On my blowpipe, the tab for the valve is bound by the twine that adjusts the press fit. And the edge of the shaft has been flattened somewhat on one edge, making a shelf for the tab, that allows for the thickness of the leather.
Once it's bound and fitted, it would take more force than normal usage to move it. It could possibly slip if the fit were incorrect, but then you'd be leaking air, and the blowpipe would keep falling out under pressure.
I'm only going on my own examination of the join, and I'm not a maker. Though I did see Jim Carroll make and fit a valve (and put up with my constant questions with gentlemanly patience).
I use a Highland bagpipe valve called a "Lil' Mac" on my uilleann pipes. Extremely reliable and quiet. (Leather valves can be noisy- they don't call them "clack valves" for nothing.)
I sent a Lil' Mac valve to a maker and asked for a blowpipe and stock to fit it. The Lil' Mac requires a bit larger than normal ID on the blowpipe stock.
The valve is just a leather disc with a stem attached, like a lollipop with a wide stick. the leather stem lies down the side of the blowpipe and is fixed there with the hemp that seals the joint, and the disc is bent over at right angles to seal the hole. If you look at the stock of a blowpipe, you will probably see a little nick in the side, which indicates the position of the valve. The nick should be at the top, so that gravity holds the valve down. If the valve is upside down, it may not close at all, but usually the air passing over it will close it. In GHB, if they have been unplayed for a while, the blowstick is usually removed and the valve softened by chewing gently, like an Inuit softening his boots, but less tasty.
Thanks for that. I should mention that I picked up a chanter on the cheap. It seems to be in tune, so I have decided to build a simple practice set around it. I have the bag made, the bellows almost made so I am working my way into the very technical stuff now!
I tried to make a simple 'flapper'. Not too convinced it will work.
I might order one of those ones suggested here instead.
Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
A curiosity ...
How does the valve stay in place on a blowpipe? Because it hangs down could it not just slip off centre to the left or the right ?
# Posted on October 11th 2009 by richrua
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
What??
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by TheSilverSpear
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
I can only offer an opinion, based on my own set.
On my blowpipe, the tab for the valve is bound by the twine that adjusts the press fit. And the edge of the shaft has been flattened somewhat on one edge, making a shelf for the tab, that allows for the thickness of the leather.
Once it's bound and fitted, it would take more force than normal usage to move it. It could possibly slip if the fit were incorrect, but then you'd be leaking air, and the blowpipe would keep falling out under pressure.
I'm only going on my own examination of the join, and I'm not a maker. Though I did see Jim Carroll make and fit a valve (and put up with my constant questions with gentlemanly patience).
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by ciaranbradley
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
Perhaps think of the valve as a door, with a hinge that keeps it in line as well as holds it in place?
My twa farthings
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by Rook
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
Some examples for GHB's:
http://www.kilts.co.nz/images/Flapper_Valves_Generic.jpg
http://www.hendersongroupltd.com/Cart/pc/catalog/ABF.png
OR (and yet another minor difference between uilleanns and Great Highlands):
http://www.pondaeration.com/photos/2way%20valve.jpg
Good Luck
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by Rook
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
Some examples for GHB's:
http://www.kilts.co.nz/images/Flapper_Valves_Generic.jpg
http://www.hendersongroupltd.com/Cart/pc/catalog/ABF.png
OR (and yet another minor difference between uilleanns and Great Highlands):
http://www.pondaeration.com/photos/2way%20valve.jpg
Good Luck
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by Rook
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
Ha, ha, Rook very good.
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by bogman
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
I use a Highland bagpipe valve called a "Lil' Mac" on my uilleann pipes. Extremely reliable and quiet. (Leather valves can be noisy- they don't call them "clack valves" for nothing.)
I sent a Lil' Mac valve to a maker and asked for a blowpipe and stock to fit it. The Lil' Mac requires a bit larger than normal ID on the blowpipe stock.
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by Richard D Cook
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
It just works. It's like my car -- so long as it works I'm not all that concerned with why,
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by TheSilverSpear
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
The valve is just a leather disc with a stem attached, like a lollipop with a wide stick. the leather stem lies down the side of the blowpipe and is fixed there with the hemp that seals the joint, and the disc is bent over at right angles to seal the hole. If you look at the stock of a blowpipe, you will probably see a little nick in the side, which indicates the position of the valve. The nick should be at the top, so that gravity holds the valve down. If the valve is upside down, it may not close at all, but usually the air passing over it will close it. In GHB, if they have been unplayed for a while, the blowstick is usually removed and the valve softened by chewing gently, like an Inuit softening his boots, but less tasty.
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by gam
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
Great!
Thanks for that. I should mention that I picked up a chanter on the cheap. It seems to be in tune, so I have decided to build a simple practice set around it. I have the bag made, the bellows almost made so I am working my way into the very technical stuff now!
I tried to make a simple 'flapper'. Not too convinced it will work.
I might order one of those ones suggested here instead.
Thanks for your help!!!
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by richrua
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
Don't forget the valve on the bellows, then. Gravity will affect that as well.
# Posted on October 12th 2009 by gam
Re: Uilleann / bag pipe blowpipe valve
Let us not forget:
Some mention should be made here of the all-important pint-valve, and its maintenance.
http://www.ralphmag.org/AX/mouth-open-huge307x379.gif
# Posted on October 13th 2009 by Rook