I need to replace the cork under my flute(s) keys…
where I can find the best cork for doing this?
which kind of glue you use?
thank you…
You can get sheets of cork in assorted thicknesses from Windcraft. I usually glue buffer corks onto keys with superglue (quick, and easy to clean up any excess with acetone), though on odd occasions it has refused to “take” for some reason, in which case I’ve used contact adhesive as I use for cork tenon lappings. One can trim the attached cork with a razor-sharp craft-knife and with fine sandpaper to shape it. If you stick on a deliberately slightly too thick piece of cork, put the key back on the flute, then put a strip of sandpaper across the body of the flute, gently press the key-touch down so the cork is on the sandpaper and then pull that to-and-fro under it, you can carefully reduce it until you have just the exact rise you want on the key. Whether you use very thin sheet or quite chunky/thick depends of course, on context/application. I’d say buy a sheet each from the thinnest up to the 3.2mm (you won’t need the thickest one) and then you’re all kitted up for years! (And to do cork lappings if desired.)
FWIW, before I bought proper sheet cork, I occasionally tried using cork cut from wine corks: does not work at all well, in my experience.
great man! thank you!