Does anyone know where you could buy premade tuning slides for whistles and flutes. I once found a site that sold both the slide and mouthpieces of metal, but lost track of it. Any clues would be great. By the way I no longer have access to a metal lathe, so I cant make my own parts. And a metal lathe is not something I can justify to just buy to play around with whistle and flute making.
You can buy telescoping thin walled brass tubing that works very well. I use 17/32" and 9/16" for my tuning slides. Just cut the lengths you need, remove the burrs and you’re ready to go.
Brewerpaul thats a great ideal and to think i’ve spent so much time on a lathe before. I’ve found the tube on the net, but was wandering if this can be found in large chain stores like a home depot. Also wandering if you could tell be how you attach this pipe to the wood. As I forsee this method different than my previous method. And last but not least got any good sources for wood whistle and flute building with design help, I’ve been having fun making whistles and like trying to make new styles.
I don’t know about large chain stores, but hobby stores often carry K&E tubing. Look for one that specializes in R/C airplanes and cars, not simply plastic models. Online purchasing may be easiest.
To attach the slides to wood, rough up the outside of the tubing with coarse to medium sandpaper, and glue it with epoxy. I put the glue on the inside of the wooden part and twist the brass tubing as I insert it to spread the glue. Wait for the glue to nearly set, and then you can use a knife to get out the excess which will have been pushed down into the wooden part. Once it’s fully set, you can file out any remining glue.
I figured that you did something to this effect but figured the best way to find out is to ask. By the way the brass tuning slides i made had small spread out threads. I would add a little epoxy then screw in the tuning slide with threads into the wood, it worked great and could not be any more sturdy.
Once again thanks it’s nice to have a builder to help those that are just tinkering 