gauge plate

I am making a reed cutter for an oboe.The blade I intend to make from gauge plate.My question, is there a right or wrong way to site the grain in respact to the cutting edge before I harden it.

Frank

There is no grain, just grinding marks on the surface when supplied. Orient it the way that works best for you, polish it if you want to get a smooth surface.

Martin C

Frank, is this something you are making to your own design or are there published drawings/details available anywhere?

We have a 15 year old granddaughter that somehow (along with all her other activities) is part of 4 different orchestras and the cost of reeds is mounting up so I want to see if I could make them.

Ian P

Ian,this toolis for trmming the reed to length and square.My daughter in law has play in orchestras world wide and plays five wind instruments but the tool is for the oboe,oboe damore and the chore anglais.I saw the cutters on the web and decided to make her one to my own design.This is turning out to be a complicated job and my advice would be to buy one .All the best to your grandaugher with her musical career.

Frank

I spent many years in the music business at the very top level, and worked with lots of reed instrument players. Almost without exception they used those one sided, stiff backed razor blades to shave reeds to suit their needs. They used the blades at right angles to the reed, and it didn't take them too long to achieve the right result. Admitted these were pros, but they had to start somewhere.

Dek.

Thank you for the information Martin,I wasn't sure.

Frank

Dek, my daughter in law was a profesional musician and still cuts her reeds with a knife but this will be a more positive cut.even though it has already taken me many hours of milling,i,m enjoying the work of making the tool.

Frank