Blob of solder in Valve Section: Do I care?

[JTeagarden]

I have an Edwards T-350, which, after a bunch of cleaning and not being an idiot, plays nicely.

I was maintaining the axial valve, and noticed a blob of solder where the unengaged brass pipe is attached to the male (bottom) leg that the main tuning slide goes on to.

The blob might be all of 3 mm high and maybe 4 mm wide, and if I were to guess as the the blockage in the pipe, no more 5%.

Any reason to care?

[ithinknot]

Probably not the end of the world, but also straightforward for a tech to remove. Probably best if you don't go messing around in there with triangular scrapers yourself - it's easy to do if you have a feel for the tools, but easier to gouge something pretty badly if you don't.

[Bonearzt]

I have an Edwards T-350, which, after a bunch of cleaning and not being an idiot, plays nicely.
I was maintaining the axial valve, and noticed a blob of solder where the unengaged brass pipe is attached to the male (bottom) leg that the main tuning slide goes on to.
The blob might be all of 3 mm high and maybe 4 mm wide, and if I were to guess as the the blockage in the pipe, no more 5%.
Any reason to care?

I have found that even a tiny blob like this can affect the response.

I find this ALL the time on Bach 42BOs!!

[brassmedic]

Bach always used too much solder (except when they forgot to solder a joint altogether).

[JTeagarden]

Ok, seems easy enough for a brass tech to remove without much effort, I have a decent general feel for tools, but am also aware of the tendency to screw things up the first time you do something!

I assume they'll go in with a round metal file through the back, and file it down?

IMG_3135.jpg

Now that you can see it, would you remove it?

[pfrancis]

If I were to work on it, I’d simply remove the leg. Clean up excess and reinstall.

[JTeagarden]

Which requires resoldering? And would you do it in the first place, given what you see?

[Bonearzt]

The cause of that blob is the joints not fitting together BEFORE soldering!

I either run a straight reamer into the pipe, or as mentioned, disassemble & refit & resolder correctly.

And yes, Mr.Teagarden, I would address this.


Eric

[Jimkinkella]

Yes!
This definitely makes a difference, from personal experience!
I would absolutely recommend getting it taken care of.

[JTeagarden]

The cause of that blob is the joints not fitting together BEFORE soldering!

I either run a straight reamer into the pipe, or as mentioned, disassemble & refit & resolder correctly.

And yes, Mr.Teagarden, I would address this.


Eric

Eric,

Sent you a pm in this regard.

[JTeagarden]

Eric Edwards removed the solder blobs, and generally de-stressed the horn, just got it back today, it slots much better, and is more responsive as well, very much worth the reasonable price he charged!

It's gone from a horn you think should be good to one that actually is.

[Bonearzt]

Eric Edwards removed the solder blobs, and generally de-stressed the horn, just got it back today, it slots much better, and is more responsive as well, very much worth the reasonable price he charged!

It's gone from a horn you think should be good to one that actually is.

Thank you Sir!

[JTeagarden]

Played it a lot more today, it’s spectacular!