I have almost worked my way through the lower action in the rebuild of
my Steck Half Duo-Art.  All that remains is the Expression Unit/Power
Governor.  This includes a valve chest which contains four small valves
that control the accordion pneumatics.

I have dis-assembled these valves and removed the lower valve plates.
An overnight soak in alcohol enabled me to remove the shellac sealer
from them with a tissue.  My question is: on re-assembly, should I
apply new shellac before or after the plates are screwed back onto the
valve chest?  My instinct tells me the latter, but I'd be grateful for
any comments.

And, if Bruce Grimes is reading this: Bruce, have you changed your
email address?  I'm asking this because you pointed out to me that
I should have removed the lower valve plates when I tackled the Pedal
Power Governor, and I wanted you to be the first to know that I have
done it this time.  But three messages to you, sent during last weekend
have bounced back.

John Phillips in Hobart, Tasmania