Cutting a bronze Slide Question

[slide496]

I am liking my bigheart slide and using it more but its 2.25 and I think it would be more comfortable for me at 2". www.bigheartslide.com/legacy.html

Does anyone know a slidemaker in the US I could send one to to be cut?

Thanks,
Harriet

[Ian McWee]

Hi Harriet,

All of the U.S. metal-slide makers have their slides machine manufactured in huge batches (1000 at a time) so they won't have the equipment to cut down an individual tube.

My only recommendation is to contact Jan at Daddyslide (www.daddyslide.com) in Germany ~ Jan is the only custom-maker of metal slides we know.

Slide On!

Ian.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Harriet,

I agree with Ian. I would get one made to your exact specifications by Jan.

Give Jan the exact dimensions, including the wall thickness, and he will make one for you.

Shine On
Michael

[pete1951]

I would think any good plumber/carpenter/metalworker would be able to cut it. Make sure they know that it must not be scratched.
PT
Bronze is not very hard, and will cut with a small hack-saw. Cut it a little over-size if you do it yourself, then use a fine file to square it up. Finish with fine glasspaper then very fine wet-and-dry paper or 000wire wool

[slide496]

Thanks, I'm not really set up shop wise to do metal slide modificiation without risking scratching it and starting it and keeping it straight I think you need more strength in the hands from the little I've had to do with metal, these are .133" thick walls. but its interesting to know how its done, thanks for your response Pete1951

I'll contact Daddyslide then. I should have one shorter for weight if I am going to use it daily.

Lawd lawdy,
H

[Stevie]

It's tricky to hold the slide steady while you hack away with a saw without making scratches or even worse Harriet. It needs parting off in a lathe really. Drink in the quality of Jan's work and treat yourself for Christmas!

e&oe

[pete1951]

Holding it is the problem. If you have a bit that will drill a hole the same size as the slide (or a little larger) you can drill a hole in a small wood block, cut the block in half , through the hole. The slide can then be held in a vice using the wooden holder. Most plumbers will have a vice with some sort of notched plastic jaws for holding pipes without damaging them.
PT

[slide496]

Just firming up the details for the order which I hope to place soon.

On the other hand was inspired by Pete1951's entries to research and found they do make a special tool to cut pipes straight - takes alot of revolutions and control and I suppose you have to find one that is thin enough or you can take an adjustable pipe clamp and do it like this which might give forum members who do this kind of work an idea as to shortcut to making a holder if they don't know already.

[gaucho]

Hi Harriet. The hacksaw hose clamp idea looks do able. I have cut several Harris (thick, taper walled brass, just like the Bigheart) slides with the other tool you described. A clamp on pipe cutter, that you clamp on and then rotate round and round ( a lot of revolutions!). It works pretty well and 2 of my favorite slides are thick brass that I have cut down in this way. You have to be careful tho as the cutting wheel can "wander" and score the slide in places where it will catch the strings. Just take your time, tighten the wheel often and it woks OK. You will need to do some sanding. filing and polishing when you are done tho. I also have a German Sliver slide from Jan which is a work of art and sized perfectly. I play in open G mostly and like them a little short (like 50-52mm?) so I can keep it off the bottom string for most playing. I can still easily get the bottom (bass) string if I want it, but at this length it generally clears it and eliminated the buzz you sometimes can get if you are barely touching it.

[slide496]

Post deleted regards check inches to mm coversion as Jan answered question...

[slide496]

Well thats ordered so soon I'll have one at each length and my first high end slide.

Lawd lawdy,
Harriet

[Ian McWee]

You won't regret it Harriet ~ with regards to metal slides, Jan's the man

Slide On!

Ian.

[hokumjim]

Hi, I have been machining and supplying all manner of metal slides to my mates for over 40 years, any size and wall thickness any material within reason. I like the gun metal ones I make with a tapered bore and heavy wall thickness
JimHotshot

[Michael Messer]

Jim, you've never made one for me....

Shine On
Michael.

[Ian McWee]

I've still got the brass beauty Jim sold to me in 1985 ~ best fiver i've ever spent!

Slide On!

Ian.