In this episode, we work on frozen tuning slides and show how to make custom forms to aid in slide removal without damage to instruments. This method can be adapted to any slide on any instrument. Thanks for watching.
I'm getting more serious about the profession, having applied for an internship and loving the expertise which helps with my confidence in learning practical solutions. Funny that moldable plastic is even a phrase since both words mean the same thing, but here we are. User moldable without causing toxic smoke is where the practical definition seems to be lol. Thanks Wes Lee!!!
I love moldable thermoplastics! They're basically indestructible, they work great for fixing RC Vehicles, making Molds for casting, Prototyping, you can paint or Dye it different colors and best of all its reusable. I've even used it to make a soft faced hammer in a pinch before.
I had no idea this stuff existed. I repair measurement instruments for my day job, and this would be extremely helpful in dozens of situations where each job is unique. Thanks Wes!
That’s awesome! I actually have some costume things that are attached to my teeth the same way. That is so clever! You know, I played trumpet in high school. It’s really nice to see the magic that goes into repairing an instrument. I also really like that you’re tapping had a rhythm to it.
It's amazing what you can learn just by watching some of these videos where there is an expert at work. I immediately went to an online supplier and found the product there and I'm ordering some just to fool with. Thank you.
I will never likely to bother a trombone - the only brass in my life is my dad's coronet in my mum's loft, but as I was cleaning my wife's white trainers with a shoe mark eraser, I applied pressure from the inside and applied pressure from the outside - and I not only thought of you, but I attribute the improved effect on your teaching. If I had a dent ball I would have been delighted to use it. Thank you and all the best!
I've got a big jar of that stuff in my workroom! It's wonderful stuff. The only think you can't make with it is anything that gets hot. If it gets hot, it goes clear and becomes putty again. Because of nerve injuries, I can't play a brass instrument for very long. The weight is too much, and the torque is too great. So I try to find instruments that work as close as possible like a metal horn, but is much lighter. My current trumpet is one of the Tromba ABS plastic trumpets. The valves and the stems of the running slides are brass or some other alloy. I think the valve bodies are Monel. I have a lovely plastic version of an altohorn, made by a company that makes functional but nearly indestructible musical instruments for children. The company name is Nuvo. They have an altohorn, a soprano sax, a couple of flute models depending on the player's age, a recorder, and something that reminds me of the old Flutophone (I had one in grade school). I have harmonicas, and two electronic MIDI wind controllers. They can both be played as is, without connecting to a MIDI system. They also can be used with earphones, for quiet practice. I have a lovely plastic chamber flute called a CODA, that is quite loud enough to perform with, that comes with two little inserts that act as mutes, so it can be played more quietly. I have two plastic Japanese Shakuhachi flutes, both much more durable, lighter, and less affected by environmental issues than a bamboo instrument. I can't afford a bamboo version, even if I was willing to bring something glazed with urushi lacquer into the house. Urushi lacquer is made from the oil of the Urushi tree, aka, Urushiol. That's the compound in poison ivy and oak that a person reacts to. I'm not particularly sensitive, but my partner is VERY sensitive to it.
Thank you, Wes, I have had no experience or knowledge of this low-melt plastic before, but I have now found various suppliers over here in the UK, so I will have to find a reason for playing with either this 60C or the 40C version!
Wes. sub'd, always like, occasionally comment. have learned a bunch! however...have never even thought of repairing an instrument. very best to you and yours...walt
Hi Wes, love your videos -that moldable plastic is amazing - where do you get it? Thanks -Ooops, just found it on Amazon -thanks again for demonstrating this amazing product
This is a great video! Do you use this method for valve slides that are stuck too? Just curious if the molds work for the small valves that a notch or ring to pull on.
Thanks! I am going to have to work on some trumpet tuning slides soon and I have learned to use the penetrating oil to great effect, but now I realty want to try moldable plastics! You may have a video on this, but right now we seem to be having issues with certain brands of rotor valve linkages losing their screws. Is there something to use on those to seal them in? I have tried some clear nail polish for screws that shouldn't move but it just doesn't seem to last.
Hello Wes Lee, how are you? I'm from Brazil and I'm a beginner metal instrument luthier. Would it be possible for you to give me a tip on how to lacquer an instrument without having very expensive equipment? For lacquering, the options here in Brazil are shellac or varnish. Which of these options? I only have one airbrush. Thanks Wes!
Yes! There's a few names for it, like Shapelock, instamorph, Poly Pellets etc. It's basically a low temp thermoplastic and it can be heated/softened many times over and over again. Don't microwave it directly, use water to heat/soften the plastic. It will also get soft if its left in direct sun on a hot day. Kind of like vinyl records.
The entire point of this video is to give a tip that causes no damage for a competent person to try and have in the toolbox instead of the useless pliers. Even if you don't trust yourself to be capable of avoiding excessive force, just having this will help in the future for minor sticks.
