Installing powercomb on 260

[PBaughman]

Where do you get the tap needed to install the powercomb in a 260? I ordered a ratcheting driver. I saw in the video he used a tap that looked like it had the handle on it. This thing I ordered came with a few different taps, the smallest one says M3 HSS.

Maybe I should know what that means, but sadly, I don’t.


Update: HSS stands for high speed steel

Now, m3 on the tap...

Paul

[CrawfordEs]

M3 is 3mm
I usually use 1.6mm or 2mm
Rockin Ron has Taps for sale that can be added to a harmonica order, or purchased alone. I believe he ships them free in the US.
The ratchet handle is nice for big stuff, but for small holes and harmonica brass I usually just use a pin vice type handle and go slowly.

[PBaughman]

Thanks. I got the pi vise but had to order the tap elsewhere. Found one one eBay for $8.00

[PBaughman]

I got a used bench top drill press specifically for this project. $50. My friends say it will come in handy.

[CrawfordEs]

Nice catch with the drill press.
I never had one for any of my woodwork projects for a long time, then scored a cheap one that just needed a little work to get operational. It’s amazing how useful they are. You may end up using it for more than you think.
Enjoy

[Brendan]

Actually you can avoid using a tap if you want to. Make sure you have a drill bit of a genuine 1.4mm size. If so, the supplied steel screws will self-tap into the reedplate.

I should have put this in the video but, since drill bits are often under their nominated size, thought it best to advise using a 1.6mm tap as that will always work.

[PBaughman]

I have a packet of 5 screws that came with the powercomb. I was wondering what to do with the two nails on either end, (four total)

[CrawfordEs]

You can put them back in. Or leave them out.
They do fine at the ends because they are under the covers.

[PBaughman]

Where would I get screws if I wanted to replace them? Would I need the same size as came with the powercomb?

[triona]

Ask your search engine for suppliers to model making / scale modelling.
In Germany and Europe there are plenty of them. I presume there are some in the US as well. They also supply tools like screwdrivers, taps, drills etc.

Same size (preferrably M1.6) would be ok. If the hole is already too large - or if you can not get M1.6 - you can take M2 instead. For better air tightness you should fasten all screws with the same torque.


dear greetings
triona