Preventing Buildup in Leadpipe

JayKosta · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:08 am Post subject:

I use 1-time-use individual patches, so I'm not concerned about keeping a 'swab' clean. Also, I've stopped using 'grease' on the valve slides. I use drug store Mineral Oil, not gooey, and works very well on my instruments.

When I patch the leadpipe, I also use a Q-tip for the ID of the tuning & slide tubes, and their receiving tubes. I rarely see any sign of any build-up or other debris. I then re-oil the OD of the inner-tubes prior to assembly.

Jay
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Phoenix864 · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:06 am Post subject:

TrumeptMD and JayKosta - Thanks for the instructions. I'll definitely be picking up a swap and cleaning the leadpipe regularly.

More generally, is there anything else that would be beneficial to start doing to keep the horn in top shape, or anything I should do to break it in? My previous routine was just a cleaning every month or so, but I seems like some additional maintenance could be warranted, especially now with the horn being new.

Thanks for all the help.

TrumpetMD · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 12:10 pm Post subject:

Phoenix864 · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:26 pm Post subject:

OldSchoolEuph · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Apr 2012 Posts: 2440

TrumpetMD · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 5:34 am Post subject:

Phoenix864 · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 1:11 pm Post subject:

OldSchoolEuph - I see what you mean. I pulled the horn apart for a cleaning and found the edges on the valve guides to be a little rough in spots. I would assume you would recommend smoothing out the edges?

TrumpetMD - Good advice, thanks. I'll start regularly rinsing and wiping down the valves and casings.

When disassembling the horn, I found that the third valve's stem was stuck. Are there any other safe methods worth trying before taking it to a tech? It's not a huge deal (it seems most people don't even disassemble the valves anyways), but something I'd like to take care of before it gets really frozen.

JayKosta · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 2:29 pm Post subject:

Ronnman · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 5:17 pm Post subject:

Phoenix864 - I believe in removing the valve stems, particularly on Bach with the aluminum stems. If you are not comfortable with your technical skills take it to a tech. The aluminum stems tend to seize over time due to the dissimilar metals. Once apart place a little anti-seize on the threads to prevent this from occurring again. The last stuck stems I worked on, were so stuck, even after soaking with penetrating oil, I had to add heat to the top of the valve assembly to break it loose. The original nylon valve guides melted, but I had replacements on hand. I do not think yours stems anywhere near this level.

Also, as mentioned, some of the valve guide vertical slots are somewhat rough from machining at the manufacturer. I take some 800 grit wet sandpaper fold over a small flat blade screwdriver and gently pass up and down the slot until smooth. This usually just takes just a few passes. This is done without the stems, springs and guides on the valves. Make sure to wash the valve out throughly afterward. The idea is to make the surfaces smooth without changing the dimensions, which would defeat the valve’s alignment. I have achieved smooth and quieter valve action by looking at all the parts that touch each other and smoothing these surfaces.

I am also a spring lubricator To prevent any spring rub against the valve’s spring housing. I use pure lanolin for this purpose.
Ron
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Phoenix864 · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 5:32 pm Post subject:

Phoenix864 · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 5:43 pm Post subject:

Ronnman · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 6:07 pm Post subject:

Phoenix864 - I see the bend in the spring as well. Is this on your new horn? If so, you should request a new set of valve springs be installed. Check this valve spring action by manually holding the assembled valve’s guide and pushing upwards. Notice if the spring is touching the valve housing anywhere. If so, it will likely make a slight scratching noise when in the horn and moving the valve. This may be why they were greased. Also, looking at your pic on the first page of this thread, with the third valve partially inserted in the casing, look at the guide. See how it is cocked slightly. This likely due the the bent spring.

Regarding the grease on the springs, I would try it without and with some and see if you notice and difference. I suspect it will be minor.

If the stem is aluminum, I would add some grease or anti-seize (available from an auto parts or hardware store) to the threads.
Ron
_________________
Martin Committee #2 1954
Leblanc “Al Hirt” Model 1966
Olds Custom Crafted Ultra Sonic 1974
Edwards Gen II 2014

Phoenix864 · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 6:23 pm Post subject:

Phoenix864 · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 9:17 pm Post subject:

A few days back I emailed Schagerl about if they recommended putting grease on their valve springs. I got a response back today - it actually seems they are very much against it.

"please do not use grease for the valves, just some valve oil and NOT on the springs."

So, I'll be keeping grease off the springs.

cgaiii · Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2020 10:16 pm Post subject:

Phoenix864 · Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2020 10:21 pm Post subject:

tptptp · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2020 5:36 am Post subject:

kehaulani · Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2020 9:49 am Post subject:

I guess I'm kind of an outlier, but I've been a professional for a half a century and that's a loooong time, and I've almost never swabbed my lead pipe. I have cleaned it, periodically, along with the rest of the horn.

I'm not dismissing people's experience or desires but I've just never felt the need for one, myself. And to my knowledge, my horns have never shown any negative effects resulting from this.

So, I would say, if you feel you need one, use it. But it's not a given.
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oliver king · Heavyweight Member Joined: 07 Aug 2008 Posts: 1742

I've been of the brush and swab/floss daily school. I will drain, brush, swab and flush after playing and then oil valves. I start the day with a few drops of oil down the lead pipe and blow it through.
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