My first pinblock and it's a Mason & Hamlin !!!!!

[JIMRPT@AOL.COM]

Some very good responses on this thread. :-)
There have been several different pinblock installation styles over the years 
on M&H, some lend themself to easy replacement and some don't.
 The three basic styles are1.) glued/doweled to rim and stretcher. 2.) 
glued/doweled/screwed to the rim only and 3.) screwed to the rim only.

 As to the first style I would agree with others that this should not be the 
'first' attempt at replacing pinblocks....the second two though are a 
different matter, in my opinion. These are known as "floating blocks and are 
not that difficult to replace, although I personally always replace a 
"floating" block with a 'fitted' stretcher/rim/block configuration, the 
"floating" block will provide reasonable service and it has for many years.

 If the block is in the "floating" contingent of Aeolian (circa '24 and 
later) or some of the earlier 'real' M&H manufacture where the block is 
fitted tightly against the stretcher, but not glued to the stretcher, and is 
glued/doweled in to the rim, replacement is fairly srtaight forward and not 
beyond the first timers capability, given decent woodworking skills and 
patience.
My view.
 Jim Bryant (FL)