removing and installing piano plates

[Frank Weston]

For portability and mobility try:

J. C. Whitney - Fold-up roll-about engine crane, 2000 to 4000 lb. capacity,
4'10" to 7' extension, $369.99, call (312) 431-6102

Global Industrial Equipment - Telescopic floor crane, 2000 to 4000 lb.
capacity, boom length - 52" to 84", boom height - 16" to 126", $266, call
(800) 645-1232.

If you have strong ceiling joists, and want cheap, try a chain hoist, or
even a "come along".  Both available from sources above at prices starting
closer to $50.

Frank Weston





----------
> From: bases-loaded@juno.com
> To: pianotech@ptg.org
> Subject: removing and installing piano plates
> Date: Friday, January 01, 1999 8:20 AM
> 
> Hello!
> 
> I am a first timer to this venue and have a New Year's resolution that
> perhaps someone could assist me with.  I rebuild 5-6 grands per year and
> am getting tired of having to round up Larry, Moe and Curly everytime I
> need the plate removed or re-installed after refinishing.  The long-term
> effects of this method are frightening:  we may all have bad backs and
> hernias and I may no longer have any friends!  
> 
> I would like to set up an elegant method of using a lift that will bring
> the plate up safely and in a controlled manner, and can then be easily
> transported away from the piano and set down on my tilting truck.  I know
> that a block and tackle system could be devised with rails for transport,
> but I am more interested in something portable, like a small engine
> hoist.  Keeping the lift controlled is something that I am looking for
> help with, so as to minimize scarring the rim, particularly on re-entry!
> 
> Any helpful ideas are welcomed!
> 
> Happy New Year!
> 
> Mark Potter
> 76 South Center St.
> West Jefferson, Oh 43162
> (614) 879-5005
> 
> e-mail:  bases-loaded@juno.com