What could be reason for this…cane fits nicely around staple when tying.. bends and behaves well when put normal binding .. .but when remove binding from reed head to start scraping the head noticed
that about middle of the the both sides of the reed cane makes a sort of “small curve” and leaks from that area.
As you scrape, this gap will tend to close.
If it doesn’t close fully when the scrape is finished, you might try a more boat-shaped head next time (this is achieved by aiming for more curvature at the reed tails, thus closing the reed sooner (at a narrower part of the tails). Then remove the “corners” from the reed above the binding.
If you don’t remove these corners, they can also cause the gaps you see at the sides. The trick is removing just enough cane at those corners (see Benedict Koehler’s reedmaking videos on source.pipers.ie).
Bill
I have had the same problem and I do 2 things.
I leave the head tied for a day or two after I complete the binding.
This appears to allow the reed halves to form more of a set after the binding.
I have started to carve a seat for the staple on the inside of the reed .
Makes a little more room for the staple and appears not cause any other problem.
As well, I keep my cane stock and slips at about 70% humidity, this allows them to bend a little easier when being tied
Tim