Plastic Mason action parts

[Delwin D Fandrich]

Now, I've not worked with these action parts for many a year, but...

If the parts you are getting today are anything like the Pratt-Read (now
Pratt-Win) parts of old, you might be able to save a bit of time by
pre-sizing the bushings before you start to pin all that stuff together.

To do this do a quick run through on the hole in the wood tongue to
determine how large the typical pin will have to be to hold firm in the
hole.  This will usually be somewhere between a #20 and a #21 pin.  Don't
worry about the occasional loose one.  You can either size it or fit the pin
separately.

Let's assume you have decided that a #21 pin will work best.  Stick a #20
1/2 pin in each flange and treat the whole set with alcohol & water.  Don't
bother reaming or anything.  Just shove the pin in there -- making sure, of
course, to get them centered accurately in the bushing hole.  Let them dry
for a day or so -- you can speed this up with a heat gun -- and check the
center friction with a #21 pin.  Most will be pretty close, a few will be
loose (save these for those action parts requiring a larger pin) and a few
will be tight.  Put a #21 pin in the tight ones and treat again with alcohol
& water.  Soon you will have a full set of parts you can assemble without
all that reaming and fitting.

Now.  Remember I said I had not done this for quite a while.  Like 20+
years.  So you might want to experiment a bit.  But, if it does work you
will have saved yourself quite a bit of time and frustration.

Regards,

Del

----------------------------------------------------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: William J Schlipf <wjstuner@juno.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: March 28, 2000 4:25 AM
Subject: Re: Plastic Mason action parts


> Dave,  I've done several consoles, not just M&H, and it's a job! and a
> half!  I have gotten my parts from Schaff and have had good luck.  Most
> of your time will be spent checking the size of the center pins, reaming
> the bushings on the new parts, and regulating the dampers.  The jacks and
> the back checks are easy.  Have plenty of center pins, sizes 19 1/2 thru
> 22.  Parts and shipping will run about $250 and time....... let's see,
> about 25 to 35 hours.  Travel paper is also a must.  And a good way to
> warp hammer shanks on sight.  There are probably several things I left
> out, but you get the idea.  Labor intensive!! without a great piano at
> the end.   No, don't send it to me!!!!!  Bill
>
> On Mon, 27 Mar 2000 21:30:09 -0600 Dave Doremus
> <algiers_piano@bellsouth.net> writes:
> > I just looked at a Mason & Hamlin console with plastic jacks, hammer,
> > damper and wippen flanges and backchecks (!). Have any of you with
> > more
> > extensive upright experience than I found acceptable replacement
> > parts and,
> > if so,  who's got 'em?
> > This belongs to a great old boy (80+) who lost his wife last year
> > and would
> > like to hand her piano on to the musical grandchild. Money is no
> > object,
> > quality is. All questions of intrinsic value aside, Id really like
> > to see
> > this thing playing again, it would mean a lot to the owner and aside
> > from
> > the crumbling plastic is really in quite good condition. Any
> > suggestions
> > for a good source of well made parts would be a help. Thanks,
> >
> >
>
> Bill Schlipf
> Bloomington, IL
>
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