Hi, In yesterdays MMDigest D. L. Bullock wrote:


>> Usually a paddle is used, not a rubber mallet. I use a 1"x4" board,
>> about a foot long and specially shaped on the sander, to paddle out
>> the dents when needed. In most cases the dents come out with a
>> technique of pressing it on the leading edge of the mandrel. The
>> mandrel is anchored to a very solid wall."


I have seen the folks at Organ Supply Inc. (OSI) use this method to
shape pipes during production and restoration.  It is done in a special
sound-proofed room with hearing protection for the workers.  It's quite
a sight (and sound).  They are restoring some metal pipes from an
ancient barrel organ for me and I suspect that a few of them will pass
through this process.

Incidentally, they pour, age and plane their own pipe metal for the
pipes they build -- a fascinating process right out of Dom Bedos.
_But,_ I have a question.  You mention that the board is "specially
shaped on a sander".  Can you please describe what the special shape is?

Thanks
Craig Smith
near Rochester, New York