[CAUT] DANGEROUS technique for getting pianos on thecolson dolly

[Jeff Olson]

Jim, Jeff used "redneck" to facetiously refer to himself as a believer in the strength of concrete blocks.  He wasn't slamming anyone -- unless a jesting claim that people who don't like concrete blocks are suffering from "redneckphobia" counts as a slam.

One problem with concrete blocks, aside from their proper placement (they're mortared edgewise up), is weight distribution.  Uneven weight distribution, especially when stacked wrong-side up, will break them.  I've personally seen it when someone tried to support a car with blocks.  They were stacking them wrong (I didn't know it at the time, being very young :), but even stacked right, I think you'd have to be wary of even weight distribution to avoid crumbling/breaking.   That's not a problem with wood, so as a practical matter of safety, I think you'd be better off with wood in a choice between the two.

The weight on a cement foundation is generally evenly distributed, so that wouldn't normally be an issue for a house.

Jeff O.







  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Busby 
  To: College and University Technicians 
  Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 10:15 AM
  Subject: Re: [CAUT] DANGEROUS technique for getting pianos on thecolson dolly


  Hi Jeff,

   

  Blocks used in construction by code usually have rebar placed through them and are filled with concrete. If you did that I would use them. I don't mean to get into a pissing contest here but even a diamond that is hit at the right place with a very slight blow will fracture. 

   

  I used to make blocks for a living as a young college student and heard many stories of cars falling on people who thought they were safe for such use. Call any manufacturer of them and they should tell you not to use them in this way. Just hit them or apply pressure (in any orientation) and they MAY fracture. They may not, but if even one falls with a car (or a piano) that is too many. Hence the "redneck" point I made. 

   

  You seem to be a good technician and such personal slams (redneck?!) at what may be valid criticisms are uncalled for. I agreed with Ed and tried to use some humor to make a point. Sorry if you didn't take it as such. Go ahead and use blocks to your hearts content, but it MAY fracture, and over time with enough repeated stress probably will. Wood blocks won't, ever. No personal slam to you Jeff. Chill out, and please check this out before recommending it to others.

   

  Regards,

  Jim Busby 

  AKA redneck, hatemonger, fill in the blank.

  (Just kidding! Geeze..)

   


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  From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Tanner
  Sent: Monday, May 29, 2006 9:03 AM
  To: ed440 at mindspring.com; College and University Technicians
  Subject: Re: [CAUT] DANGEROUS technique for getting pianos on the colson dolly

   

   

  On May 26, 2006, at 4:59 PM, ed440 at mindspring.com wrote:





  Concrete blocks/cinder blocks can fracture and crumble!

   

   

  And yet, your house is sitting on them.

   

  They only fracture and crumble when used incorrectly.

   

  Jeff
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