[pianotech] gang filing worn hammers

[David Love]

Not clear on the question.  There isn't a faster way than gang filing since
the alternative is individual filing.  But gang filing has some problems in
the areas of the piano where the hammers are angled.  So, gang file the
treble section and individually file the angled hammers.  Like anything else
filing hammers is a skill that you develop by doing it.  Find a method and
material (backed sandpaper of some grit that you find cuts fast enough to be
efficient but not so fast that you lack control) and that gives you the most
uniform results, keeps things square.  Consider counting strokes per side
and check your work frequently from the side. Before you start determine if
there is an adequate amount of felt so that when you're done you still have
enough felt left over the crown to allow the hammer to function properly and
insure that you have not taken so much off the bore dimension that you have
a regulation problem.  If so, then replace.  No shortcuts here, work
methodically and patiently.  Remember, you're charging by the hour.  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of lim hock seng
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 5:20 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] gang filing worn hammers

hello list,
Is it possible to gang file worn hammers (about 8-10mm flat)? Or is
there better and faster way to reshape it? Thanks!

Lim