Warping Probs. Baldwin Hamilton

[ROLLAND MILLER]

Hello list,
I am presently trying to get a Baldwin Hamilton Studio Upright SN 189230 (1969)
to "work".  It is in a church.  The keys had bad warps in them and I believe
that the balance rail has a constant warp "in progress".

I took the keys and key frame home and tried to un-warped the keys by wetting
the part between the button and key top, clamping the key in a vice at the
button point and clamping the fronts with some twist in the direction opposite
the origional warp.  I heated the wet part with an iron for a few seconds so
that the outside of the key seemed dry.  I then let the keys set overnight.
When I inserted the keys back into the key frame they were not by any means
perfect but they were much improved.  I repeated the process with the worst keys
and it was "good enough" to suit me.

When I took the key frame and keys back to the church, the keys seemed to
re-warp in front of my eyes.
My basement work shop is a bit dry in the winter, about 35% relative humidity.
When the keys were returned to the higher humidity in the church,  evidently the
wood grain could not take the change.

The height of the balance rail on this piano is adjusted  by about 3 sets of
wood screws set above and below the balance rail.  I have had to go back to this
piano twice after putting the keys back in.  Once to fix a pair of rubbing bass
hammers and a second to relieve some hammers that were blocking.  The changes in
key level/height were very noticable.  About 1/16" up and 1/16" down from place
to place.

Questions:
1. Does this make/year piano have a history of warping problems?
2. What suggestions would list member have regarding solving/improving the
warping problems in both the keys and balance rail?
3. Are there some "techniques" that are needed to properly set the balance rail
adjustment screws so that the rail is at an even height for its whole length?
Without hills and valleys.

I believe the balance rail warping is the most serious problem.  It really threw
off the key level and dip.  The dip is now so shallow (5/16") in some places
that the keys feel hard to press down.  In other places the dip is 7/16".
Although the keys are no where near square, they seem to operate well enough to
do their job.  I'm not trying to get a well regulated set of keys in either dip
or level. I think with the warped /unsquare keys, I will be doing well just to
get things to "work" and keep working.

Thanks for any help.
Rolland Miller, RPT, MPT
Miller Piano Service
Berea, OH