Magnehelic readings

[JButky]

I've only seen the wall deformation when the tool is adjusted to apply too much internal pressure. When properly adjusted, I don't observe that issue.

Bob how are you managing to adjust, have they revised the tool, mine simply, is a turned piece of white delron with two grooves for O'rings and a pressure hole, this is as purchased from Jeff.

There are two "in the body" isolators. The schmidt style as described and the single for area work which expands. The deformation from the the expanding style is greater than the schmidt tool.

The schmidt tool can be tight sometimes. Deepening the slot and adjusting with teflon tape can make a proper fit without deformation. I had a friend measure the deformations, the expanding style tool can deform a tone hole substantially. The schmidt tool was deemed acceptable.

As for the foot joint situation. A foot joint can also deform the E tone hole (last tone hole on the flute body) Lots of factors involved here.

The point is, you get to know your tools, and once you are familiar with how they are behaving, if unhappy, you can switch to another isolation method. Individual plugs do still work. Isolating sometimes is what makes the difference.

Regarding the Pearl, It's my guess that those tone holes on that 765 are not the most level. Get the tone holes leveled out first and it will hold adjustment longer. Most people use way too many partial shims and this combined with a wavy tonehole is a recipe for instability of sealing, especially if the pads have been overly crushed.

[HMannfan]

pied_piper

I have two flutes. The "good one" (Pearl 765) which I don't intend to repair myself but send out for a pro to repair, and it is the one I have been talking about in this post. The other is an old Selmer Signet built in the 60's that I played in high school.

I am repairing my old Selmer Signet flute myself just for the experience and appreciation of what you professional repairers are faced with every day. I built my own mag machine and bought the isolator from J.L. Smith - the J.L. Smith designed one not the Schmidt design.

Steve, the J.L. Smith isolator uses a pair of compressible washers and a cam mechanism on a threaded rod affording a wide range of expansion and thus you can achieve greater or less pressure on the tube depending upon the adjustment.

Yes, I have spent some amount of money on tools for this project. I am obsessive, compulsive that way. You should see all of my woodworking tools!

I live in Medford, OR. Any recommendations for repair techs would be welcome.

Yes, Steve, the waiting time for repairs can be significant.

[mirwa]

That means jeff, has redesigned the tool since I bought mine, I have 4 original styles sitting in the draw not being used.

[pied_piper]

@Steve: I am using Jeff's latest isolator as shown here and yes, the pressure of the washer seals is adjustable. It is not the older one with O rings on Delrin.
http://www.jlsmithco.com/ISOLATORS-FEEL ... K-ISOLATOR

@HMannfan: OK. I can relate to your tool obsession.

Regarding flute techs in your area - There are two Straubinger certified techs in Oregon. Being Straub certified is a good indicator that they are experienced working on high end flutes, but it is not a guarantee of their work. I am not familiar with either one, but you might give them a call, discuss what you are looking for in a tech, and perhaps get some references from them.
http://straubingerflutes.com/pad_technician.html#Oregon

There are quite a few in Washington:
http://straubingerflutes.com/pad_techni ... Washington
Lars Kirmser is there and has 50 or 60 years experience building and repairing flutes. He used to work for the Armstrong factory and worked alongside Jack Moore.

http://straubingerflutes.com/pad_techni ... California
I've heard good comments about Lori Lee in SF. Also, Paul Rabinov in LA gets rave reviews from Sarah Jackson (Piccolo, LA Phil).

[HMannfan]

@pied_piper

IMHO a not insubstantial part of the enjoyment of any new endeavor is the acquisition of new tools and gizmos and learning how to use them.

Thank you for the list of flute technicians. I will use it for my investigation into an appropriate place to send my flute.

@JButky

Thank you for your reply. I'll make a point of requesting that whoever works on it next checks the tone holes and levels them properly.

[mirwa]

Bob,

That isolator tool looks like an improvement over the original

I spoke to Jeff personally while he was in Australia a couple of years ago, and talked of my concerns regarding that tool, I'm wondering if the improvement came about in some way from our talks.

I'm placing an order as we speak

Steve

[JButky]

Bob,

That isolator tool looks like an improvement over the original

I spoke to Jeff personally while he was in Australia a couple of years ago, and talked of my concerns regarding that tool, I'm wondering if the improvement came about in some way from our talks.

I'm placing an order as we speak

Steve

Steve,

It is this tool that deflects more than the schmidt tool you already have. I have both and have abandoned the Smith tool.

[mirwa]

K

Thanks Joe

Steve