A few unrelated questions for the repair techs...

[1958SelmerMarkVI]

1. What is the best source for delrin to make rollers? Is there anywhere that sells a delrin "tube" with the proper inner and outer diameter, or must you always buy rod and drill it? Does it usually need to be ordered online, or can it often be sourced locally (and if so, what kind of store would carry it)?

2. Are there any good alternatives to fish skin for testing the seating of clarinet pads...preferably something that is a common household material?

Thanks for your help!

[Graysax]

#1 - http://www.mcmaster.com/#delrin-(mad...resin)/=hdpd9z

That is one of many sources. If you have access to a lathe this project would be much simpler.

#2 - Pop Tart mylar packaging. When you buy a box of 12 pop tarts (not generic brand) they come wrapped 2 each in a shiny silver mylar bag. That stuff is thinner than fishskin, stronger, and smoother which makes a perfect material for a feeler.

I have also heard of people using the cellophane from a reed box - or cigarette pack. That is thicker than the above mentioned mylar.

I have also heard that the same type of mylar is used in Crouton packaging.

[Wind_Mill]

Check your local commercial plastics supplier for remnant stock. It will be much cheaper and usually the odds & ends will be sold by the foot or some other basic unit. Delrin rod in white and black and many thicknesses... A few dollars will buy more than you'll need for years....

Oh, what about the cig papers you roll your joints with? The gumless kind.....

[KEN K]

Old T V VCR cassett tape....break it iopen...tape inside will last a lifetime... it is very thin ...I think it is .001 thick

[clarnibass]

For a feeler I've always preferred thin rolling papers. The brand doesn't really matter but I like OCB. As long as they are no more than 0.015mm thick (just under 0.0006").

[hornfixer]

Are there any good alternatives to fish skin for testing the seating of clarinet pads...preferably something that is a common household material?

The phone book.

[abadcliche]

Finally, the phone book is useful again.

[skeller047]

Finally, the phone book is useful again.

I don't get them anymore

[averageschmoe]

Most of our fine parts suppliers will sell mylar feeler material. .0005" is a great place to start.

[slausonm]

1. What is the best source for delrin to make rollers?...

Thanks for your help!

McMaster-Carr is an excellent source, as mentioned by others. If you are looking for a pearl look or other wacky colours then acrylic pen blanks can be cut up and turned on a lathe to make rollers.

[Gordon (NZ)]

1. ... delrin "tube" with the proper inner and outer diameter

There is no "proper". There are many variations.