Strange but wonderful tool

[Ian Moss]

Back in the day, I was involved in making recorders (musical instruments). This involved making "windways" in the "headjoints". The consensus of makers was that the windway was curved to match the bore of the instrument. I adapted a microtome (tool for cutting very thin slices of frozen tissue) to become a mini shaper. It is a very well made tool that weighs 47 lbs. and has a 2 1/2" stroke. The large wheel at the bottom adjusts the depth of cut 0.025" for a full revolution, so very fine cuts could be made. I expect many other applications are possible. Willing to be flexible on price to a keener.

 

[DPittman]

That's a very cool tool! I'd try to make a recorder with it if I didn't know better about all the horrible sounds elementary kids make with recorders.

 

[Ian Moss]

They can be wonderful in the right hands.

 

[Kernel Sanders]

Hmmmm interesting for sure. Wonder if it could be adapted to make small keyways?

 

[Ian Moss]

I suspect it could do small keyways. The shaft with the cutter can be changed. It is currently 1/2". The stroke is about 2 1/2"

 

[FatherWes]

You do nice work. That looks terrific.

 

[DPittman]

They can be wonderful in the right hands.

I can also imagined that a quality made wooden recorder sounds better than the cheap plastic ones my ears have been assaulted with.

 

[Dabbler]

Very nice looking construction!!

 

[Ian Moss]

The real credit belongs to the microtome. I just modified it to do the job I needed. The recorder headjoint shown is one of mine though. Made of one of the delbergia species. (Rosewoods)

 

[BaitMaster]

I can also imagined that a quality made wooden recorder sounds better than the cheap plastic ones my ears have been assaulted with.

Assault is an accurate description of the action of elementary school plastic recorder notes entering your ear canals.

 

[Tomc938]

Played a bass recorder in a baroque ensemble. With the tenor, a couple of altos and 2 sopranos, played very well. Very “castley” sounding.

 

[Mcgyver]

Neat innovative tool. Wondering, any leftover microtome parts kicking about? I've a complete one except for a blade.

 

[Ian Moss]

Neat innovative tool. Wondering, any leftover microtome parts kicking about? I've a complete one except for a blade.

Sorry, no microtome blades.

 

[Ian Moss]

Played a bass recorder in a baroque ensemble. With the tenor, a couple of altos and 2 sopranos, played very well. Very “castley” sounding.

Enjoyed similar ensemble. I usually played soprano or alto, and occasionally base. I have several recorders of all sizes I am trying to flog to the local recorder society with little success.

 

[Dabbler]

Played a bass recorder in a baroque ensemble.

remind me to bring my wife and her recorders when I visit in spring...