[pianotech] Polyester Finishing

[Paul Chick]

Mineral spirits, when heated to, say, 150 F, can be ignited with a static
spark, which can be generated by buffing with a lamb’s wool, felt, or cotton
buffing pad on an electric or air powered buffer.

Paul C

 

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of William Monroe
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 7:22 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Polyester Finishing

 

Joe,

Thanks for the warning.  Indeed, I've been using an electric buffer
(milwaukee - good quality so it can't create a fire, right?  <G>)  I'd hate
to look like Wile E.  I'm such a looker as it is.  <G><G>

Marc suggests there isn't fire danger, anything to add to that?  I'm all for
not taking chances, but also prefer to operate with clear knowledge rather
than suspicion (if I have it - which at this point I don't).

I do have a large enough compressor, but would rather not spring for a new
buffer - not to mention the ever popular, "WHAT DID YOU SAY, MY COMPRESSOR
IS RUNNING" syndrome.

Awaiting more information.

William R. Monroe

 

MINERAL SPIRITS ARE NOT FLAMMABLE. They are combustible - flash point is
greater than 100 °

 Marc

 

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

 

 

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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