Hi Fenton:
I think that what scares me about this tool is that there simply is no margin for error, ever. It only respects perfect technique at ALL times, and is going to spank you in unforeseen and possibly dire ways if you do not execute perfect technique – Ed’s accident proves my point.
Some questions I would ask myself: Would you allow an employee to use this tool (if you had one)? A family member?
I used to have a couple of employees in my business. As the owner/manager of my business, I (properly I think) considered myself my most valuable asset to my business because of my developed skill set and level of responsibilities. I would never have allowed an employee to use such a tool – the time savings are simply not worth the consequences of failed execution. If the employee has an accident, I can guarantee that the labor board, OSHA, the insurance company; none of those people are going to be understanding. Your Workman’s Comp will be canceled or go through the roof, OSHA would slap big fines on you, the employee is out of work for a week, etc. etc. So, if I am not willing to risk an employee (who has less value to my business than me), why would I be willing to risk myself?
Most accidents that any of us have are the result of simple stupidity, but they happen anyway. Why tempt fate when Murphy is always nearby?
If the tool had (God Forbid) instead ricocheted into his face and took out an eye, the consequences for him would be far worse in terms of work loss and loss of income. Does Ed have Disability Insurance? Is his health insurance adequate? (I’m asking these as rhetorical questions).
Paul’s comment, “That tool is wonderful but damned scary; everytime I turn it on I feel like "this could be the last one”, says it all for me – the warning flags are up, the horns are beeping, and the robot is going off, “Danger, Danger, Will Robinson – alien life forms approaching!!!”.
I make no pretense as to being a lawyer, but I would not even consider selling or manufacturing such a tool for reasons of liability. If companies can get sued and lose such suits for items seemingly as innocuous as toys, what chance would a tool maker have in a court with this tool? I cannot imagine that it has met any safety standards that our regulatory agencies would consider adequate.
As such, I do not think it wise to advocate the use of this tool to anyone. Individually, you are free to assume the risk if you so choose.
In my hierarchy of risk, I’d much rather wack on the stretcher with the mallot.
Respectfully,
Will Truitt
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Fenton Murray
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 8:10 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: More pinblock stuff
Continuing on this thread of safety and with good wishes to Ed. This tool is not dangerous if used correctly. Even thinking about removing it from the cut before stopping invites serious kick back. So, it's about following some safety rules. Studying the safe operation of tools before using them will make you a safe operator. I'd agree with you will that safety rule #1 is "mind fresh and concentration is good". I use this tool and love it. The more probable screw up with this tool is cutting some piano you didn't want turned into sawdust.
Fenton
----- Original Message -----
From: Will Truitt <mailto:surfdog at metrocast.net>
To: 'Pianotech List' <mailto:pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 4:14 PM
Subject: RE: More pinblock stuff
Everyone to their pleasure and acceptable level of risk. I would add only that if I were going to be using this tool – or any like tool greatly worthy of respect and caution – do so early in your work day when your mind is fresh and your concentration is good, not late in the day when you are tired and your awareness is flagging. For me, I’ll still pass on this baby.
Will Truitt
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of paulrevenkojones at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 3:53 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: More pinblock stuff
Before everyone goes off the deep end on this, this tool is immensely useful, practical, fast, and precise. But it's extremely dangerous just as any unwisely used tool is; a tuning hammer won't kill you, but if used improperly can slowly kill your joints. The router blade is big, the speeds are high, and the torque is surprising every time. It takes a great deal of concentration.
Others' really regrettable injuries are simply further proof of the object lessons of proper and improper tool use. We're all really lucky that Ed's still with us to share the knowledge and warnings.
Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: Will Truitt <surfdog at metrocast.net>
To: 'Pianotech List' <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 4:40 am
Subject: RE: More pinblock stuff
Indeed. That’s why I never bought one. I can still remember the route r blade digging into my jeans and thigh whilst mounted and running years ago when I was free handing whatever it was at the time. One of those “This is stupid “ realizations about ½ second before I showed myself WHY it’s stupid and dangerous to be doing it that way. Wanna see my scar?
Will Truitt
From: <mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org> pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [ <mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org?> mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of <mailto:paulrevenkojones at aol.com> paulrevenkojones at aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 9:21 PM
To: <mailto:pianotech at ptg.org> pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: More pinblock stuff
Ummm, Ed, I'm glad you're still with us. That tool is wonderful but damned scary; everytime I turn it on I feel like "this could be the last one"...:-). High anxiety and high awareness!
Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: <mailto:A440A at aol.com> A440A at aol.com
To: <mailto:pianotech at ptg.org> pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 8:56 pm
Subject: Re: More pinblock stuff
David writes:
<< on a B where the bass/tenor transition is
curved, I'd be curious to know how others do it-especially that
bass/tenor transition area-that is, short of having one of those super duper
fancy contour duplicating machines. >>
Band saw to shape, blue chalk, grinder bit in a hand-held router. Index mark
on bottom of block and plate so it goes back to the same place each time.
Speaking of routers, it may be useful to remember when cutting the
pinblock free with the Bolduc piloted saw blade, that if you happen to turn it
off and set the tool down while it is still spinning, it can still grab the
edge of one's shorts and bury itself in the top of one's thigh. (Last Monday,
5 internal sutures, 12 more to close).
It could have been a lot worse, but it did take the edge off the week...
Ed Foote RPT
<http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html> http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
<http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html> www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html
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