Hi, can anyone give me some clear advice?  I seem to have so many
contrary opinions on this subject.  I am rebuilding the valves of
a Waddington Welte Licensee action, with a Deluxe action.

Having now replaced all the pouch leather, which was certainly one of
the problems that was causing some of my stack leakage problem (pouch
shrinkage), I now plan to replace the leather on all the valve facings.
Can anyone suggest which leather type is the best for each valve
facing:

  Primary atmosphere side
  Primary vacuum side
  Secondary atmosphere side
  Secondary vacuum side

The original vacuum side valve facing is very hard and has virtually
no wobble.  Should it be that hard, and should there be at least some
wobble to aid seating?

This make of action is rare in the UK, as is the Standard action.
I think I can say most restorers in the UK try and steer clear of all
actions with horizontal valves, because of the time and problems in
getting them to work properly.  I think it is right to say that in the
UK the most common player that is found is any one made by the Aeolian
Corporation, so with the ease of restoring those actions, _why bother_
to tackle a more difficult action if you are restoring for resale
purposes?  Obviously, a Welte Licensee is a different case, as so few
were installed in the UK and even fewer have survived, so restoration
is worthwhile.

Any help with these valves would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Jonathan Holmes, Penzance, Cornwall, UK