[pianotech] Pulley Keys

[Joseph Garrett]

John P. asked: "From: <johnparham at piano88.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Pulley Keys - was balance hole break-loose
noise
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Joe,
 
"insert gummed travel paper into the hole and
> force the pin down on it, to hold it in place, until the glue, (it's
> actually hide or fish glue, depending on the type of gummed paper you
> have.<G>), until the glue has sets."
 
I like this idea, but I have a few questions about your methodology:
 
Specifically, how do you insert the gummed paper into the balance rail
hole.
-ball it up and stuff it in?
-roll it up and carefully insert into the hole?
-put glue in paper first or after it's in the hole?
-size the hole with a spare balance rail pin or by putting key back on
the keyframe?
 
Thanks,"

John,
I start with the traveling paper that I have already cut into workable
sized strips. I keep them in all manner of little containers in the shop
and in my kits out in the field. Film cans are really good for that, (IF
you can find them anymore!<G>) The GUMMED paper I use, comes in large rolls
that were, originally, used for sealing packages. (Another thing you are
hard pressed to find nowadays! btw, I have a life time supply...plus<G>) I
spend some time with scissors and whack up a bunch as needed. I've tried to
find a paper shredder that would do that laborious job, but all are too
wide for our uses. Having said all that, I simply lick the strip of travel
paper and put it, glue side in, into the hole, about 1/16" in. If out in
the field, I use my capstan wrench, (it's not really a "wrench", but a
double tapered rod with one end with an angle bend), to size it into the
hole and hold it in place until the glue sets up. (only takes a few
minutes). While it's setting up I trim the end sticking out flush. Note:
most key balance holes have a slight counter-sink, which gives more surface
for the travel paper to adhere to and not interfer with the key function.
In the shop, I just use the set of balance pins to hold them in. BTW, make
sure you ascertain the direction the key needs to be moved front/back! Be
consistant where and how you install the travel paper, else you have
"Snaggle Tooth" keys. DAMHIK!
Regards,
Joe
P.S.
If you are planning to put this in the Journal, feel free to edit, but
don't leave out any necessary facts.<G> I would suggest you try this out a
few times and then you'll have it perfected.<G>
G


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