Andrew Zajac Flat Pack Reed Plate Claws, Reed Plate Holder and The Flatness Tool Free USA Shipping
Use these tools to flatten the comb and reed plates.
Straight, flat reed plates together with a flat comb are essential parts of establishing the best framework for the reeds. With a good frame, reed work becomes much simpler because all sides of the slot are at the same level and are well supported. Even a thousandth of an inch of space between the comb and reed plate means the reed will be less efficient at converting air flow into decibels. A good foundation is mandatory for best results.
The Flatness Tool™ is used to measure flatness. It is an extremely precise straight edge reference. It has a reed groove so that it can be used on both reed plates as well as the comb. One you find where the comb or the reed plate is not flat, you can correct it.
The Flatness Tool™ can also be used to make combs extremely flat. My method of flattening combs is very easy to learn with a little practice. There is no guesswork involved since you are using a proper reference as your guide.
My Dark combs are the flattest combs on the market. Use this tool to make any other sandwich-type comb just as flat as mine.
Use the Reed Plate Claws™ on both the blow and draw reed plates. On the blow plate, the reeds get in the way of flat sanding so all you need to do is straighten them using pressure and counter pressure.
The Reed Plate Claws™ are designed to fit safely between the reeds.
Here are the instruction videos:
I do not recommend using a reed plate to gauge the flatness of a comb. You will likely get false measurements which will lead to over-sanding the comb as you try to correct what you believe is a defect. It's not easy to undo oversanding - this type of feedback loop can be fatal.
The Reed Plate Holder will help you hold the reed plate steady as you straighten it with the Reed Plate Claws. Once you get comfortable with the claws, you may no longer need the Reed Plate Holder.
It has two slots to accommodate many different sizes of reed plates. Use the smallest slot that fits.
The Reed Plate Holder ships with a sticker on the under side. The adhesive will help hold the plate in place. Once it loses its stickiness, you can peel it off and replace it with any kind of tape you have on hand. If you no longer need the additional help from the adhesive, don't bother replacing it.
