Forming the Reed
Step 2: Scoring
The next step involves scoring the bark of the
cane using an X-Acto blade. Make scratches or score marks on the bark, allowing the cane
to conform to the contour of the mandrel when inserted. Be careful not to cut all the way
through the cane. Secure the cane on the dowel with your fingers and thumb as a safety precaution
to avoid scoring your fingers or thumb.
I will demonstrate two methods for scoring the
cane. First, make a scratch mark down the middle, starting about 5 mm from the collar. Then,
make equidistant score marks between the middle line and the edges. Follow this by making
two additional equidistant marks on each side of the previous scratch lines. While these
scratch marks may not be perfectly equidistant, strive for that goal. In the end, you should
have one scratch line in the middle and three on each side. If the cane splits during scoring,
you are likely pressing too hard. While inserting the mandrel, cracks may occur in the bark,
but they shouldn't split into the blade.
The second scoring method results in fewer
scratch marks. This approach doesn't require a line in the middle but rather two or
three lines on each side of the center. The idea behind this method is that the
center will be stronger, resulting in a stronger tube. These score marks should again be
equidistantly spaced. Some reed makers who use this method believe it reduces the likelihood
of getting a crack when inserting the mandrel.