Trumpet mandrel

clarnibass · New Member Joined: 19 Oct 2014 Posts: 8

Hi

I'm not sure if this is the correct sub-forum for this...

I'm wondering if anyone has tried the Votaw trumpet mandrel? It seems shorter than most other with a longer holding area, so not sure how far into the trumpet it gets. It also looks larger at the thick end but the photo is not clear.

http://www.votawtool.com/trumpet-bell-stem-mandrel.html

Thanks

Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

Hmm, I don't precisely know what you're aiming for since this is not a BIR forum, but it's my personal experience that tools made and designed by Votaw are without exception top-notch. But also, they are really very nice people to deal with and are always ready to answer any questions or doubts by telephone.
So hey... give them a ring.

The bell mandrel you are talking about looks fine with me, btw.
I particularly like the curved bit (my mandrel doesn't have that).

Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

Post erased for knowing some details I didn't know before.
Really didn't want to come across as harsh or unfair.

musicalmason1 · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 9:16 am Post subject:

He is a pro repairman. The only reason I know that is because he is active on other repair only forums, where he posted the same question. He is in fact a knowledgeable repairman, but just looking for a trumpeters perspective on this tool, at least that is my understanding. Cut him some slack. Regarding the mandrel, I see you have already received some informative responses on the other site.

Personally, while I am a Votaw fan and use many of their products, I have the Ferees Mandrel set because I need the wide variety of shapes and they are magnetic while the votaw are not. The votaw also doesn't rust, so there are pluses and minuses to consider...
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Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

clarnibass · New Member Joined: 19 Oct 2014 Posts: 8

Thanks.
Yes, I asked this in a few places because it was difficult to find anyone who owns this mandrel. I emailed Votaw and they now added specs on their website.
I've been reparing woodwinds for a long time but just now startin with brass (other than some more basic brass repair which I've done for years too). I have some tools from Votaw already too. Most of my dent tools are from Boehm.
Most of my dent tools are magnetic but I don't need the mandrel to be so that's not a issue.

Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

yourbrass · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 7:22 am Post subject:

clarnibass · New Member Joined: 19 Oct 2014 Posts: 8

mrsemman · Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2014 5:17 am Post subject:

Yes, I use the same mandrel, and find it a great tool. while it says that the working length is 12", it will usually make it all the way to the bell crook. In fact, most of my tools come from Votaw. They are easy to work with and the shipping is quite fast.

Gary
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clarnibass · New Member Joined: 19 Oct 2014 Posts: 8

Thanks again. I ordered this mandrel. If at some point I see that another mandrel is important enough I will get one.

chuck in ny · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2014 12:08 pm Post subject:

Maarten van Weverwijk · Heavyweight Member Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 3377

clarnibass · New Member Joined: 19 Oct 2014 Posts: 8

FWIW, although I've been repairing mostly woodwinds for a long time and only some brass repairs (I have a stock of brass parts though), I more or less agree with Maarten.

I'll just add that cost can depend on location. For example I've probably paid at least 30% more than someone who is in the USA and buys their tools and stock in the USA, because of shipping costs and VAT/tax (for same tools/supplies).
Another issue is that being farther from your suppliers might mean you need a bigger stock, so extra cost, otherwise it can be tricky to have to order often, making people wait, etc.

I think his description of the "trick" is very good and an important point. Here are a couple of examples.

- I have a lathe. I can make some parts that otherwise I would have to order (i.e. owner has to wait a long time) or stock (which would have a crazy high cost, considering how varied and non-repeating these parts are.

- I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner. I looked into it. People here would not pay a reaosnabe price to clean their instruments with one. With a moderate size one, I calculated that it would take me about 5-10 years to barely return its cost.

yourbrass · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2014 5:53 pm Post subject:

ohiotpt · Heavyweight Member Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 988

Here's the link.
http://www.ferreestools.com/sugguested-shop-setups.html#Suggested_Brasswind_Bench

Perhaps if someone wants to set it up in a spreadsheet against the price list it might be interesting.
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yourbrass · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2014 9:41 am Post subject:

Thanks, ohiotpt!

This is a really good list, but one item you could omit which is REALLY expensive is the P90/91 trombone stone and stand. That's for trombone slide work, and while it also is a great and fun toy, but there are cheaper level surfaces which one could set up to do that work.

-Lionel
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