Hi Phil, Thanks for the email.  The holes in the pipe chests used on
street organs are usually tapered to match the foot.  That is the
secret as to their staying in place while traveling, but they should
not be (or need to be glued in, thus making removal for servicing and
cleaning easy.

I have also seen holes drilled that were not tapered: just regular
straight holes.  In that case the tapered foot made for a tight fit but
the pipe would not stay in position for traveling unless glued.  I have
to say these pipes and chests were usually on dance organs.  What often
happened, especially with the Dutch street organs, is the old chests
and pipes from the gigantic dance organs were re-worked to use on
street organs.

Anyway back to your question.  I have an assortment of tapered bits, but
these are really called hole enlarger.  I had to have the set made up
for me using a standard size bit as the basic, and from this two other
different tapers were made,  I still use the original one that was not
altered the most.  I'm not sure what Morse taper it is, but it is very
close to most of the European pipe tapers I've run into.  I'll get you
one and send it down to you.

I'm attaching a scan of the tool so you'll know what to look for, or if
you think it will work for your pipes.  The tapered portion runs from
3/16" to 3/4" over 2 3/4".  Price is $22.00 plus postage.

Now, to get the foot loose from the chest I use a heat gun.  I have
never had a pipe stay stuck after the heat treatment!  Ha ha!  Often
the pipe will come off the foot first (not damaged, of course).  Then
I put a tool (that was sold to pull reed organ reeds) down inside the
foot and catch on the foots bottom; a little heat and out she comes.

Purchase the best heat gun you can afford, the more levels of heat you
can produce the better.  Any questions don't hesitate.  If you want to
post this note on the MMD Please do.

Best Regards
Ron Schmuck

P.S.  Hey, take a look at our new web site we have just started:

    http://members.aol.com/tgcnc/