Does anyone know the construction of this chanter top, I dont see how it works with the tubing at the top…instead of the side
http://www.kirklynch.com/engr14.htm
There’s a number of different options there but you will only know if you look inside. Usually there is a stop valve like in the bellows and blowpipe that closes when the key is opened, cutting off the airflow to the reed.
As Peter says, a stop valve. Usually the top of the key is connected to a stiff wire that runs inside the top of the cap. The wire runs through a leather flap. When you press the key, the wire pulls the leather flap shut against the top inside the cap.
djm
These are some plans for stop keys that Im used to seeing
Only usually because Joe copied geoff’s present set up 
Mine uses a different system, copied from Egan I think, involving a little hinge like thingy that pushes the valve up when the key is closed but swings out when the key opens, allowing the air to push down the valve. I have seen yet other systems but am not sure i can remember the details involved.
If you’re going to copy, copy from the best!
djm
That’s a nice chanter top. Are there may makers who do this? I’ve thought of having similar work done to the WOOD of my chanter, but I don’t know anyone who has the skill and the time to do it.
My CR chanter has a little brass triangle that hangs from a pin beneath a leather flap. The stop key has a little finger on it that pushes one side of the triangle causing the other side of the triangle to push the leather flap up. When the key is pressed it allows the triangle to swing down thus allowing the air pressure to close the flap. I don’t know who designed it but it is a elegant little piece of engineering.
John
That’s similar to mine only the thingy is more L shaped
Here is the internal mechanism on my K&Q chanter… clever little thing 
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/photos/koehler&quinn/sistersofmercy/valve1bw_1.jpg
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/photos/koehler&quinn/sistersofmercy/valve2bw_1.jpg
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/photos/koehler&quinn/sistersofmercy/valve5bw_1.jpg
http://www.uilleannobsession.com/photos/koehler&quinn/sistersofmercy/valve6bw_1.jpg
I wasn’t able to post as img’s? Por que?
PD.
Quinn told me at some point that’s a Harrington method. k
Texas,
have a look at this previous discussion:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?p=136046&highlight=&sid=f638f29fbc136f782424b43a84cbb7a8#136046
Chris Bayley submitted some great details to stop keys.
The supposed Harrington valve that I saw, and upon which I based a design I executed many times, was most similar to Diagram E on Chris Bayley’s drawings. It had a wedge, just as can be seen in the pictures Pat D’Arcy has put up, but the wedge was not attached to the valve piston.
Pat’s pictures show what I’ve been doing lately for a shut-off valve. The throw rod is linked to the wedge, and onto the throw rod is threaded a rubber ball which serves as the valve seal. It rests in a conical seat, so I’m hoping it will go where it’s supposed to go every time.
And (btw) it works a treat
Pat.
Do you suppose K&Q would make those to fit other chanters?
Ask David… his message was the one before mine
PD.
I’d suppose not. I suspect they have plenty to do without crafting stop valves for other makers chanters.