Frequently Asked Questions on Piston Work

• Why do I need to disassemble large instruments like sousaphones & tubas? These types of instruments will not fit properly on our honing machines.
• How much tubing must be removed prior to a refit? The ends of the valve casing must set flat on a table.
• How long on a standard refit? Trumpets, cornets, flugelhorns and some marching brass: 6-8 weeks. Large brass instruments and some marching brass: 7-9 weeks. Large instruments must go through disassemble and reassemble.
• Can you plate over monel? We have no problem plating over monel. The problem is stripping nickel from monel.
• How much plating on a build-up or hone-to-size? You must provide us with that information. For example, .002 Copper .002 Nickel. Again you must supply final dimension. Specify if you are wanting plating thickness or increase in piston diameter.
• Can you plate rotors? Yes, however, please state what you would like masked off. Examples: bearing surfaces, lever attachment point. We do not fit rotors or hone rotors. This takes a special process by an experience profession. We can provide you with a list of shops that do excellent work.

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