Hiya folks,
I've been taking a closer look at a leaky bellows and discovered some pinhole leaks and what look like thin spots.
(using a torch inside the bellows there are light spots and at least one definite hole).
It really needs replacement, but I thought I'd see what can be done: so patching the pinholes or similar.
Anyway, long story short, apparently gussets become less airtight with age and will leak through the leather even if there's no hole.
And one fix is to apply a leather treatment: Meltonian neutral shoe cream is recommended.
Here's the source: https://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?/topic/16772-hands-free-bellows-testing/
It's a very interesting read.
I've already replaced 2 gussets on this bellows but I've got 4 new ones in the cupboard so if I ruin an existing one it's not a problem.
Currently I'm thinking of putting a smear of Bostik Leather Adhesive on the pinhole and the thin areas and just letting it dry (it's flexible).
I've been taking a closer look at a leaky bellows and discovered some pinhole leaks and what look like thin spots.
(using a torch inside the bellows there are light spots and at least one definite hole).
It really needs replacement, but I thought I'd see what can be done: so patching the pinholes or similar.
Anyway, long story short, apparently gussets become less airtight with age and will leak through the leather even if there's no hole.
And one fix is to apply a leather treatment: Meltonian neutral shoe cream is recommended.
Here's the source: https://www.concertina.net/forums/index.php?/topic/16772-hands-free-bellows-testing/
It's a very interesting read.
I've already replaced 2 gussets on this bellows but I've got 4 new ones in the cupboard so if I ruin an existing one it's not a problem.
Currently I'm thinking of putting a smear of Bostik Leather Adhesive on the pinhole and the thin areas and just letting it dry (it's flexible).