I think this is a matter of quality rather than simply monel vs. stainless. The composition of the alloy (e.g., the percentage of each metal in it) in either case can make a significant difference in the properties of the result. These include such features as corrosion resistance, resistance to wear, ease of machining, and (in the case of stainless steel) galling. I suspect that galling is responsible for the "sticking" in the case of stainless pistons -- possibly enhanced in cases where insufficient lubrication is used, perhaps because people feel it's not so important with stainless (a mistake). Also, the specific alloy of stainless will affect this property. But I don't know if this has been investigated in the area of pistons for brass instruments.
This also makes me wonder whether different types of oil (synthetic? petroleum? additives?) are more effective with the different alloys.
As anyone who has bought inexpensive stainless steel kitchenware in the past ten years or so knows, some pretty weird stainless alloys have been showing up from China lately.
This also makes me wonder whether different types of oil (synthetic? petroleum? additives?) are more effective with the different alloys.
As anyone who has bought inexpensive stainless steel kitchenware in the past ten years or so knows, some pretty weird stainless alloys have been showing up from China lately.
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