[pianotech] Polyester Finishing

[Joe DeFazio]

HI William,

I hope you are using an air powered buffer if you are using mineral  
spirits as a lubricant;  the fumes created by mineral spirits are  
highly flammable, and an explosion or fire can be set off by the  
sparks in an electric motor.  While you are buffing, the buffer sits  
right in the zone with the highest concentration of fumes, emitting  
tiny sparks dozens or hundreds of times a second.  That's one of the  
main reasons I went ahead and sprung for a 60 gallon compressor, even  
though my shop is quite small, also.

I'm not trying to criticize, just point out the standard advice given  
in the woodworking field.  You are obviously quite committed to  
quality piano work; we can't afford to see you end up looking like  
Wile E. Coyote after receiving one of the Road Runner's TNT  
"returns" (probably yet again from the Acme Corporation).  I know that  
you can "get away" with using mineral spirits as a lubricant with  
electric tools for some undetermined period of time, but why take the  
chance?

Joe DeFazio
Pittsburgh


From: William Monroe <bill at a440piano.net>
> Date: March 18, 2009 10:47:34 PM EDT
> To: pianotech at ptg.org
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Polyester Finishing
> Reply-To: pianotech at ptg.org
>
> In answer to my own question, if anyone is using these pastes,  
> MINERAL SPIRITS is the wetting agent of choice.  Add a little to the  
> tub if it begins to dry out.  It also works well for keeping the  
> work surface moist while buffing.  I kept a squeeze bottle of  
> spirits right there, squirting a little on occasionally.  the slop  
> is messy, but more easily contained for me than dust.  For the small  
> shop (read: action balancing and finish repairs in the same room) it  
> works better for me than dealing with all that dust.  I curse enough  
> when I buff keytops/capstans/etc. with my buffing wheels.
>
> William R. Monroe


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