introduction – brass instrument making

[tomfisherParticipant @tomfisher]

Hello,

I’m Tom, based in Derbyshire. I am a retired academic and latterly I developed a business repairing brass instruments, which has developed into some design and making of french horns (my instrument). My proudest moment as a machinist is making a four storey rotary valve. Many times my projects require tooling to form brass tube, so I have some experience machining steel. I started life as a cabinet maker, so a few principles transfer, but I am seriously lacking in metallurgy knowledge, and a ‘feel’ for heat.

Best wishes for 2026 one and all.

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Welcome.  A few of us here are interested in musical instruments of various sorts.

Rod

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Welcome Tom!  It would be great to see some of your work, tooling and processes.  My son plays the sax and we often used to visit “Wood Wind and Reed” in Cambridge who supplied several of his instruments.  The shop was stuffed with instruments and filled with music from customers trying them out but lurking in the back was a Myford 254 and VMC mill – I always wondered how much they were used.  Where are you based in Derbyshire?

Edit: I just found your website – wow!

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

Welcome Tom, you sound an interesting fellow. If there is anything you need to know just ask – some one will have an answer. Best wishes. Noel.

[Keith Rogers 2Participant @keithrogers2]

John, I just looked at Toms website——WOW Indeed!

Keith.

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