Air valves for reeds restored and installed

The built-up has started. Since I do not dare to break open the wooden construction holding the reeds on the base panel, I'll leave it for what it is. The whole construction is glued together. Reeds are nailed with very small nails on the base panel.

I chose for a technical restoration. This means :

• Wood treatment for long durability. Unprotected wood tends to pick up a lot of dust. Most of the wooden parts have been painted with a rosewood colour varnish.
• Worn felt parts are replced
• Broken steel rods were reproduced
• Hinges were cleaned up
• Old varnish has been waxed

Reeds are visible when air valve is lifted to open position. They can be extracted!!!!

Felt "guides" are replaced. My children go to a Steiner School, where felt is commonly used.

 Hinges cleaned up with copper polish

 Reproduced steel rod. Here my experience in model aviation comes out very handy.

Overview of the "base" unit. Long red felt strips are kept original since they are glued and not worn badly

Overview of the "workshop"

First lever for opening the air valves cleaned up and installed