Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > October 1996 > 1996.10.24 > 12Prev  Next


Gulbransen Unit Pneumatics
By Craig Brougher

George Bovard asked about rebuilding Gully pneumatic/valve units. I assume he has them off the shelves, if they are glued on. If they are the screwed on kind, here is how to rebuild them.

Just like Simplex, Gulbransen is a rock maple unit valve that has to be broken apart if the pouch is to be replaced, which I strongly suggest. If you saw the suggestions regarding Simplex unit valves, you might try one or more to see which you are able to do best. I would also suggest something else a little different. Now I have never tried this trick, but it might work.

In my book, The Orchestrion Builder's Manual and Pneumatics Handbook, you will notice on pg. 92 is a picture of a slotting saw. They are very thin. The saw pictured are two saws stacked together to make a thicker cut. Were you to rig up a setup about like this one shown, you would be able to precisely cut each pneumatic at its glue line, all around without taking out very much wood. Cut it only about 1/16" deep, 360 degrees around. Then you can wet the pneumatic briefly, and the water will stay in the fine slit you made. after just the slit has been able to dampen the old glue (without soaking the entire thing) you could then place them in a microwave, adjust your timing, and take each one apart very easily, I should think. Just slip a knife blade into the slit you made, and pop it apart. It certainly seems like that would work well. As far as the slit in the back is concerned, this will completely fill in with hot hide glue when you put them back together.

Craig B.


(Message sent Fri 25 Oct 1996, 00:27:21 GMT, from time zone GMT.)

Key Words in Subject:  Gulbransen, Pneumatics, Unit

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page