OT: Smallpipes and Leaking Bellows

Uilleann Pipes
1

Hi Everyone

Since my Uilleann Pipes are off for maintenance I thought it’d be appopriate to to get my Smallpipes out again. They’ve been in the box for more than six months or so :smiley:. I’ve suddenly realized that the bellows leaks back out of the inlet valve, and I’ve found where the problem lies. The glue has deterorated around the piece of leather and the leather flap has become lose and is not closing properly. This is maintenance that could be easily sorted out by any body who is not exactly good with their hands (such as myself) and I would much rather attempt to fix it myself, then contact the maker. If there is anybody that owns smallpipes out there how should I takel the problem? It looks as if the valve needs to be re-glude (as it has come lose), failing that perhapse I should get a new valve made by the maker. I’ve checked for leaks in the main part of the set and the bellows (by taking out the plug and blocking of the valve hole) and both are incredibly airtight.

Cheers L42B :smiley:

2

ye should be able to see where the glue was on the leather or rim of the valve so a tiny bit of glue (superglue) on that part should do it.
Slán
Uilliam

3

It’s so fare gone (and I did check with a friend) that glueing would not be the best option. I’ve found that the valve was made from a high-grade rubber. The system looks simple enough to make on my own. The maker will be contacting me later this evening on how to go about making a new valve. Oh the joys of bagpiping :laughing:.

Cheers L42B :smiley:

4

:boggle:

5

If worst comes to worst, (and this applies to all types of bagpipe, including uilleann) you can make a fine valve out of a piece of car tire innertube. Cut the shape of the opening with a 3/4 x 1/4 inch tail, slit through all but a sixteenth inch of the thickness at the flex point and tie it on. I’ve had one on a wet blown forum inappropriate pipe for eight years and it has yet to be anything but air tight.