Tuning tools
There's alot of tools you can use to tune with. One thing you should understand is that the factory uses a agressive approach because they wantn to get the tuining done quickly. The person doing the tuning does a lot of harps during the day. Sometimes you'll find that the tools that are used leave gouges that weaken the reed.
Files have been used to tune with for quite some time. I think the ceramic sticks are superior. Kinya uses a small battery powered unit with a bit (diamond?) I've tried a lot of different tools. All of the above and quite a few more. For the last three years I've used a abrasive polishing bit used in the jewerly trade called a Shofu Brownie. I chuck it into a cordless micro grinder used in the nail salons. The brand is WEcheer model WE 243. Although there are other rechargeable manicure engraving tools that are the exact same tool that doesn't have the name brand and cost less. You can start looking on Amazon. For the Shofu Brownie, I buy those at a online supplier of jewelry tools called Otto Frei. There's differend profiles. I use the bullet point.
I have that same model engraver in the photo...but I haven't located new tips for it...eventually I stopped looking...and rarely think of it now...I have a few different files and some manicure sanding wands and a chisel type of scraper which is very handy for the rivet end. I like my MasterHarp table for blow plates but do most draw plates on the comb. Also the little device made by Andrew Zajac, named by him 'French Tuner'; can be useful when tuning blow plate octaves.
The sanding wands I've been using are built on a slightly flexible spongy core, with a layer of firmer plastic on each side, and the grit glued to this. They are easy to clip with side cutters when the piece on the end is worn away, and the slight flexibility allows me to get good 'road feel' through the tool, for how much pressure I'm using. But I suppose you learn to be comfortable with whatever tool you use regularly.
G'Day Mate! How have you been?
Everything on sale at www.micromark.com
For your engraver chuck, this diamond rotary bit, should work for you:
http://www.micromark.com/extra-diamond-bits-for-powered-engraver-3and32-...
For filing/sanding:
http://www.micromark.com/sanding-twigs-bulk-pack-of-approx-300,9336.html
http://www.micromark.com/dual-angle-sanding-file-set-multiple-grits-set-...
http://www.micromark.com/micro-sanding-wand-set,7760.html
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Gday Kinya, I'm well thank you. i hope life is treating you kindly too. It's chilly down here at the moment...just a light dusting of snow on the hills...
that is the piece I need. I'll order a few.
I've had a quiet period with repairs and started doing some maintenance on my own gear...much needed...but repairs starting to come in again now. tuning is the part that takes the time, but good tools help...and good advice Too.
cheers!
Hello Dave, I've been working with the new Peterson iStrobe for harmonica app ... pretty darn cool. Stay tuned.
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
So after lots of research, Kinya, I purchased the MicroMark cordless engraver (item #84446) you suggested above . I will be using it to help maintain my harps in tune since I like being a bit self reliant when it comes to maintaining my toys . I play Special 20s and am wonder what tip (Dremel? Brownie PC2? Other?) you now would suggest to be used in conjunction with the engraver I just bought. Thanks!
The recommended Diamond Bit for this MM engraver is a wise choice. Available at https://www.micromark.com/Diamond-Engraver-Tip-2
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thank you!
BTW I am really enjoying the harp mainenace series you did. As a retired professional video editor...
https://www.facebook.com/tom.daigon
...its nice to see an instructional video done right. ;) Keep up the good work!
ah so Tom, that explains your handle, "Las Video"!
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Yes, I live in LAS Vegas and VIDEO was my profession for 35 years.
But now Im back to my roots making vintage blues recordings in my home studio primarily on my National Steel guitars (and most recently adding harmonica as a newbie).
Boogie on Tiger Boy. BLOW BLOW BLOW!
Thanx for sharing. Super cool
Your Harpsmith, Kinya
Thank you Kinya!
Excellent Jon. Thank you for the tip. Those Shofu Brownie tips should do well with the MicroMark cordless engraver (item #84446) now on sale from their web site: www.MicroMark.com for $17.95
Your Harpsmith, Kinya