Bellows construction

[JIM D.]

Somehow this tread has repeated itself from -- http://www.accordionists.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2570&start=20

 

[psc945]

Some of the reeds are looking like they will need replacing which is indicating a cost increase, which may depend on cost of replacements. Good quality reeds must be dearer than cheap quality reeds, thats basic logic. Just need to see whats out there, again salvaging from others may be cheap alternative to new. It just means how is this done, purchasing old accordions to hopefully take out reeds that you need and are themselves worth recovering could be a gamble, with its own costs.

Back to the Bellows.
Have measured and tried to detail the parts for cost assessment.
Although Jim may be right if you want to just play then you need to consider the cost of new replacement. I am also a Technician and I can't help stripping down parts and trying to work out the technical detail of how it works and then how they can be repaired.
I have just finished my breakdown of the Bellows in size and materials, now need to see where I can obtian parts and overall costs.
At this stage still only theory.
Trying to determine the angle used for the Gusset in the card. It could be a standard dimension, but feel it is not that critical, so there may be a variation in this across manufacturers.
Not intending to strip down dozens of Accordions, although I am sure all would be willing to let me :lol:
Maybe one of those who repair have seen a variation in this part of the bellows.

 

[psc945]

Nice website for parts and some interesting info.

http://www.stringsandboxes.de/epage...sandboxes/Categories/"Balg_Eckschoner Größen"

Paul C

 

[kimric]

To get the rust off the reeds a Bandoneon that I was restoring I used a little nickle sized wire wheel on a dremel tool. The important bit is to make sure you are holding the reed at an angle so the wheel cant grab the tip of the reed. I place a shim under the reed so I don't abrade the reed plate.
This make sense only on lightly rusted reeds ,as the pitting otherwise will have thrown the tuning way off and leave weak spots.

 

[psc945]

Thanks, will try that, thought softer brass wheel/brush is best to try to remove as much as possible. If it is recoverable great, if not need to find a replacement reed. They look like hand made ones so in the better price bracket.
The Bellows is testing me at present, have the angle worked out and starting to cut to size, have made a wooden frame which the old bellows fits onto, so using to form the new one on to keep near the original size.
Just going to copy how the old one was made, hopefully it will be in style with the old one when finished.
CGMmusical, supplied all the parts , very happy with their service, and decent prices when you see what others are charging.

Paul C

 

[psc945]

The CGM materials did reach about 100 pounds but cannot complain on price, cheaper than many. I could not buy a similar replacement, for that cost. When finished it will be a reasonable copy. With a great deal of learning in between.

I am also learning ( slowly) to play my Working Accordion, still cannot get both hands to play diferent notes. Keep being told it will come.

I have made a jig and frame to help form the basic bellows, the angles to cut where the hardest to set up as they are not 45 degrees, when you remove material to allow the corners to fit it creates another reduction in length and width that needs to be acounted for. With that worked out and all for section cut and angle correctly , need to get them square and begin the securing and reinforcing the corners. Then add the internal tape, then the leather pieces and metal corners.
Onward and upward.

Paul C

 

[Deleted member 48]

some patents about accordion bellows construction are online
https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/pat/PatSchrifteneinsicht?docId=DE3245736A1
Process and apparatus for producing bellows for musical instruments
DE 3245736 A1
https://www.google.be/patents/US258...&sa=X&ei=nJGeVbuRLsrYU57Tg6gL&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA
Accordion bellows construction
US 2583308 A

this one could be useful:
https://www.google.be/patents/US319...&sa=X&ei=w5GeVbDDDovfU6-nvNAL&ved=0CCcQ6AEwAQ
Bellows construction
US 3191513 A

suggestion ? taking the patents as a summary for some syllabus on accordion bellows construction?

There must be hundreds or even thousands of accordion patents out about accordion construction.

combined with some videos about bellows construction


at 420 this maker is at work on the bellows:


Dont know if they were succesfull, but what do you think of the cruciform reed for accordions and the like? A patent from 1885
https://www.google.be/patents/US315...&sa=X&ei=fpKeVf2wNYb6UsHohbAL&ved=0CB8Q6AEwAA

adjustable free reeds:
https://www.google.be/patents/US233...a=X&ei=NJSeVf3lN4H4UICMsrAL&ved=0CCYQ6AEwATgK

so many, too many to read them all... but all free for download

 

[psc945]

Interesting stuff, cheers.
The third one is a Camera bellows but still interesting to see how they interpret the best way to fold and open.
Have seen the first one of the 2 videos before, he is just replacing the tape on his bellows.
I liked the second video, have not seen that before, bellows info starts at 3:00, but yes she starts constructing at 4:20, the corners are dry fitted in this type, then crimped with a hand operated crimper. Finishing the Bellows at 7:30. I did like that video very helpfull.
Interesting couple of patents on reeds.
Crucifix reed, how did this take off is it still around in use? can't believe it is.

Have been searching for stuff like this but it all comes down to what they are labelled as, many items are obscurely labelled and will not come up in a search for the named item they are showing.
Thanks for those you shared.

Paul C

 

[psc945]

This one is good, starts Bellows construction at 4:00 to 4:36 - Spanish factory.


Again another Factory video, this starts working on bellows at 1:20 to 2:34 - in this one they cutaway to allow the corners to fit, but seems to just glue these in.


This Fantini video is good , the bellows construction starts at 6:30 and continues to the end of the video at 9:20 - This one is interesting as it shows the corners being glued on then he expertly hammers them together on each corner. No room for error there.


Another nice on, very basic workplace but nice to see another method of construction. In Brazil


Paul C

 

[Deleted member 48]

Thank's for the videos on bellows construction, helpful to actually seeing the professionals making the bellows in the factory.

 

[artelagro]

A slightly different take on this subject.



May prompt some further discussion.

Garth