Materials for custom combs
Hello Kinya,
I saw on one of your videos that you have a CNC and are running a Vectric product (couldn't tell if it was VCarve or Aspire).
In any case I also have a CNC and am running Aspire as my design software. I'm planning on modeling some combs and seeing how they turn out. I was wondering what non-wood but easily machined materials I might want to consider. thanks!
Thank you very much for the recommendations! Unfortunately I can't see the pics for some reason. I"ll check back later to see.
>> For certain, you have the coolest name--Less Paul!
I've been using that name online since 1995 when three things happened:
My wife and I divorced. She wanted "less Paul" in her life.
I decided to drop some weight so that there would be "less Paul"
And I bought my first quality guitar, which, as I'm sure you have guessed, was a Les Paul.
I'll be sure to post any and all CNC harp projects as I complete them, and thank you for your detailed answer!
Paul
For certain, you have the coolest name--Less Paul!
I am using Vetric VCarve as my primary design software program, which as you know creates the G-Code (.tap) for your CNC machine.
My number one preferred material that I use for my custom combs is DymaLux. Similar to PAKKAWOOD--the material that Jon Harl and I used about twenty years ago. DymaLux are made of layers of White Birch infused with Resin. This makes an airtight “wooden” comb that looks and feels terrific. DymaLux is impervious to moisture.
https://harpsmith.com/buy-harmonicas/ols/products/harpsmith-slash-ross-g...
My second favorite material is Dupont’s Delrin (Acetal Resin). It is the same machineable plastic that was used to build the now rare Hohner CBH16 and CBH12 Chromatic Harmonicas, played by the late great Norton Buffalo and current Maestro, Robert Bonfiglio.
We can’t wait to see what you make!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
* Unfortunately, I could not paste my photos to this Forum. The link above will land you to my website. Here you can scroll through the photo reel for photos of the DymaLux combs that I make
Hi Less. (And let's not even get started with "less is more." And no way I'll ask about the "less wife" and "less pounds.")
I currently have five of Kinya's harps, three Rockets and two Marine Band 1896s. They're the core of my performing kit. But only one has a DymaLux comb. Here's my non-professional review:
The DymaLux has a much more "woody" or "organic" feel than ABS, aluminum, resin (e.g., Suzuki) or bamboo (Crossover). But that doesn't mean that it isn't smooth. If you're used to combs like on the Rocket, Special 20, etc., or even Andrew Zajac's, the DymaLux may feel a tad different. But it's actually a great feel. More like a Marine Band 1896 that won't ever warp, expand, or get rough. Even though it's only one of my performance harps (a G), I really like it, and next time I order from Kinya will probably ask for it.
As with all harmonica specs, "your milage may differ," but I'd encourage you to give it a try.
Ukulele Rob plays Hohner™ harmonicas customized by Kinya Pollard, The HarpSmith™
Thanx as usual Rob!
Your HARPSMITH, Kinya
I am attempting to repost