I'm trying to rebuild the secondary (larger) valves in my 1921
Beckwith.  I have some questions about them.  The stack is a Beckwith
stack, not a Standard, yet they're both similar enough for you to
understand my questions.

I'm having trouble with the fiber disks with the leather glued to
them on the valve stem, trouble getting them off the valve stem.  Art
Reblitz says to use a set of modified ignition pliers.  Which methods
have worked for other restorers out there?  I need more information on
how to modify ignition pliers, also.  I've found that grabbing the stem
with pliers tends to chew it up.

When sanding the disks, I've been told I have to use water to get the
leather off, which might warp the disks, so I'm better off having new
ones put in.  Is that always necessary?

The wooden valve seat: what needs to be done to that to ensure a good
seal?  Also, what needs to be done to the fiber ring at the top of the
valve?

The valves have tiny felt rings on the stem and tiny leather punches
on the stem also.  What works best for those and where do I get that
material?

How do I test each secondary valve to make sure it doesn't leak?
Do I need to seal the fiber disk onto the wood?  Originally it looks
like they poured gallons of shellac all over everything when it was
finished in assembly.

Finally, how do I regulate the valve travel?  I think I'll just make
a jig to get the valves back in the same position roughly as they were
when I took them out, but if I'm to regulate them precisely to 1/16",
I don't know how I can do that or measure it.  I can't see what the
travel is until it's installed, and once it's installed I can't
regulate it by then anyway.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Damon Atchison