[pianotech] re balance rail break-loose noise

[Joseph Garrett]

Laura,
The dreaded "Vertigris" comes from animal fat/oil/tallow/whatever. Lanolin
is one of the ingredients for VJ Lube. Some techs have changed the formula
to be powdered Teflon instead of Talc. That's why I meantioned that. All of
these things are good in other applications, but I don't think that they're
the right one's for this particular job.
 YES! I do love my Slide All! I know, love your Slide All, just don't LOVE
your Slide All.<G> It is sometimes hard to find. I used to order it from
Tuner's Supply. Now, I order it from Ace Hardware. It is way cheaper to
order it by the case, btw. As much as I use, that's the only way to go.
Even the amazing Winks Hardware Store, Portland, didn't know about the
stuff! Winks is one of those "since 1880's" type Hardware store, where the
counter people actually know what the heck Hardware is all about! Go
figger.<G>

Best
Joe


> [Original Message]
> From: Laura Olsen <ajoyfulsound at gmail.com>
> To: <joegarrett at earthlink.net>; <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 9/3/2011 3:24:42 PM
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] re balance rail break-loose noise
>
> I figured lanolin was good since it comes from sheep.  I don't think I'd
try VJ lube.
>
> Thanks for your thoughts, Joe.  Sounds like you love that Elmer's Slide
All!
>
> Laura
>
> On Sep 3, 2011, at 4:29 PM, Joseph Garrett wrote:
>
> > Laura said: "Subject: Re: [pianotech] balance hole break-loose noise
> > Message-ID: <7668E7FB-CEDA-4046-8685-8BB9A85B6749 at att.net>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> > 
> > Alan,
> > I've never used white glue and water. I usually use diluted hide glue
> > ('cause I apply it while I'm rebushing keys) or titebond (yellow glue)
and
> > water. Can anyone speak to the effects of these different glues on the
wood?
> > 
> > It seems you feel reasonably sure that the sound is coming from the pin
and
> > wood of the balance rail hole. I've never heard that. I have heard a
> > "scrunchie" sound of the balance rail felt scratching against the
balance
> > rail pin. I assumed that was from over processed felt and a touch of
> > lanolin or a puff of powdered teflon has done the trick. I'll be
interested
> > in seeing what works for you."
> > 
> > Laura,
> > I've always used 50%-50% Cold Hide Glue & Distilled Water for that. I've
> > never had an issue from it. I do it in the key bushing just as you do.
> > (well maybe<G> I do it after I've removed/steamed the balance rail
> > bushings. That way, if the hole tests out o.k. with a balance pin, then
no
> > sizing is used. I have a whole set of balance rail pins dedicated to
this
> > process. I insert a pin in each hole and let set overnight to get a
better
> > sizing. Started doing it that way a few years ago and find that it is
more
> > consistant.)
> > I would never use White Glue for that! (PVC-A or E) It has a nasty
> > characteristic of never getting hard! Same applies to the various
TiteBonds
> > (original, II & III and Moulding). Yes, I do use those others for
various
> > applications. They're part of my arsenal of Glues, Epoxies, etc. that
are
> > necessary to make repairs. I give a Class on that very subject. <G> 
> > As for key noises, I'm with you: a little puff of teflon does the trick.
> > Or, if all the keys are off the rail, I use Elmer's Slide All after
> > cleaning the pins with my super speedy key pin cleaner.<G> GAAA (a new
> > thangee). All of that is another Class called: If the Keys aren't right,
> > Nothing else can be.<G> Don't think I'd use Lanolin or VJ Lube in that
> > application. Animal Fats seem to do strange things, just when you don't
> > want them to. Case in Point: Steinway Vertigris.
> > Best Regards,
> > Joe 
> > 
> > 
> > Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
> > Captain of the Tool Police
> > Squares R I
> >