[pianotech] tightening balance hole was Bouncing Bostons

David Skolnik davidskolnik at optonline.net
Sat Jul 31 22:46:22 MDT 2010


Okay then.  Keeping in mind we began this particular digression by 
talking about sizing the balance hole, apart from any bushing work, 
we can, nevertheless, follow through on this particular aspect.
First, Kent said that doing key bushings and BR holes as one job 
seems economical, with which I wouldn't disagree, in principal, 
except, what if, when doing the Balance bushings, all, or most of the 
holes are just fine.  It would then be most economical if you are 
able to isolate the affects of the bushing removal 
process.  Steaming, as Barbara does, would seem to make additional work.
And, of course, you have the similar problem, to which I previously 
referred, if the balance bushings are fine, and your problem is 
limited to reducing the size of the balance holes.
Then, too, what are the affects of steaming alone, vs. steam with 
glue size, or glue sizing, without steam? If steam, or water (mix) 
alone would work, why bother with glue size at all?  What is the 
difference in structural integrity between any re-hydrated repair and 
the original wood?   Keeping in mind that the elongation we're trying 
to correct represents end-grain damage, this orientation will, in 
theory, have the least dimensional response to whatever form of 
hydration is applied.

Most importantly, Barbara, please remind me again what the wire 
structure is that you have supporting the front of the key.

Thanks

David Skolnik
Hastings on Hudson, NY


At 10:55 PM 7/31/2010, you wrote:
>I can't help myself, here is the picture again.  Yes, I'm still 
>using my Ralph Stilwell (fondly remembered member of my chapter) 
>method of steaming out bushings--the steam shoots out of the hole in 
>the coffee can up through the key button and out through the balance 
>hole.  It had been suggested to me that I donate my set-up to the 
>PTG museum, but sorry, I'm not ready to give it up since it's still 
>my favorite way to remove bushings--and swell up balance holes all at once.
>
>Barbara Richmond, RPT
>near Peoria, Illinois
>
>
>On Sat, Jul 31, 2010 at 4:36 PM, Kent Swafford 
><<mailto:kswafford at gmail.com>kswafford at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>Just doing key bushings and BR holes as one job seems economical 
>enough for me.
>
>
>Kent
>
>

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