Posted by Keith Kropf on November 16, 19100 at 21:19:27:
In Reply to: Mallet rubber posted by Marisol Meza on November 15, 19100 at 22:11:59:
I figured out a method - and I've cut thousands of tips this way. It takes a little setup time to get started, but then it is fast and easy.
I use a variable speed drill, a dowel rod, K-Y Jelly and a single edge razor blade. You probably dont need the drill, but it makes the job much faster. You also need two beer bottles - a full one to drink while you figure this all out, the other an empty to use as a support. You also need duct tape.
First you need to buy some wood dowels (hardware store) that fit exactly the hole size in the latex rubber tubing. You also need to buy at a drug store (or KMart, etc.) a tube of K-Y Jelly. This stuff is sold as a vaginal lubricant - I believe it is the same stuff they pack lubricated condoms in. You need a razor blade - single edge - don't try a utility knife or exacto knife - the blades are too thick.
Cut a dowel off about a foot long, put JUST A LITTLE KY Jelly on the dowel and slide a piece of tubing onto the dowel - about eight inches long is about right.
Stick the dowel into the drill chuck and turn it on slow speed - it may help to have a friend here.
Rest the drill on a table and rest the opposite end of the dowel rod inside a long neck beer bottle. You need to tape the bottle to the table so it doesn't flop around. (I actually have a setup that holds the drill that has a piece of wood with holes in it - but that is something you have to build - everyone should have a beer bottle.)
Now, put a blob of KY Jelly on the razor blade and turn the drill on slowly (100 rpm is good). Press the razor blade straight (perpendicular)into the rubber gently - it should cut thru after a few revolutions. You can hold the razor blade with a vice grips or other pliers if you want.
The KY Jelly is water based and doesn't deteriorate the latex rubber. Other lubricants - petroleum in particular - will damage the latex. The KY Jelly is also good to use to put the tips on the mallets. The excess can be wiped up with a wet cloth, and the stuff that remains between the tip and the mallet will dry and the tip will stay on. Just remember to let the stuff dry for a few minutes (longer if you were too generous with the jelly) before playing the mallets or else your tip may slip off and fly across the room.
Sound complicated? Then call Mannette Steel Drums Ltd. 304-293-3786 and they will sell you precut tips. There are other people who sell tips, but if you can't find them, you can call me.
Good luck!
Keith Kropf
K2 Steel Pans
Fort Pierce, FL 34949
phone 561-429-2272