The little flipper thingie on a bellows I just got leaks like crazy.
You know, the little leather flapper rascal on inside of the the arm-sucky thingie.
I’m guessing it may be called the “bellows air intake valve”?
(Pardon the technical jargon.)
Anyway, I’ve popped it out and it looks happy enough. Nothing obvious that I can see anyway. It does seem a bit stiff. It moves easily but the leather seems stiff. Is there an easier solution than replacing it?
Incidently, the orientation is correct..ie it hangs down when the bellows is strapped on.
It could be the air valve on the blow pipe that is upside down or sideways and is blowing air back into the bellows. Pull that out and check the orientation.
Rub a little almond oil onto the face of the leather which faces outwards towards the wood of the valve. This will soften the leather. Then press the leather firmly against the wood to seat it. You should see a ring in the leather which corresponds to the hole in the wood. You can also use a heated spoon to press the leather in.
Check that the flap moves freely; if necessary scrape a very little off the hinge to give freer movement.
