Bachelder's work continues to be stellar

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

For what its worth, we do not drill weep holes unless necessary. I do NOT consider it an acceptable thing to do to a Parker. With the quality of the these barrels, very few exhibit severe rib separation. Though almost all barrels will allow moisture into the ribs to some extent. Keep in mind it is impossible to finish a set that is leaking as it constantly hampers any attempt to maintain clean applications, meaning the leak must be insignificant. Once finished, the problem of remaining moisture is mitigated by submerging into displacing oil bath and put under mild heat to evaporate any remaining water. The barrels are also put under heat after every application so that there is never a chance rust can occur through the procedure.

We have in the past drilled weep holes on Parker's when deemed necessary under the directive of Brad. I could not tell you particularly why, I imagine Brad was simply not as fussy about having a drain hole as its standard practice across virtually every other double brand, of course there are always exceptions.

Occasionally we get barrels that have holes drilled from previous refinish. Obviously this was never done at the factory. I don't recall if the CHE posted had a hole originally or not. That particular set was refinished months ago as part of a multi part job.

As of the last two sessions and going forward, any set refinished under myself will not have a drain hole.