Hi all;  firstly, an introduction.  I have found this Digest through
a web search, and I am seeking information on making mechanical music
boxes.  I believe that cylinders don't pose much of a problem, as I
have a comprehensive workshop and a background in watchmaking/clock
making, and engineering.  Likewise the spring barrel and regulator,
etc.; it's not a difficult thing for me to make a good quality spring
driven movement with clicks, etc.

The thing that raises the most questions to my mind, though, is the
comb(s).  Some questions that arise are

1. What steel are they made from?  The Reuge catalogue says "tempered
steel", which could be anything.

2. What part is adjusted for tuning?  Is it the depth of the cut between
the teeth?  (Maybe not, as this would surely alter the adjacent tooth
as well.)  Or is it the taper on the back of the thick part of the
tooth, or the thickness of the wasted part of the tooth?

3. Also, some boxes are listed with dampers under the teeth.  Is this
a plain felt block running the length of the comb, or something more
elaborate?  What are the differences between movements with dampers and
those without?

Another question arises about automata, i.e., dancing girls, puppets,
etc.  Does anyone have experience with these movements and how they
work?

Hope someone can help, as I would love to make a nice music box as a
project (i.e., marquetry, automata, multiple rolls, etc.) and so far
I haven't found much information about constructing them.

Regards and thanks in advance,

Marcus Ritson
Tasmania, Australia
http://www.geocities.com/marcusfromtassie