Refurbishing bells on site
Long...@aol.com
Silver Woodbury
Hi, All!
Kath Wissinger asked about specific things to ask for or be aware of when having your bells refurbished. As a Schulmerich representative, I am still amazed at the people I meet who are so excited that I know what a handbell is and that I can pronounce Schulmerich that they just expect that I know what I am doing and trust me implicitly. I go to great lengths to make sure they know that I am competent to work on their bells and pledge to do the best job that I can, offering references.
If you are considering a refurbishment by anyone other than your handbell manufacturer, don't be too shy to ask about their procedure. I talked with one "independent contractor" who admitted that he has a suitcase full of used parts. I have no idea what he charged the customer for these parts - perhaps the same as new. He also used a cordless drill to disassemble and reassemble the bells, which could cause stripped out screws or yokes. I know of others who use some sort of machine to polish the bells - another danger if an abrasive process is used that could remove too much metal. Ask if they notify the manufacturer that they are working on your bells. In other words, just be a smart consumer.
Happy Ringing!
Silver
Mrs. Silver D. Woodbury
Silverbell Enterprises
Regional Independent Sales Representative for Schulmerich Bells
Oklahoma - Kansas
- Arkansas - Northern
Texas
Authorized Dealer for Murphy Robes in Oklahoma
10012 Carnie Circle, Yukon, OK 73099
405-519-0331 mobile
888-735-5407 toll-free voice and fax
silverbell @cox.net or SWoo...@SchulmerichBells.com
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Thomas Simpson
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On Feb 12, 2011, at 8:18 PM, "Silver Woodbury" <silve...@cox.net> wrote:
. He also used a cordless drill to disassemble and reassemble the bells, which could cause stripped out screws or yokes.
Happy Ringing!
Silver
Mrs. Silver D. Woodbury
Silverbell Enterprises
Regional Independent Sales Representative for Schulmerich Bells
Oklahoma - Kansas - Arkansas - Northern Texas
Authorized Dealer for Murphy Robes in Oklahoma
10012 Carnie Circle, Yukon, OK 73099
405-519-0331 mobile
888-735-5407 toll-free voice and fax
silverbell @cox.net or SWoo...@SchulmerichBells.com
CRUMC
I might also make the suggestion that you check with the manufacturer
as to their opinion of this person's work. Also, be aware that if he
is not authorized by Malmark it may affect your warranty. (This is a
change as of 2009.)
Why is this important? Because if your bells were purchased after
October 1, 1984 when they began warranting the entire handbell not
just the casting you may lose the benefits.
For example, our church has had several castings replaced over the
years by Malmark because they deemed them to be not meet their
standards. A C6 bell casting was just replaced this fall when I sent
it in for evaluation. Not to mention they occaisional screw or
handbell that is replaced under warranty.
Other refurbishers can't do that, nor can they re-voice them with the
skill or experience of the people who make your handbells. However, if
your bells are not covered under the ilfetime warranty them these
issues aren't quite as significant. (Depending on how much over 20
years old they are, but Malmark can tell you if they are covered.)
Best wishes and happy ringing!
Karen Eastburn
Plano, TX
Thomas Simpson
Thomas
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