[pianotech] Determining Rake (or Vertifcal Pitch)

[Joseph Garrett]

Al,
"Anal" is good.<G> I use a "T" Bevel tool when the shank/hammer situation makes it difficult to just use the Compass. This is one of those things that, sometimes, requires 3 hands.<G> There is/was a tool that I got from Baldwin, years ago. It is/was a small "square" made out of aluminum, but had an added surface at right angles to the main arm of the "square". I was told it was used to check the hammers being square to the shanks in the hammer hanging process.  I use that tool as described, as a quick check. It can be used to see if there is any Vertical Pitch, as well. 
Your approach using the block of wood and the Compass is really slick. However, a caveat: make sure the piece of wood you use has straight & parallel sides.<G>
Regards,
Joe


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Al Guecia/Allied PianoCraft 
To: Joseph Garrett;Pianotech List
Sent: 9/4/2011 5:37:46 AM 
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Determining Rake (or Vertifcal Pitch)


Thanks Joe. Very clear. I guess I'm concerned about the fact that the shank is tapered and weather I should use the top or center of the shank when measuring. I guess I'm splitting hairs here and you have way more than 1º movement between the shank and hole in the hammer when you're glueing up. Oh well, I've been called anal before.


Al -
High Point, NC




PS, Considering your vast knowledge base (I'm not joking here), you should work on your photo capabilities. :-), (joke). It does come in handy.




On Sep 3, 2011, at 5:42 PM, Joseph Garrett wrote:


Al asked: "While I'm very pleased with my method of measuring bore angle,
I've yet to be satisfied with measuring the hammer rake. Does anyone have
an accurate and consistent way of measuring rake? Method and photo would be
greatly appreciated."

Al,
Using the same tool that you use to determine the existing bore angle, plus
a technique that is simple to do. On the side of the hammer, at the area of
the shank hole, put a dot with a pencil. Place a small ruler from the dot
to the tip of the moulding. Hold it firmly and draw a pencil line from the
tip of the hammer all the way to the c/l of the cove, using those two
reference points. Then get your protractor out and hold it to the shank and
align the protractor arm to the line on the hammer. Voila' you have the
Vertical Pitch. (mostly it is 0 or 1 degree. Except in geometry disasters
like the old K-52 S&S!<G>) I hope that is clear, since I don't have the
capability of a photo.
Regards,
Joe 


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I
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