Posted by Rick Denney on November 07, 2001 at 11:58:50:
In Reply to: More travel protection??? posted by Steve Dedman on November 06, 2001 at 23:58:40:
If you make sure the foam extends out from the bell by an inche or so, then it would support the bell from the inside rather than at the rim. This would be a good thing.
But it won't help prevent dents. The reason is that the foam will easily dent--more easily than the brass.
Now, if you covered the resulting foam insert with a thin layer of soft foam (say, a quarter of an inch), so that you had to use a little force to insert it, then it would preload the brass from the inside, increase the required force from the outside to produce a dent. But it will still need to project from the bell by an inch or so to take all stress off the rim. You wouldn't need it on the actual flare, but down in the throat, where the hoop strength is greatest.
You don't need the release agent, by the way. Let the plastic stick to the outside of the foam, and it will be easier to handle and more durable. Just trim the excess from the edge of the bell. The wrinkles won't hurt anybody's feelings.
Also, be careful. This foam expands aggressively, and it may overflow and make a mess. Cover the tuba completely. You will have to trim the mound that sticks out of the bell, and a large, sharp butcher knife will work best. But it must be sharp! Use a sawing motion.
Rick "who thinks this is a good idea if properly done" Denney