Leaky bellows valve

Steve Bliven · 06-01-2018, 01:20 PM

Hello all—

I'm care-taking an Uilleann practice set for a friend. The intake valve on the bellows is leaking a bit. It's swinging into position properly but for some reason doesn't seal tightly. Would appreciate tips on getting it to seal better.

Thanks in advance and best wishes.

Steve

longwind · 06-01-2018, 05:24 PM

I put mine on with the smooth side down. The back side of a spoon can aed getting a good fit by rubbing it over the surface. A little Vaseline applied to the edge surface may help it seal better. You may need to make a new flapper.
I'm still using leather. Old bagpipe bags work fine. For thicker leather, wet the valve for about 30 seconds and dry between two flat surfaces.

Anndrah · 06-01-2018, 10:15 PM

A little oil, Vaseline, etc, should work wonders. Sometimes a drop of water to soften it up a wee bit.

tenthpiper · 06-03-2018, 04:04 PM

I steam the leather valve and a spoon at the same time then use the hot spoon to press down on the valve into position.

Steve Bliven · 06-03-2018, 05:30 PM

Thanks to all for the input. It seems the leather is rather dry so I'm working some oil and will try the steaming/spoon to improve the shape to better fit.

Best wishes

Steve

longwind · 06-03-2018, 07:06 PM

Please let us know how you get on.

06-01-2018, 01:20 PM	#1
Steve Bliven Forum Gold Medal Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 520	Leaky bellows valve Hello all— I'm care-taking an Uilleann practice set for a friend. The intake valve on the bellows is leaking a bit. It's swinging into position properly but for some reason doesn't seal tightly. Would appreciate tips on getting it to seal better. Thanks in advance and best wishes. Steve __________________ "Some folks say I'm apathetic, but really I don't care." ~ Robert Earl Keen ~

06-01-2018, 05:24 PM	#2
longwind Holy smoking keyboard! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: west side of the pond Posts: 1,165	Re: Leaky bellows valve I put mine on with the smooth side down. The back side of a spoon can aed getting a good fit by rubbing it over the surface. A little Vaseline applied to the edge surface may help it seal better. You may need to make a new flapper. I'm still using leather. Old bagpipe bags work fine. For thicker leather, wet the valve for about 30 seconds and dry between two flat surfaces. __________________ Reedmaster Last edited by longwind; 06-01-2018 at 05:28 PM.

06-01-2018, 10:15 PM	#3
Anndrah Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cave Creek AZ Posts: 77	Re: Leaky bellows valve A little oil, Vaseline, etc, should work wonders. Sometimes a drop of water to soften it up a wee bit.

06-03-2018, 04:04 PM	#4
tenthpiper Forum Silver Medal Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ireland / Spain Posts: 476	Re: Leaky bellows valve I steam the leather valve and a spoon at the same time then use the hot spoon to press down on the valve into position. __________________ Beginners Mind, Zen Mind, No Mind.

06-03-2018, 05:30 PM	#5
Steve Bliven Forum Gold Medal Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 520	Re: Leaky bellows valve Thanks to all for the input. It seems the leather is rather dry so I'm working some oil and will try the steaming/spoon to improve the shape to better fit. Best wishes Steve __________________ "Some folks say I'm apathetic, but really I don't care." ~ Robert Earl Keen ~

06-03-2018, 07:06 PM	#6
longwind Holy smoking keyboard! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: west side of the pond Posts: 1,165	Re: Leaky bellows valve Please let us know how you get on. __________________ Reedmaster