Our story 10 years on; Part 3
In this part of Burgess bagpipes 10 years on. I look at our methods of manufacturing. The use of CNC machine tools to make bagpipes is still frowned on by many. It is believed that the computer-controlled methods are somehow less skilled than traditional manual methods. That instruments made in this way have no soul. Can you imagine David Glen or Peter Henderson passing up the chance of using the latest technology of their day to make pipes in a more efficient way and have more control over dimensional consistency.
To make bagpipes you need a wide range of skills and equipment. The range of techniques, materials, and equipment you need to master is extensive. We use our equipment to keep the quality of our instruments high and not for mass production.
There is no less skill making pipes using modern equipment, the skills are just different. The tool selection and holding methods are often complex. The machine does not choose its own cutting speed and feed or tool path it has to be told. The machine may be quicker and more accurate than traditional methods, but this leaves no margin for error when commanding speeds, feeds and tool paths otherwise all you will make is scrap.
We use modern industrial tools and techniques. When applied correctly the results can be outstanding. Carbide drilling, turning and finishing tools will stay sharp for longer. Roughing tools and machine cycles take the shock out of the elbows and shoulders when pre-turning from square to round. A lot of the tools need to be adapted and where that can’t be done need to be made.
We make a lot of our own tools including the tapered reamers for the conical bored chanters. Air cooled gun drills can produce the longest, smoothest holes, transitions between one size of bore and another need to have a crisp end point and smooth transition from one to the other.
Over the years we have invested in replacing and adding to our gear, always buying the best tools that we could afford. 4 axis carving and engraving, rotary axis lasers for etching and cutting. Designed to make saddles, one of my favourites, is a 1960s Singer, walking foot sewing machine refitted a couple of years ago with a soft start and speed controller. There is always something new to learn when working with the materials used to make bagpipes. Wood, Metal and Leather.
Next time I will discuss; Promotion, Pandemic and the future.
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