Like most people I found myself one Sunday afternoon surfing the net  on the dreaded Ebay hoping that I could find a bargain. I came across a great item  that described a Tuba in great condition. Well the pictures looked good so I bid. I wont tell you what I bid but I won it fair and square. After paying for it with Paypal I awaited its appearance with  anticipation.  The following Tuesday , the postman arrived with a large box. It was here I told everyone in the shop. A great condition tuba that would make me rich. I opened the box in front of everyone and pulled the Tuba out. !!!!!!!!!! This is the picture of the bell.

Everyone fell about laughing. It would make a good plant pot one customer said.

Undeterred this is the story of MY TUBA.  My plan is to work on it when I get time over the next few months/years. Its never going to be a new instrument again but I am hoping it will teach me a few things I didn't know along the way. I will be posting the photo diary as it progresses. If ever you are in the shop please ask how the tuba is getting on.

The first things was to get a good look at what we have let our selves in for. The condition of the valve elbows were terrible and in positions that I could not get at with conventional dent removal tools. In addition to this mess the port leading to the the first value was split away from the piston valve casing. oooh this is a big problem.

The next job was to remove the bell and bow metal work to expose the extent of the work required on the valve block itself. This was relatively easy but a two handed job which my son TOM helped with. From this picture you can see the first valve port taken off as this was split. Now I can also get at the elbow dents a lot easier.

Here is the removed elbow with the dents now removed. Great job if I say so myself.

Now comes the hard bit. To get an exact fit to the valve casing is extremely difficult. The best course of action is to make a small flange patch. First get a ring of brass approx 3mm larger than the diameter of the tube.

Next, form it over the curvature of the valve casing. Then silver solder this to the tube. Sound easy.

Now give it a clean up and there you have it. Ready to be soft soldered in place again. 

Here we see all the bits. Now if only I can remember where they go back?.

Bell on at last. Now where did I put the rest of the bits?.