[pianotech] Backcheck and catcher felts

[David Ilvedson]

Isn't vinegar mostly water?

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044

----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: "Duaine & Laura Hechler" <dahechler at att.net>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Received: 7/27/2009 10:07:41 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Backcheck and catcher felts


>John Dorr wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> I've got a job replacing ALL catcher leathers and backcheck felts in a
>> Steinway vertical.  I'm soliciting tips on speed and glue.  I thought
>> to remove the backcheck felts I could lay the felt and PART of the
>> wooden heads (in groups) into a tray of water to loosen the glue and
>> make removal easier.  Anybody know of a good surfactant to put in the
>> water?  Like detergent, or wallpaper remover? or??  And I am PRESUMING
>> this to be safe for the wooden head, since I've done many damper jobs
>> like this and the damper heads have come through fine.  Or is there a
>> faster, better way I'm not aware of?
>>
>> Then, the catcher leathers... I'm going to try wetting them
>> individually with an eyedropper using wallpaper remover/water solution
>> until they can peel off. Unless somebody has a better idea...
>>
>> And the glue.  I thought hot hide for both.  Your thoughts?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> John Dorr
>> Helena, MT
>Definitely DON'T use water - it will swell the wood.

>I use plain white vinegar for things - it also works well for player work.

>-- 
>Duaine Hechler
>Piano, Player Piano, Pump Organ
>Tuning, Servicing & Rebuilding
>Reed Organ Society Member
>Florissant, MO 63034
>(314) 838-5587
>dahechler at att.net
>www.hechlerpianoandorgan.com
>--
>Home & Business user of Linux - 10 years