[pianotech] Impact Tuning Lever

[Norm Barrett]

At a P.T.G. Convention quite a few years ago I compared the Schaff 
Impact tuning lever with the Mahaffey . (Spelling?) The Mahaffey felt 
better and I asked Randy Potter to compare and he agreed so I bought the 
Mahaffey and used it for years on uprights. A couple of years ago I 
purchased the Cyber Hammer and have used it ever since. Reyburns web 
site had an excellent tutorial on how to use an impact hammer and 
lighter is better.
Norm Barrett

Floyd Gadd wrote:
> Some time ago I purchased the Schaff impact tuning lever, item #3170 on page
> 33 of the most recent catalogue.  I built  up the handle near the head using
> 3 layers of plastic tubing in order to achieve a more comfortable grip.  I
> have not used the lever a lot thus far.  When I do use it, I find a
> experience fatigue quite quickly in my hands and wrists.  I recognize that I
> might simply be up against the normal physical learning curve, and that
> continued use may well build up the necessary co-ordination and muscle
> strength to achieve success with the tool.  Before I go too far down the
> path, however, I would be interested in understanding how the details of
> construction of this tool compare to the impact levers that are proving most
> practical for long term use.
>
> Here are the details for this tool.
>
>    From the center of the movable shaft on which the tuning tip is mounted
> to the end
>        of the handle is 11 1/4 inches.
>    The weight that makes up the end of the handle is removable, and weighs
> 248 grams.
>         It is 7/8 inches in diameter, and is 3 3/8 inches long.
>    When the movable tip is held securely in a horizontal position, and the
> weighted end
>          of the handle is placed on a gram scale, the scale reads about 270
> grams.
>    The hammer has a swing of 45 degrees.
>
> The simplicity of design of this tool makes it easy to customize.  I could
> easily fabricate parts to lengthen or shorten the handle, and could easily
> fabricate end weights of different mass.
>
> My question for those of you who have found impact hammers to be tools that
> serve you well:  How does the weights and dimensions of this tool compare to
> those of the tools you find most servicable?
>
> Thanks for any help you can give me.
>
> Floyd Gadd
> Manitoba Chapter.
>
>
>
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