Bechstein plate cracks

[antares]

André Oorebeek writes:
In my expererience with cracked Bechstein plates, this happens only to
Bechsteins built in the first 20 years of this century.
Obviously it has to do with inferior material (the iron), because in later
days this did not occur anymore.
So, if you come across an old Bechstein with a cracked plate, and you consider
it valuable enough, you could have somebody do the welding for you and, if
done well, you might end up with a fine instrument (if you use the proper
hammers that is).

Douglas K. Rhodes wrote:

> On 18 February, Les Smith asked:
>
> >Why does the problem seem to appear with such frequency in Bech-
> >steins?
>
> I can only speak from having observed a couple with the "characteristic"
> problem. The plate is the open webbing type - exposed pinblock. It is, to
> my  eye at least, fairly obvious that the longitudinal strut castings are
> too narrow, and unsupported by any horizontal webbing where they cross the
> open pinblock areas. From what I have heard, that's where they will tend to
> crack.
>
> My own suspicion is that this design weakness is exacerbated by seasonal
> expansion of the pinblock. Here in coastal British Columbia, where at least
> three Bechsteins with cracked plates reside, the relative humidity can
> reach 70-75% _indoors_ in the spring and summer, and as low as single digit
> R.H. during cold dry winters.
>
> I'm still at the speculating and pondering stage, however, and would
> appreciate any sage advice regarding both diagnosis and cure.
>
> Cheers
>
> Doug Rhodes, RPT
> Victoria, BC Canada