Tell us something.: I restore 19th century flutes, specializing in Rudall & Rose, and early American flutes. I occasionally make new flutes. Been at it for about 15 years.
Jon C. wrote:......
heat up your tea kettle or espresso machine and try steaming the cork, so it will expand. Not to much, or it may become unglued!
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bona fide follow up Q:-
And how soon after the polly treatment should I grease the cork?
Hi,
let it cool before greasing it up.
"I love the flute because it's the one instrument in the world where you can feel your own breath. I can feel my breath with my fingers. It's as if I'm speaking from my soul..."
Michael Flatley
Tell us something.: I restore 19th century flutes, specializing in Rudall & Rose, and early American flutes. I occasionally make new flutes. Been at it for about 15 years.
chas wrote:You can put cork grease on the tenon once it's not hot to the touch -- warm to the touch is fine. If there's any condensation from the steam, wipe that off first. A minute or two should be plenty.
In other words, we are steaming it a tad to impregnate with moisture and then trapping that moisture in with the grease.
(Not that I need to understand it completely to effect your and Jon C's advise. I like to try and understand things. It will delay senility you see)
The idea is to humdify the cork so it will be renovated and swell up with moisture. This is what happens to your brain after the cup of tea you can make while steaming the cork, this will help with the senility!
"I love the flute because it's the one instrument in the world where you can feel your own breath. I can feel my breath with my fingers. It's as if I'm speaking from my soul..."
Michael Flatley
