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Rebuilding Band Organ Feeder Bellows
By Charles Hildebrant

Dear MMD's:  I am rebuilding the pump in a band organ.  The original
had thick cardboard reinforcing glued to the inside of the leather.
I am faced with two questions:  I am going to use heavy grade picture
matting as my source of the heavy cardboard.  Does anyone have negative
thoughts on doing this, and/or a suggestion of an alternative and
better material?  I chose this as I can get it in the correct
thicknesses, and with very low acid content.

Second:  what glue should I use when I glue the cardboard to the
leather.  I truly hesitate to use hot glue on the thought that the
eventually hardened crystals will cut the leather over time.  I
hesitate to use contact cement as I'm sure that in the 1920's it isn't
what the "real guys" used.  Your help and suggestions would be
appreciated.

Charles Hildebrant



(Message sent Mon, 18 Feb 2097 17:14:08 -0500 , from time zone -0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Band, Bellows, Feeder, Organ, Rebuilding