Mechanical Organ Building

Amateur organ under construction

2007-07-09T04:11:00.001-07:00

A short video of the midi organ, still under construction. Taken by John Smith at the Marsworth Rally.

Plans for the Busker Organ,the Midi organ and much more can be obtained from:
john.smith6607@ntlworld.com

2007-05-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a time since I last edited this page and in this time, several things have changed.

The structure of the Blog has been altered and I must now learn a completely new set of rules for posting to the Blog.

I have spent the last few months completely revising the system for my new Midi Organ. Changes to the wind chests and solenoid valve operation. I now have the MK3 system and this seems to work very well. I will post some construction pictures when time allows.

2006-06-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

One of the many shots of yours truly at the Rollcutter Rendezvous. Superbly organised by Peter and Rosemarie. Good weather, good friends, good food....good everything.

2006-06-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

This shows the line up after replacing the buffer washers. Now............another sixty or so pipes !!

2006-06-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have just spent four, very enjoyable days, at the Rollcutter Rendezvous.More of that later. My skeleton "Topsy" midi organ developed a loud mechanical tapping noise on some of the notes.The picture shows the problem !! Several of the solenoid buffer washers have been compressed to the point where they did not recover. Today they were all exchanged for washers made from a wool felt specially imported from France. At the moment they are on life test. They are much quieter and seem to be lasting very well.

2006-06-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Solenoid wiring completed. It has been a very tedious day.
Wires are multi coloured (from a printer cable) and very difficult to identify.
Hope they can carry enough current. Nous verrons as a certain person would say !!
Maybe, tomorrow, I can complete a small wind chest and play some music.

2006-06-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Valve stems and heads fitted. Tomorrow, the wiring.

2006-05-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Solenoids have now been fitted. Next are the valve stems and heads. First, a short holiday in Poland with friend Luka. Valve stems must wait until Tuesday !!

2006-05-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

Pipes fitted to wind Chest Lid and stabilisers fitted.

2006-05-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Drill setup for drilling the pipe sockets in the wind chest.Template was printed on an inkjet from the PC. Chuck guard was removed to give a clear view whilst taking the picture !!!

2006-05-21T01:41:00.000-07:00

Melody Pipes finished. Stems have been added. Pipes now ready for the Wind Chest.

2006-05-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Enfin.........Fini

2006-05-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

16 Down. Seven to go ! Should have finished them today but it's been one of those days...............

2006-05-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

15 pipes finished and voiced

2006-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Eight Melody Pipes for Topsy

2006-05-05T04:36:00.000-07:00

Making the Crankshaft for the 20 note busker

2006-05-05T04:34:00.000-07:00

Machining the Winding Drum for the 20 note busker

2006-05-05T04:33:00.000-07:00

Feeder Bellows and Reservoir for the 20 note busker

2006-05-05T00:47:00.000-07:00

My 20 Note John Smith Busker Organ at the Twin Woods Rally 2005

2006-05-05T00:09:00.000-07:00

Some Pictures and details of the organ I have built and the current project, John Smith's Topsy.