Graphite Removal

[Brian Holden]

Thanks Ed.  Point taken with the eraser method.  I have used the quick and
easy (and effective) method of using a cloth soaked in alcohol.  I agree
though, that while the scraping method would take somewhat longer, it is
really the best way to do it.  Brian H.

-----Original Message-----
From: A440A@AOL.COM <A440A@AOL.COM>
To: pianotech@ptg.org <pianotech@ptg.org>
Date: Sunday, 28 November 1999 9:40
Subject: Re: Graphite Removal


> <<  Someone has previously rubbed a graphite stick onto the entire area of
>the underside of the key frame as well as the entire keybed.  They
obviously
>did not realise that graphite was unsuitable and that only a small portion
of
>the two areas actually come into contact.  How do I get the stuff off?   >>
>
>Greetings,
>   An eraser will only  burnish the stuff into the wood.  What has worked
for
>me in the past is to turn the keyframe upside down, securely supported (off
>the key pins),
>and use a new, single-edge, razor blade as a small scraper.  It cleans off
>the top .002" of the frame and will remove most of the graphite. Moving
back
>and forth, keep the blade as vertical as possible while still being able to
>comfortably draw it along the wood.  I normally clean keyframes like this.
>     Don't fall in love with the razor, when it gets dull, get a fresh one.
>A frame may use two or three blades, but will reward you with clean wood to
>begin an action on.
>   The keybed?  I would use the blades there too, but it sure is easier to
>cut yourself if you get in a hurry and your hand stumbles over the
edge.......
>Regards,
>Ed Foote
>
>