damper tray disaster

[Newton Hunt]

If the angle iron could not solve the problem then the problem does not
lie where the iron could solve it.+AKA- In 15 minutes you can have the
entire tray out of the piano so you can SEE what the problem is, not
just 'think' you know what it is.

Some thoughts.

+AKAAoACg- It could be the tray pivots may have lost their center pins.
+AKAAoACg- The player "install" dislodged the damper mounting screws.
+AKAAoACg- Pivot flanges are split.
+AKAAoACg- Dampers need a thorough regulation.
+AKAAoACg- Tray could be split.
+AKAAoACg- All the screws could be loose.

I have not heard of a Renner damper system exhibiting such problems so:

Take a damper holding rail or get a medium sized cardboard box and poke
holes in the side to hold the damper wires when you remove them.+AKA- This
makes re-installation easier.

Inspect the system, measure sostenuto tab heights, sostenuto rail
height, tray height, lever height, spoon height and write the figures
down so you can approximate reinstallation or make adjustments as
necessary.

Remove all the dampers and place in holder or box.

Remove the tray entirely.

Give it a thorough examination.

Remove the 'iron'

If there is no obvious problem then reinstall the tray and reinstall the
dampers.
+AKAAoACg- Install damper #3, the upper most natural and one in the center of
the tray, also a natural.
+AKAAoACg- Set the timing with the action so the key touches the damper lever
when the hammer is half way to the string, 24 mm.
+AKAAoACgAKAAoACgAKA- If this system has spoons for lifters then adjust the timing so
all the sostenuto tabs are at exactly the same
+AKAAoACgAKAAoACgAKA- height to the sos. rail as previous observed and measured
+AKAAoACg- Adjust the lever capstans so the tray lifts the three dampers at
exactly the same time.
+AKAAoACg- Check the level alignment of the sostenuto tabs with the sostenuto
rail.+AKA- Check the height of the sos. rail to keybed.
+AKAAoACg- If it all appears 'normal' continue to install the dampers to the
same height, exactly, as determined by the three.
+AKAAoACg- Check the muting, alignment and fit of each damper AS YOU INSTALL
IT.+AKA- This help prevent later problems.
+AKAAoACg- Make sure the dampers are aligned parallel to the strings and that
they do not rotate when lifted.
+AKAAoACgAKAAoACgAKA- Use pliers to rotate the wire just above the top flange.
+AKAAoACg- Now bend the spoons so they all are in a straight line.
+AKAAoACg- Adjust the capstans so the dampers all move at the same instant by
lifting the tray and watching the levers twitch.
+AKAAoACg- Adjust the damper pedal rod so the dampers begin to move when the
pedal is depressed about 3/16".
+AKAAoACg- Adjust the pedal lever so it stops raising the dampers at the same
heights as the sharps.
+AKAAoACg- Adjust the damper up stop rail so the dampers stop at the same
height as the pedal.

Come prepared with a good lighting system, clamps, yellow glue, CA glue,
repining tools, a collection of flanges, a plan like this, a long height
adjustable rail to use as a straight edge in the even the 'player
install' has removed the wood under the damper levers.+AKA- And anything
else you think you can use or need.

Taking the dampers out and reinstalling them should take 1.5 hours.+AKA- Two
hours if you are unfamiliar with the procedure.+AKAAoA- The repairs may take a
little longer still, but you should be in and out in three hours at the
most unless you have to allow a clamped glue joint to set overnight.

This is not a difficult job, just tedious, a need to be attentive to
details and boring.

Be aware that you can hurt you back doing this work so stretch and relax
often.

I am sure I have left out some detail or other so be prepared to
evaluate, think and be creative.

You can do this.

+AKAAoACgAKAAoACgAKAAoACgAKAAoA- Newton