Centering tuning pin holes

[Stan Kroeker]

Richard (and others),

Since virtually all of my pinblock replacements involve plate
repainting, I simply fasten the freshly-fitted new block to the plate
with a few of the web screws, then paint the plate as usual.  This
leaves little gold circles on the face of the pinblock which are an
exact representation of the holes in the plate web.  Use a transfer
punch which just fits the plate holes to dimple the exact center and you
now have a block full of little gold bulls-eyes to aim your drill at
(out of the piano, at the drill press, at a comfortable working height).

Drilling the block in the piano is no guarantee of precise centering.

Best regards to all,

Stan Kroeker, RPT

Richard Brekne wrote:
> 
> Thanks Bob.
> 
> Your reply prompts another question I'd like to get your reponse to.
> You say you drill out of piano.  How is it you insure that the pin
> holes are exactomundo - right on the button-no bones about it -
> perfectly in the right spots each and every time. I can see an open
> face block being a bit more forgiving here, a non bushed webbed plate
> a bit less, and a bushed plate most demanding.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> RicB
> 
> BobDavis88@aol.com wrote:
> 
> >
> > I drill pinblocks outside of the piano, on a Jet floor-standing
> > drill press turning at 870 RPM. I have compressed air blowing on the
> > bit. I do a test patch on each panel to get my feed speed right. My
> > surprise at the higher torque figures obtained by others is making
> > me wonder about the runout of the chuck or spindle. I'll look into
> > it. The chuck is the heavy 1/2" one that came with the press. I
> > suppose it's replaceable. I don't know about adjustments for the
> > spindle.
> >
> > It's been my impression that maple blocks are softer than they used
> > to be, but maybe it's my equipment! I'll drill some test holes in
> > the old block along with the next new block I drill.
> >
> > Bob Davis
> 
> --
> Richard Brekne
> RPT, N.P.T.F.
> UiB, Bergen, Norway
> mailto:rbrekne@broadpark.no
> http://home.broadpark.no/~rbrekne/ricmain.html
> http://www.hf.uib.no/grieg/personer/cv_RB.html
>