I read some that pewter plugs should be oiled to make them move quietly. I wonder which kind of oil should be used for that, if any. I guess that the oil mixes up with dust and such, causing the plug to get sticky etc.
Any thoughts?
I just use ordinary machine oil 3 in one, it also makes them seal more positively. I just put a little on with a small paint brush. I do take the keys off and clean the plugs and the holes occasionally. Take care not to get the mineral oil on the wood tho!
This came up on another thread somewhere recently…
I have two flutes with pewter plugs: I never oil the plugs, nor would I - it is not necessary - they seal just fine without. One is my original R&R made in 1843 that I have been playing for over 20 years, the other is my Rampone that I have had for about a year and a half. If the pewter is in good condition, is not mis-shapen and has no chips or dents, it should seal well to the receiver plate or funnel, whatever style that may be. If one doesn’t, or has worn a groove and is sticking down, try rubbing a hard, very smooth piece of steel around the chamfer of the pewter plug to smooth it back into shape - very carefully, of course. Sticking down, BTW, is more likely to be due to a groove worn where the pewter hits against the receiver plate than to anything else (except excessive gunk - which oiling would make more likely), and if so, needs fixing anyway - oil won’t help all that much. If the metal faces meet properly, they will seal just fine without oil.
Don’t mind him. I find they work much better with a bit of oil, including the brand-new ones that Chris Wilkes made for my Wylde (not too much wrong with those, now). Just use household or machine-style light oil, which will never get sticky. The seal will be much more immediate with the oil than without. Cheers,
Rob
Two questions: On my original R&R when I last had it re-paddd by someone here in NYC, the person put leather pads on the pewter plugs. I don’t really use these pads, but decided it is probably best to remove the leather. So, how do I do this? Secondly, I played the flute without the plugs on and like the way it sounds. I am wondering how this affects the tuning, etc. I can’t determine any significant difference with respect to it playing sharper or flatter. What do you think?
arbo
Sorry.
Let that be a warning to others.
Oh, by the way I haven’t noticed much difference either way.
My humble advice is to NOT remove those plug keys as they will get lost.
If you have an R&R best to have the keys repaired properly.
You not only have a flute but an investment.
Never mind the oily ones! As I said, mine seal reliably and as “fast” as you could wish without oil.
Arbo, I’ve come across very thin leather being glued onto pewter plugs to get them to seal before - though I’m not at all sure it’s a good idea as it may well jam them closed and reduces the design clearances from the tone-holes. It may serve as a temporary alternative to getting them renewed if they are corroded or dented beyond rescue. Did the tech tell you why he did it? I have also heard it mentioned as a way to silence ther characteristic clacking! If you want to remove it, what you need to do will depend on what glue was used - try soaking in hot water first, then proceed to acetone - shouldn’t hurt the pewter or the silver. Don’t try to scrape it away with a blade, sharp or blunt, as that is likely to scar or scrape away the soft pewter. Pick at it with a fingernail, rub at it with a soft cloth with the solvent on…
As for removing them, as Aanvil says, bad risk of losing the key-sections, and little advantage - they usually stand quite well clear of the tone-holes and don’t “shade” them very much, so any sharpening from removing them (whilst perhaps desirable on what is very likely a “flat foot syndrome” foot) is likely only to be very slight.