making reeds

[new english]

Hi guys has anyone out there made reeds?

how would one go about making a reed frame and reed?

Tony

[Greg Jowaisas]

This may get you started:

 

http://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=11242&st=0&p=112176&hl=+geoff%20+crabb&fromsearch=1entry112176

 

Wim Wakker's treatise on concertina reeds helps explain how a reed works:

 

http://www.concertinaconnection.com/concertina%20reeds.htm

 

There is also the Pathe film on the Wheatstone works entitled "Concertina factory"

 

http://www.britishpathe.com/video/concertina-factory-aka-concert-in-a-factory

 

Keep your file sharp and your micrometer handy!

 

Greg

Edited February 8, 2012 by Greg Jowaisas

[new english]

Hi Greg thanks for the links it’s not really possible to see from the pictures what he’s actually doing but it appears he make then one at a time I’m thinking of using a fly press to punch out the brass reed frames and then possibly rivet the reeds

Tony

[Chris Ghent]

Nothing wrong with using a fly press, all of the big name factories used them and some modern makers still do, but its a big setup. Jeffries have about 9 die sizes, Wheatstones had many more, maybe 16 to 19 sizes. Wheatstone rivetted their reeds at one point and accordion makers still do. For smaller runs waterjet, laser or CNC make more sense for the frames. Or EDM if you can afford it.

 

Chris

[Greg Jowaisas]

Tony,

Make sure you pay particular attention to the broaching of the shoe. The reed tongue slot walls are not parallel.

 

A crisp example of a Wheatstone or Jeffries shoe will be a good model.

 

Greg

[Theo]

Nothing wrong with using a fly press, all of the big name factories used them and some modern makers still do, but its a big setup. Jeffries have about 9 die sizes, Wheatstones had many more, maybe 16 to 19 sizes.

 

Not only that but IIRC they used at least two dies for each size, one to punch out the blank with slot, and a second to put the relief in the reed tongue slot, and the angle on the outside edges.