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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Chehalis, WA
Posts: 14
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I Need Restoration Advice on Phenolic Shells
Greetings All; I just rescued a set of 3 Pearl Presidents from a basement. A 13" tom, a 16"tom and a bass drum. The shells are made of paper impregnated with phenolic resin. Before I charge this project like Bunker Hill I want to get some advice from cooler heads. The toms are in pretty decent shape. The two photos show the bass drum before and after hardware/wrap removal. You will note the extra holes carved by a fellow thumper with what looks like a bread knife.
My plan is to use sheets of paper impregnated with phenolic resin 1/32 thicker than the shell and cut perfect plugs for each unwanted hole and secure them with a small amount of epoxy resin. If anyone has worked on these phenolic shells I certainly would like to hear about your process/materials. I'm open to suggestions other than "forget it". Thanks in advance. Jim
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"You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice." Last edited by ABNormal; 11-03-2012 at 01:54 PM. |
Vintage Drum Guru
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Reading, PA
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Re: Restoration Advice on Phenolic Shells
The best guy in the world to ask would be Jerry at Blaemire Drums. If anybody knows how to work with that stuff, it's Jerry.
Good luck, sounds like an interesting restoration project. John
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Too many great drums to list here! http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm Last edited by Tommyp; 11-03-2012 at 03:36 PM. |
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Join Date: Jul 2007
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Re: Restoration Advice on Phenolic Shells
Got your Email (Facebook)...
If you are going to re-wrap the shells, and I will assume you are...I would not go to the trouble of using sheets of paper impregnated with phenolic resin. Just use Bondo Fiberglass resin. It spreads on like peanut butter and has chopped fiberglass in it for strength. I have used it on plenty of Blaemire shells as well as Pearl fiberglass shells to fill holes....even the large tom mount holes. Put a backing on the inside of the shell and tape it down. Over fill the hole a bit and let it sit. Sand it and your done. It is very strong and a lot less mess than a resin can be. Below is a link to the stuff...You can get it at Home Depot Good luck on your project. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bondo-Fibe...y-1qt/17056868 BTW...I have a cool phenolic prototype snare shell that Allen Blaemire made. |
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Chehalis, WA
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Re: Restoration Advice on Phenolic Shells
There's the rub and perhaps an unreasonable goal on my part. I really wanted to avoid wrapping the shells to allow the natural color of the phenolic resin shells to show through. I can get 12" x 12" sheets of linen phenolic in the correct thickness. My thought is the entire shell will stand a light sanding without getting fuzzy. I'll have to experiment but I would like to lightly stain the outside to match the reddish/brown color of the inside. Go ahead, tell me the truth, I can take it. Regards,
Jim
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"You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice." |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
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Re: Restoration Advice on Phenolic Shells
Jinx - Thanks for picking up the ball, buddy!
Hope all goes well at the drum shop! Warm regards, John
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Too many great drums to list here! http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm |
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Re: Restoration Advice on Phenolic Shells
Quote:
I had some other shells that I got with the intact snare I have and I tried to do what you are doing. The phenolic layers began to de-laminate. But...these were uncovered and had sat for a long time in a basement. I ended up pitching the lot but kept the snare. It had been clear coated and is in very good shape. Keep us informed on your progress. |
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Chehalis, WA
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Re: Restoration Advice on Phenolic Shells
Will do. I temporarily assembled the 13" with lug gaskets I had laying around just to see what they sound like. They're light and loud and tune easily and I like the look. You can see the stenciled date on the shell.
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