Most wood putties that I have used over the years would shrink too much over that large a span and crack. There may be some out there that won't, but I have not used them. And it will be more difficult and time consuming to level, require lots of sanding, and another one or two applications of putty, followed by more sanding and leveling. Whereas, with the piece of wood, you can quickly take it in and out and fit it by hand and machine. You can then easily putty any small gaps around it. Cover both with lacquer and it all disappears if you have done your job well. Even if there are putties out there that would not shrink, it would still be less work and you will get a cleaner and more leveled piece by making it from wood. And considering the level of rebuilding work that you do, I have no doubt that you have the woodworking skills and the tools to make the piece fairly readily. With either method, that area will have to be refinished. Will -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David Love Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 6:47 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Finish Repair Question No, it's an L. I was wondering about putty. Why is it too big to putty? David Love www.davidlovepianos.com -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Encore Pianos Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 3:44 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Finish Repair Question I think you will have to start by making a strip of wood to inlay into the area. I would start by cleaning up the surface and leveling it as well as possible in order to have the best mating surface to glue the new piece to. Then make a new piece to fit in there, probably out of maple scrap. Start by cutting it to length and width, leaving it too thick. I would go back and forth to a belt sander with a finer grit on it, leveling it until flush. Any gaps around it can be puttied and sanded. I would secure it in place with several shortened bridge pins, then clamp it in place with glue of choice. It's really too big an area to think about puttying or burning in. Is that a B? Will Truitt -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David Love Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 6:11 PM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: [pianotech] Finish Repair Question I had to chisel this area out underneath the glide on a Steinway. The piano will not be refinished only touched up. What is the substance of choice to fill this area (about 1/8" deep) that will allow for the best finish matching surface for the surrounding area. I don't usually do this type of work and probably won't in this case but I am curious. David Love www.davidlovepianos.com
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