Tuning tools?

[nagant27]

My question to everyone who does reed tuning: does it really adversely effect the reed if you use a machine, or dremel like tool for tuning? I watch on youtube many techniques for tuning using a lot of power tools, then I read how you should always hand file. (Never abuse the reeds with power tools!) I understand if its a minor tuning handfiling for sure, but if you need a large adjustment might a power tool be warranted?? I have only done minimal spot tuning, and have always used handfiles, but was just wondering everyone's opinion on this. ALso what does the dremel do to the reed that is bad? Is it just too aggressive, possibly causing it to be too thin and maybe break? or does it fundamentally change something?

 

[JIM D.]

Ive been using scratch tools, files, picks & a Dremel for 40 years now. What I use depends the type of reed and if its mounted or unmounted.
All these tools work well when used properly. It really depends on your
Cup O Tea.
New hand made reeds are tuned by machine & cleaned up by filing -- see here at 1:50 --

 

[debra]

...
New hand made reeds are tuned by machine & cleaned up by filing -- see here at 1:50 --

Nice illustration of how it works. The sanding belt being used suggests that using a Dremel with a sandpaper roll may be ok. I would never use it with a grindstone roll, which is illustrated in another youtube video from a diatonic instrument builder.
Once the reeds leave the (reed) factory accordion makers no longer want to touch them with a Dremel. I am not religious about it. Sometimes a file or a scratcher is the most appropriate tool for tuning, but sometimes the Dremel with sandpaper feels like a more logical choice to me. What is important is to not generate excessive heat (locally) with whichever method you use.

 

[Geronimo]

The typical terminal Dremel damage is hollowing out a reed in the middle for tuning down. The result is the behavior of a "clacker": an initial resistance to sounding, particularly if the reed has been unplayed for a number of seconds.

Makes a good reed behave like a pretty bad one. Using a good scratcher instead does deep structural damage without removing disproportionate amounts of surface material, thus not affecting overall form/stability.

All that is a basic concern for tuning down. Tuning up is quite less critical for reed behavior and life.

 

[nagant27]

Thank you guys,
I really like that video Jim. It's so cool to watch them making the reeds. I appreciate your knowledge as always.

Paul do you think the heat ruins the "temper" of the metal reed?

Geronimo: the hollowing is exactly what I was thinking of by weakening the reed, and changing the shape.

 

[Geronimo]

Thank you guys,
I really like that video Jim. Its so cool to watch them making the reeds. I appreciate your knowledge as always.

Paul do you think the heat ruins the temper of the metal reed?

Geronimo: the hollowing is exactly what I was thinking of by weakening the reed, and changing the shape.

Well, to tune down you need to weaken the reed. A scratcher makes straight deep grooves, a Dremel hollow depressions which means losing a lot more material for a comparable weakening of the stiffness. The rather uncompromising damage from a scratcher does not mess with the shape and bending. The Dremel definitely will result in things that look better, just not necessarily sound better. A belt sander is sort of the opposite extreme: it changes the profile but uniformly so. So you dont get the clacker effect affecting response but you can still affect pitch stability.