In a message dated 17/12/03 12:02:31 PM, joegarrett@earthlink.net writes: << I have one reason: It loosens the pin in the wood. The reason the pins are oval is to provide a wider/smoother surface for the bushing, which is traveling in an ARC! If the key was actually traveling straight up/down there would be no need for the oval. >> Won't wash Joe. The balance rail pins are also subjected to this arcing movement of the key and they are round..aren't they? Some manufacturers actually dallied with ovoid balance rails pins , M&H, Knabe, etc.............. both went back to round pins. Front rail pins used to be round and the reason the ovoid pin was developed was to extend the life of the front rail bushings without regard to the state of technology developement at the time...........and we 'still' do it the same way today. :-) Jim Jolly (freezin plains of Saskatoon)
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