Warped Shanks

[Newton Hunt]

Hi Dick,

THe best tool I have found for this is a butane lighter with a long
extension for lighting grills or fireplaces.  I use this for burning
both vertical and grand shanks.

The reason I prefer this method is because when you take the heat away
it cools quickly (everything including the shank) and you can judge
the amount of heat by watching the flame (low) and keep it moving up
and down.  With blowers or heating elements it is hard to judge the
amount of heat and I have scorched other parts with them and not with
the flame.

Move the hammer forward and put the flame next to the shank and move
it up and down then twist the shank the way you wish it to go and then
take the flame away.  COntinue to hold the hammer twisted for a few
more seconds then look at it.  Heat again if needed.  Be considerate
of the pinning and watch for other burning parts.  It is easy to
scorch the hammer rail cloth so I move the hammer forward away from
it.

If you need to warp a shank to raise or lower the hammer strike point
you can lift or press down the hammer at the strike point and heat the
shank.  WOrks well.

As for sideways you could use a pair of damper pliers that will hold a
grand damper head with the jaws parallel and warp the shank as
described above but most spacing cAn be done by loosening the butt
screw and moving the hammer in the desired direction and tightening
the screw.

Just be careful and have your wits about you.

		Newton