More TOOLS! TOOLS! TOOLS! "Monster Harmonica Workbench" by Kinya Pollard Welcome back "Gear-Heads!" I hope you received a monster tax refund this year because you're going to need it to complete outfitting your Monster Harmonica Workbench. For your convenience, I included the part numbers for each item that tie back to Micro-Mark, an on-line small tool supplier, at 1-800-225-1066 or http://www.micromark.com

#82282 - By now, I'm guessing most of you Harmonica Mechanics discovered that Hohner does not provide reed wrenches, such as those offered by Lee Oskar and Hering. Up until two years ago when my buddy Pete G. donated his reed wrench (see February issue), I had to retrofit a couple of my wrenches to fit Hohner reeds. But overall, these 6-piece miniature open-ended wrenches are terrific for small nuts, such as those found on Hohner Special 20 cover plates.

#82413 - Readers may recall from my Harmonicoccus article in December 2004 that I am a big fan of this Ultrasonic Parts cleaner. Some of the harmonicas I service are pretty nasty (present company withstanding of course). Thoroughly bathing the harmonicas components in this Jacuzzi makes it easier to handle.

#81403 - It doesn't take terribly long before you accumulate numerous bits and tips for your Dremel tool. This Rotary Bit Organizer brings law and order to your bench.

#82653 - Okay, this might be a little extravagant (don't forget to remind your spouse about the tax refund), but having a burst of clean air to clean harmonica components, tools and workbenches is wonderful.

#21134 - The Harpsmith searched forever, before locating these Toolmaker's Vises. Holding reed plates and combs straight and true onto the drill press table is important. Use with Gentle Jaws #80848.

#15212 - Hohner Special 20 aficionados have learned that by removing the unnecessary sprues from the combs (only required during the production cooling process to maintain it's original shape), more air volume can be channeled through the instrument. This Sprue Cutting Plier will make "surgeon type" cuts.

#60627 - This tool is useful for punching (perfect) holes into cover plates. This Sensi-Press also serves double duty when outfitted with the Drill Tap Holder Kit #82878. This kit makes tapping straight threads into reed plates

#60699 - As Harmonica Craftsmen, we work with small parts. This Mini Tweezer Set is wonderful for picking up things that our calloused fingers can't.

#81523 - This Toolmaker's Mallet includes a brass end as well as polycarbonate, invaluable when shaping cover plates or straightening reeds.

#80849 - When modifying harmonica combs (wood, metal or composite), nothing beats a 10" Disc Sander. This enables you to keep the entire comb on the down stroke of the sanding disk, and avoid unsightly "swirling" marks.

#83375 - Experienced Harmonica Tuners learned (the hard way) that temperature, condensation and brass shavings left on the reeds affects tuning. Minimizing temperature variations, moisture (saliva) and removing shavings is accomplished by blowing small amounts of air over the reeds. I found inserting a small piece of aluminum or brass tubing (photo not shown) into the end of a pneumatic blow gun nozzle (to concentrate down the air flow), then connecting the hose to a Lightweight Air Brush Compressor via a ¼" compressor fitting works best. Serious tuning requires serious tools.

#80240 - When tightening 0-80 or 0-90 size nuts (e.g. reed replacements), this miniature Nut Driver Set will save you a lot of grief.

#21116A - Most people start laughing when I mention to them that I'm fond of using a Nut Starter. Let's see who gets the last laugh.

#15157 - Speaking of getting the last laugh, did you think I would forget mentioning that I also enjoy using a Screw Starter!

#81839 - Don't you just hate having to bolt on the cover plates between adjustments, only to have to remove them again? Well I sure did. That is why these Spring Loaded Mini Clamps are a convenient time saver.

#83095 - Using "donor" harmonicas to harvest good reeds is a common practice. Matching the correct pitch with the correct slot size can be challenging. The Digital Caliper is a wonderful instrument for insuring a successful operation the first time.

#70239 - Customizing Harmonicas require shaping. Flex Pad Sanders are wonderful to have on the workbench.

#33108 - Needle files are a must-have tool for all customizing and repairing projects. Use for removing, smoothing and shaping steel, brass, aluminum, plastic and wood.

#82476 - Visitors to the Harpsmith Workshop accuse me of never using my workbench. That is because in my shop I practice "Seiton." This means orderliness in Japanese. Translation: "a place for everything and everything in its place." This Rotary Tray is just way too cool.

#81340 - Invariably you are going to have to cut or shave something. When that time comes, you'll be ready with this Xacto X2000 Knife.

#16104 - Jeweler's Anvils are essential when shaping cover plates and straightening reeds and plates.

Guess What! I discovered another mail order company called Garrett Wade "Tools for Enthusiasts." For this tax refund year, I'll only torture you with their Industrial Steel Storage Cabinets #39S01 (www.garrettwade.com). Instead of an endless variety of small stuff creating clutter, making it difficult to find things when you need them most, organize your harmonica components.

Get your shop in order and we'll hook up for our next project next issue. "Hit it and Quit it"! Kinya Pollard The Harpsmith