Capstans

[Farrell]

Hi John. I think you have addressed my main question regarding pressing
capstans into a key - how do you grip the capstan and drive it straight? -
you indicated that you use a "'chuck' out of 1/2" canvas reinforced phonelic
rod (MSC #75963412571)." What is MSC #75963412571 (is the MSC a company?)?
Can you provide any additional technical description of the characteristics
of your machined taper (angle, depth, method, etc.)?

P.S. Enjoyed your belly class @ Arlington.

Terry Farrell
Piano Tuning & Service
Tampa, Florida
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Hartman" <pianocraft@sprintmail.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, January 08, 2001 7:51 PM
Subject: Re: Capstans


> Del,
>
> In the March 2000 issue of the Piano Technicians Journal there is an
> article I wrote about using the drill press to instal capstans. The
> tapered "chuck" grabs the capstan with enough friction and is easily
> made on a wood lathe. I have made a change in my procedure and have made
> a new "chuck" out of 1/2" canvas reinforced phonelic rod (MSC
> #75963412571). The same tapered hole is machined into the bottom. I got
> this Idea from Ted Sambel and have used it successfully for reinstalling
> capstans in old key as well as for new keyboards.
>
> Give it a try, it works great.
>
> John Hartman
>
> Delwin D Fandrich wrote:
>
> > From the information given, I'd guess an oversized pilot hole. Let me
> > make a distinction here, as well. It is possible that a factory might
> > successfully turn the capstans in place. This would be done with a
> > machine that would precisely grip the head of the capstan holding it
> > nice an true and then spin the capstan down with no side play on the
> > capstan at all. This is not how we would do the operation in our
> > shops. We take a capstan wrench -- of whatever type -- and slowly
> > crank the thing down. They wobble all over the place finding their way
> > down as best they can. By pressing, rather than turning, the capstan
> > into a properly sized pilot hole, it is driven straight into the hole
> > without much damage to the sides of the hole. I've tried it both ways
> > and have consistently found those capstans I have pressed home to be
> > straighter and tighter than those I have turned in. However, your
> > mileage may vary.... If it works better for you to turn them home,
> > then that it the proper way for you. We'll keep pressing on. Del
> > -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >      ----- Original Message -----
> >      From: Dave Nereson
> >      To: pianotech@ptg.org
> >      Sent: January 07, 2001 11:37 PM
> >      Subject: Re: Capstans
> >       I recently tried to regulate a brand-new Boston studio.
> >      The capstans wouldn't stay regulated.  I'd regulate them,
> >      then after tuning, there'd be too much lost motion again.
> >      The capstans were being pushed down into their holes even on
> >      a medium-hard blow, and no, I wasn't pounding the heck out
> >      of it.  The factory must've a) drilled the holes too large,
> >      or b) pressed, rather than turned them into their holes.  Or
> >      maybe the holes expanded due to the dry Colorado climate
> >      ?      --Dave Nereson, Denver
> >
>
>