Hi: I just recently joined this group and would like to make a few
comment's on some of the topics I have read. About me, I know nothing about
organs, piano or MIDI. What am I doing here? I have been making music boxes
for the past year or so and this is the best group I found. I am a great
reader and read every digest that I receive and have learned a lot. Up
until a few years ago I always work in the electro/mechanical field,
servicing every thing from time systems,time clocks to computers. Two years
ago I was put on disability and had to find another type of work or sit and
stare at the tube. One of my hobbies has been antique furniture restoration
but I can no longer do this living in a small condo with a wife, cat and
dog. So from these circumstances began my search for a new hobby, work
whatever. I also love to go to flea markets, antique shops and pawn
shops (great resource for tools). I kept finding these music boxes all over
the place for 2 or 3 dollars most belong in the trash but I fell in love
with the music they made. I then began buying old boxes and re-installing
the movements in them. I am now doing this for other people, they provide
the box and I do the rest. All the boxes I do the movement is the main
focus, covered with etched glass (I had to learn this to). The box is
restored if wood as most are I give 15 to 20 coats of lacquer all hand
rubbed.

Enough about me, here are a few things I have learned over the
years most the hard way.

GLUES:
If something was put together with hide glue, repair it with the same. Hide
glue is the only glue that will bond to it's self. Easy clean up and easy
to correct mistakes. You don't need to to spend a lot of money for a glue
pot, I use a old crock pot from a garage sale that I paid $1.00 for it is
still work after 4 years. However I do use the new glues and epoxy on
parts that were not intended to be taken apart, like a chair leg broken in
half.

BONDO:
A great product to patch large holes and to make missing ornaments from.
Bonds well to just about any thing and can be cast into a large or small
mold, spray mold first with a silicone mold release agent or Pam.

Metals:
Cleaning brass I always use vinegar first. Just fill a container with plain
old vinegar and let the parts soak in it for a day or so. Only has a last
resort do I try Naval Jelly On metals I like to use a automotive engine
cleaner that can be washes off with hot water and if things start to go
wrong you can stop the action  with water.

FOR SALE:
Yesterday I was rummaging around the basement of a antique shop looking for
a display case and came across a player piano. This is all the information
I could find on it. On a small metal plate on the front: LUIS CASALI SUSof
POMBIA y C' BARCELONA AMALIA "38". At one time there was a larger plate on the
upper left side but it is missing. It looks to me that all the parts are
there. There are 2 large tune cylinders. These are made completely of wood
and have no making on the as to what the tunes are. Please keep in mind I
was in a dark dingy basement and could have missed something. In talking to
the store owner the only thing she knew about it was she got it at a sale
and wants $600.00 for it. If anyone is interested in this get in touch with
me and I'll try and be of some help. Disclaimer: I have  no finical
interest in this or I am not connected with this store. However I do accept
gratuities. Contact me via e-mail or call me @ 816-468-7498.

This is a great group and I would like to see more about music boxes.

Tom Fenn
Kansas City, MO
If it's working, don't fix it.