Sanding Cork Instructions

With regular use, all recorders will need a little cork grease to ease assembly and disassembly. Usually, a small amount every now and then is all that is needed. Cork grease should not be used with every assembly, as the grease will eventually soak through the cork and release the glue. So if you find that you need to use cork grease frequently or that your instrument is sticking even after cork grease is applied, it may mean that your cork does not fit your instrument properly and needs to be sanded down.

Materials:

• Masking tape
• 120 grit sandpaper, preferably wet or dry
• A finer grit sandpaper to finish
  
  

Preparation: 

• Clean any grease residue off the cork
• Protect the wood surrounding the cork by covering it with masking tape

Procedure:

• Cut a rectangle of sandpaper about three times the width of the cork and long enough to wrap around the entire circumference with extra space to spare.
• Fold the sandpaper into thirds along the length of the rectangle and wrap the sandpaper around the cork. Using your hand to apply light pressure, rotate the sandpaper back and forth around the circumference.
• Stop frequently to apply grease and check the fit. If it is still too tight, wipe away the grease and repeat the process. Always err on the side of leaving more cork, as you can always sand more later.
• When you have reached the point where the fit is still just a little too tight, use the finer sandpaper to finish it off.
• Wipe away any dirt, apply grease, and check the fit one more time. If you are happy, assemble your instrument and play as usual.