E.M. Skinner Replica Reservoirs
GHP
Associates carefully recreates a full line of both the EM and Aeolian Skinner
reservoirs. We have taken the time to carefully measure out all details and
recreate them faithfully, for those who demand the best. We can also supply
replacement parts for older reservoirs, such as wind boxes, spring rails,
covers and even springs. Yes we even have springs custom wound to the original
EM and AE Skinner specifications! We take the time to finish all parts
properly, which involves sanding to 220 grit, then staining and finishing with
numerous coats of brushed on Shellac.
We use Mortise and Tennon joinery on all reservoir frame work. Of all the
joinery we've seen used for reservoir construction, mortise and tennon joints appear to be the best and most durable. We
have a dedicated machine for this. All the joints are pinned in two locations,
(on the inside of course) with 1/4" dowels. This type of joinery takes a
little more time, which might be the reason most builders stopped using them,
but we feel as though the extra time spent is well worth it!
All
components are sanded on the stroke sander to at least 150 grit, then sanded with a straight-line hand sander to 220.
Finishing is very important to us.
Valve seat opening is cut with a circle
jig; no jig saw is used in the shop for any openings, either wind in-outlets or
cone valve seats except for oval wind holes. Here you can see the pins that
secure the mortise and tennon joint.
The
reservoir Back has been sized with 3 coats of thinned
fish glue, then joint taped with fully skived bellows leather. Note how tape
wraps around the corner. The felt and leather has been installed around the
valve seat. Note the care at which the leather and tacks are installed around
the seat; attention to detail is everywhere in anything done in the GHP
Associates shop, not only on the outside. All the seat leather is neatly skived
and stretched around the seat, making a nice seating for the cone valve
Note that the wind box is fastened with
1/4" x 20 T.P.I. round head machine screws with springs. This has pretty
much removed the problem of seasonal changes in the wood. Covers are made from
1" Poplar core and veneer plywood.
Here
is the cone valve and its related seat. Attention to detail is even inside the
reservoir. Notice the cross dowels across each panel cover screw. On both our
restorations and new construction, cross dowels are always installed. 1
1/2" leather discs are to cover the slightly counter-bored "T"
nuts.
Top of reservoir. 1/2" Baltic
Plywood was used for top covers, but 1/2" Poplar is generally used. (This
client requested 1/2" birch plywood.)
Additional Notes
Generally
reservoirs can be delivered in 4 weeks. We try to expedite the job as quick as
possible however, you must remember we're in the
restoration business not in the supply business. We never just push work out
the door.
Prices
are FOB
We
generally do not wind test reservoirs, but can balance (if necessary) and set
springs to the right settings to the pressure you request, on request (slight
additional charge). We will be happy to cut wind holes in both the wind box and
the bottom covers if you so desire, this is all inclusive of the price. We can
also build a floor support frame, should the reservoir need to be installed
vertically; this would be done on a time and material basis
Standard Sizes
|
72" x 48" |
Call for Price |
15" valve |
|
60" x 36" |
Call for Price |
15" or 12" valve |
|
48" x 30" |
Call for Price |
8" or 10" valve |
|
36" x 24" |
Call for Price |
6" or 8" valve |
|
30" x 20" |
Call for Price |
4" valve |