I recently purchased one of the bazillion nameless antique 6-key flutes available on EBay for $50. I’m in the process of overhauling it, and so far, things are going well. The keys all came off of the post-mounts easily for polishing, although the pads basically disintegrated when I tried to remove them. The bore is in good shape and a headjoint crack was easily repaired with the counsel of Jedi Master Terry McGee. I’m now waiting for brass tubing (memo to myself, never order stuff like that and ask for the cheapest shipping, it’s also the SLOWEST shipping) to remanufacture the headliner and tuning slide/barrel lining. Any advice on pads & how to do them? I’ll post a photo when it’s done…guess I’d best get back to the garage and turn out some whistles also.
Dave
Dave,
Here’s a web page with instructions for do-it-yourself repadding.
http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/repad.html
I skip the suck test, alternatively using cigarette paper as a feeler gauge to check seating all around the pad and tone hole. Also, obviously, be careful not to burn the flute. I started with a small alcohol lamp, but recently purchased a Ferrees’ “bunsen” burner which uses a propane tank. Actually, the suck test is okay for checking pad seating, but I like the cigarette paper better or do both. (Note: A while ago, Terry McGee gave me tips on repairing cracks which included sucking (suck test) on the end of the “sealed” flute body to draw the super glue into the crack. I was was concerned about the obvious 
, and didn’t do it .)
You can order the pads from Ferrees
Bill
[ This Message was edited by: SuiZen on 2003-01-16 17:29 ]
why thank you!