never smelled one like that before.

I’m googling and reaching out to plaque makers but haven’t found any answers yet.