Tuesday, September 13, 2011

I Shouldn't Be Doing This

Writing a blog entry, that is.  You see, I've got 6 sets of keys (5 arrived unannounced) waiting for me down in the workshop, three more sets are due to arrive any day and....tomorrow it's the historical society in the morning and two tunings in the afternoon.  Thursday another two tunings.  Friday night is the Annual Meeting/Chowder Supper for the historical society and we will be attending.  I think Saturday and Sunday are relatively free.  Monday the dentist, Tuesday a tuning at the high school and a selectman's board meeting at night (where I may have to speak publicly...eeeewwwwww).  Wednesday morning it's out to Thacher Island to retrieve a big part of the reed organ for repairs over the winter.  Thursday another tuning.  Saturday night is the Jim Malcolm concert at the UU Church and Sunday afternoon is the reception for my one person show at the UU's gallery.  Amid all of that I've been finishing up woodwork for my mom and trying to get out for some fun stuff.

Which brings me to this post.

My new not-so-plaything toy.

A Concert Roller Organ!  It needs some repair that I'll get to one of these days (haha) and I'll need to find a really super machinist to repair the crank/shaft where it was broken off with the threaded section left in the handle.  Of course the exterior decals will have to be replaced.
The organ operates by cranking the handle.  Bellows create suction within the unit and the 'cob' (because it looks like one) turns.  The pins on the cob open the little valves that you see above the cob.  Behind each valve is a reed.  When the valve opens, that reed/note plays. 20 notes in all.  I've got 9 cobs!
Just thought I'd share for a few moments.  Now it's back to the workshop and keys, keys, keys.

3 comments:

Bernard said...

"I'll need to find a really super machinist to repair the crank/shaft"

What a shame I'm on the the wrong side of the 'pond'.
Whilst not qualified as a 'super', I guess that I could help with the machining. :)
Of course, that is when I can get my workshop tidy - and can find my machines!
If you remember you were offering to do a tidy up of my workshop if I paid the 'air fare'.
Well, I have to admit, I'm a bit short of cash at this very moment. So, good luck with the restoration.
I like it. (very much)!
(Envy) :)
Cheers.....B

Annette said...

I bet bernard would love this.

deb said...

There you have it, Annette!