[Mando]

I’m going to try replacing the cork on my tenor, and several videos show a tool used to hold the neck while sanding the cork. One end of the tool fits into a hole in the work bench, the other end inside the neck. I don’t want to buy one, but would like to improvise something. Any suggestions what you use that won’t harm the neck? (I’ve got the work bench 😉). Thanks for suggestions.

 

[artstove]

I think I used my knees. Or maybe my wife...

 

[blaine hoopes]

I had one of those tools about 50 years ago and used it once or twice. Not really needed. It's really simple to put the cork on and shape it without anything more than a sharp knife/razor for cutting the cork and a strip of sandpaper (and of course some masking tape, contact cement and the cork) - or at least it's simple when you've done it hundreds of times.

 

[mmichel]

I had one of those tools about 50 years ago and used it once or twice. Not really needed. It's really simple to put the cork on and shape it without anything more than a sharp knife/razor for cutting the cork and a strip of sandpaper (and of course some masking tape, contact cement and the cork) - or at least it's simple when you've done it hundreds of times.

+1

I've never used the tool, but I've recorked many necks and I've never missed it. I've never even needed to use my knees (or my wife) to hold the neck. You should be able to do it just by holding the neck in one hand and using the other to do the sanding. I usually don't even remove the octave key.

I'd say you're overthinking it. The only reason I can possibly think of to use such a tool is to avoid repetitive stress injuries if you're working in a repair shop, recorking one neck after the other all day.

 

[artstove]

Yeah, I think my tech has something like that. But he does a lot of them, and it is also faster. And more cooperative...

 

[datsaxman]

I suppose a tool would be nice. Doing it by hand, loose, seems to work pretty well.

At no point in the process is a third hand really needed. I have a couple to do shortly.
Now I will be thinking about this tool the whole time.

 

[CJ1972]

Never used one myself, but a plastic expanding bearing mandrel would work, anyone with lathe could knock one up out of nylon 66 or similar.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I put a screw into my doorframe, wound some gaffer tape round the head.

The cork end of neck goes over that, other end of neck held steady by my ample yet somehow manly stomach leaving two hands free to sand around the cork.

So basically I am that “tool” holding the neck, or rather I am half the tool, not a complete tool.

it works well and I find best to sand a bit around the bottom of cork, turn 90 degrees repeat and so on.

I am hoping to train my abdomen muscles to do the turning (to the sound of “Wheels cha cha”

 

[saxoclese]

What you are referring to is called a "bench peg". They are not that expensive to buy. Off the top of my head I can think of two "substitutes" since you already have a bench.

• Drill a hole through a rubber stopper and use a grabber screw to attach that to the bench.
• Get a wooden dowel that fits inside the end of the neck, cut a short piece, and drill a hole that diameter into the bench.

 

[Mando]

Great! Thanks for these suggestions. I understand the tool is not required, but — Hey! — tools are cool! (Pete will vouch for that). And as for overthinking, us retired academics can’t help that....

 

[1saxman]

Jeez! All you need is a wood dowel and a hole to stick it in. Obviously a vise would be perfect but I know that most do not have a work bench to put it on - but you can get a small vise that you can temporarily clamp to a table - you'll be amazed how much you use it once you have one. And, I would much rather put a wood dowel in my sax neck that a metal rod - just sayin'.

 

[1saxman]

Forgot - the idea is you put the cork end of the neck on the rod then gently lean on the neck with your belly to hold it in place while you take a few swipes with a strip of sandpaper. Wrap the neck behind the cork in masking tape to protect it. Use a 'shoeshine' motion when sanding and pull the paper down on both sides so you cover about 180 degrees of the cork. Just do two to four strokes then turn the neck 90 degrees - you can see that there will be overlap which is needed to keep the cork round. Count your strokes and do it evenly one time around. Then grease the cork and try the mouthpiece. Wipe the cork grease off before sanding again and remember to clean out the mouthpiece before playing - it'll pick up the cork grease/cork sludge. Once you get it on about 1/2", now concentrate on the middle to rear of the cork. You want to be able to get it on the cork at least 1.25" for tenor even if you don't tune up that far. The idea is to make the cork the same diameter all the way so the mouthpiece has the full range of positioning without being too tight or loose.

 

[Mando]

Thanks for these details and cautions. My main concern about improvising a tool was to avoid using anything that might harm the neck. Sounds like a wood dowel (maybe even shaped a bit) would work fine.

 

[1saxman]

Doesn't have to be tight. When you push on it with your midriff, it will jam on the stick and be sufficiently tight for the job. The dowels are only 6" long or so.

 

[milandro]

Great! Thanks for these suggestions. I understand the tool is not required, but - Hey! - tools are cool! (Pete will vouch for that). And as for overthinking, us retired academics can't help that....

I have seen many times people use leather punch tools

 

[chilehed]

I am half the tool, not a complete tool.

It's good to not be a complete tool.

 

[milandro]

To that purpose It’ll be needing a vise , if not a wise