Re: [Harp-L] Shim Stock (mis-understanding)

[Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

Get a feeler gauge and cut some little blades from the .001" and .002" leaves with a pair of scissors.
This will be cheaper and the steel will be harder and springier than most any shim stock. 

A small pair of locking forceps is a good way to hold the blades.
I sometimes make a little tool by gluing one (epoxy) to a popsicle stick.
Let the little blade extend beyond the holder only about 1/16" or less.  This will avoid damage to windsavers in chromatics. 
Insert them in the clearance between reed and slot and slide them back and forth to remove burrs and obstructions. 

Look for feeler gauges at hardware and auto-supply stores.

Vern 

On May 2, 2010, at 8:33 PM, Doug wrote:

> Sorry - now I get it.
> 
> I haven't done any embossing etc. or anything that required shimstock as a tool so I'd be best to let someone else suggest what thickness you should get. 
> 
> I know that I saw feeler gauges for sale within the last year so I suspect you could find them at any auto parts store.
> 
> Good luck,
> 
> Doug H
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
>  From: Matthew Smart 
>  To: Doug 
>  Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2010 9:12 PM
>  Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Shim Stock (mis-understanding)
> 
> 
>  Hey Doug,
> 
>  A feeler gauge is a good idea. Do the sell those anymore?
> 
>  Yes actually, I did mean shim stock! I got some from Richard Sleigh a few years ago. It was really thin metal strips that i could use to shape reeds and run along the side of the reed slot. The reason I asked is that I don't know what metal type of shim stock I should get or the thickness. Do you know?
> 
>  Thanks!