There are four issues that have been holding things back:

1. Ability to produce consistent keys: without running into trouble snapping the .025" drill bits; and getting the other holes properly lined up. It seems that oiling the spot makes the tiny bits work - I just found this out, and I've just made a new jig for drilling some of the larger holes, which is helping but not entirely satisfactory. I'd still like to figure out something better. And there are other improvements to the metalwork techniques I'm working on.

2. Ability to get good voicing consistently. I think the new porcelain beaks will help with this. Part of it is just being a new maker and slowy learning what works and what doesn't. Since I went to the "crescent windway" to avoid other serious production problems and to get the widest possible windway, I couldn't just copy someone else's work. (At least my beaks and blocks are adjustable and can be easily replaced!)

3. Bb key problems. (a) leaking (b) sticking down (c) noisy - clicking sounds when pressing or releasing. Solving one of these generally impacts the others negatively, eg, if I make a tighter fit to avoid leaks, it has more tendency to stick down.

4. The embouchure adjuster, or conversely the voicing. Without the embouchure adjuster, the tone isn't the best either in the high ranges or the low notes. But I'm not happy with my design - it's clunky and noisy. I keep trying to think up an improved design but haven't got something that feels satisfactory in my brain yet.