Blowpipe valve flap

[Richard Evans]

We don't use a leather flap at all. We attach a disc of rubber to the end face with a dot of superglue. Easy and quick to do, very reliable and quiet, long lasting. We have also reduced the length of our standard blowpipe by 30mm, making up the difference with a longer bellows hose. This is more comfortable particularly for smaller players. I guess historically the length of the bellows hose was limited by the tendancy to collapse when made from leather (yes, I know about the business of putting a spring inside), which doesn't apply to modern tubing.
Of course, if I was making a replica,I would go with the original very elegant pattern as shown in the photos.

Cheers
Richard

[Francis Wood]

Although I prefer the traditional pattern, Richard, your method is far more practical.

The leather tube was never a great device (for one thing, you have to inflate it before it delivers air) and it would have always been subject to collapse. Similarly there's nothing superior about a leather flap. On my notorious 'disposable bagpipes' a paper flap was used which has always worked faultlessly.

For practical use, I like the kind of tubing used for medical gases . . . anaesthetic tube in fact which is very flexible and (because people's lives depend on it) very reliable.

[PaulScott]

What kind of rubber do u use and where can I get some? My blowpipe valve all seems to be wkring fine in theory in terms of being able to fall back and seal propertly but in practice it seals shut with an audible 'clop' whichn is noisy or on occasion has not shut and has allowed air back into the bellows. It is an angled C&B type valve, I have cleaned it and tested various positions and some work better than others,

Paul

[OldTomsRant]

Paul,

I've used a punctured airbed! A bicycle puncture repair kit would also contain what you need!

[Richard Evans]

What kind of rubber do u use and where can I get some? My blowpipe valve all seems to be wkring fine in theory in terms of being able to fall back and seal propertly but in practice it seals shut with an audible 'clop' whichn is noisy or on occasion has not shut and has allowed air back into the bellows. It is an angled C&B type valve, I have cleaned it and tested various positions and some work better than others,

Paul

We use Halfords bike puncture repair rubber. Bought as a sheet, not separate patches. It comes as roll, we lay it flat under a weight until it lies flat. Use a very small amount of glue. Dust the closing surface lightly with talcum powder to prevent it sticking.

Cheers
Richard

[dbfisher]

Hi all

I have used the rubber cut out from Theraband quite successfully. The type of stretchy elastic used by physiotherapist for stretching exercises. It can be obtain in sports shops. The Puncture outfit stuff sounds like a good idea.though.

Regards, Brian.