Question about action design for a small home organ

[Podzol]

Hello!
I am designing a portative organ and would like to use an action like the one in the illustration here. I'm a bit confused about the pin that goes between the key and the pallet. It seems that would just be a place for leaks. How would this be built to avoid leaks? I do not have the book from which this drawing originated. I found this on the web, labeled as medieval organ action.
Thanks. I'm sorry for the basic question. We have to start somewhere, right? :) Thank you.

[myorgan]

Podzol,

Welcome to the Forum! I've moved your post where it will receive more views, as it relates to a pipe organ action–even though you might be putting it in your home.

No need to apologize because, as you already said, you need to start somewhere. I may be wrong, but I believe the hole is lined with either felt or leather, which allows the pin to move while keeping the air where it belongs. We have a few experts on the Forum, so wait until you hear from them for a definitive answer.

For clarity, you are discussing a purely mechanical action (there are also many other types of actions), and you can refer to it in that manner. Until others weigh in, you might be interested in reading George Ashdown Audsley's The Art of Organ Building. While the information has changed over the last century since it was published, it should give you a generous amount of information on the topic of organ actions. You can download the PDF at this site: https://archive.org/search?query=Art+of+Organ+Building It is in 2 volumes.

Michael

[JeffW]

Mark Wick's Organ Building for Amateurs has details about basic, workable keyboard action starting on page 120. Wick's book is a minimal introduction while the Audsely book is comprehensive coverage as of 1905--I had access to both books but made faster headway on my small organ design (slightly executed) with the Wick's book 45 years ago because of its focus on getting it done expediency. Although decreasing in numbers, you might reach out to the closest organ building firm--years ago I reached out to two and both took time to answer my questions however poorly formed they were. Good luck and post updates!

[Podzol]

Thanks, Michael and Jeff! I'll have a look at those passages! I have been collecting books in anticipation of this project for decades! I appreciate your information and suggestions!
~Blake

[Larason2]

Typically, those sticks are called "stickers" or "trackers" on a tracker organ. Usually they have a very precise fit, and are lined with graphite to lubricate them. There is some wind lost as a result, but not much. To make them, make a rod that is slightly too big for the hole, then carefully sand it until it just fits, and lubricate with graphite (pencil lead). Note that pump organs have the same design for their stickers, but these are often called "pitman rods." I suppose you can use leather or felt, but there's no need.

[Podzol]

Good tips! Thank you for your wisdom shared!

[Larason2]

There are a whole series of videos on youtube of a portative organ build:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rDXzqQPz7jQ

Most of what he does is pretty good. I had seen another video before of an amateur using synthetic glue for gluing on leather valves. That's not a good idea! It's going to be really hard to replace that valve later. The best is to use hide glue. It takes a bit to get used to it, but if you ever need to releather the organ it's easy.