[pianotech] New keyframe

[Mike Morvan]

Chuck,
    The act of making a keyframe is a very simple woodworking task. The difficulty is to accurately get the measurements off the old keyframe and duplicate them on the new frame. Any amount of error in the measurements and machining or both will be very apparent when you put the keys back on the frame, if they fit back on the frame. 
    There are a handful of us in the country that offer new keyboards and the usual process is to make new keys to fit on the old keyframe. This service typically includes a new balance rail and front rail inlays. Traditionally the keys and rails can be drilled at the same time, or use CNC  to ensure proper spacing. 
    Making a new set of rails or keyframe with old keys is a logistical and fixturing nightmare, the keys are separate. My advice, if your going to make a new one don't destroy the old one in the process, you may need it. Good luck, Mike

BLACKSTONE VALLEY PIANO
Michael A. Morvan
76 Sutton Street
Uxbridge, Ma 01569
(508) 278-9762
www.pianoandorgankeys.com
mike at pianoandorgankeys.com
www.thepianorebuilders.com
    
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Chuck Behm 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 7:05 AM
  Subject: [pianotech] New keyframe


  List - While I'm at it (installing new balance rail key pins), would it be feasible for me to go one step further and just build a new keyframe altogether? The old frame has been chewed to heck by the mice - and peed on for 20 years or so. I've got plenty of maple that has been curing on my lumber rack for years. Are there any tools I would need besides my table saw, miter saw, thickness planer, router table, and drill press? I'm thinking it would look like a fun project to do and document, but if someone who does this on a regular basis thinks this is a foolish thing to try, just let me know.

  Otherwise, any tips on doing this up correctly would be appreciated. I'm trying to get the entire restoration job done by mid-December, but I would think I could turn a new keyframe out in a day in the shop. At this point, with what I've done on the piano so far, I'm thinking why not? Or is this a stupid idea? It wouldn't be the first. Chuck 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech.php/attachments/20091111/3ebd3c89/attachment.htm>