[pianotech] Hammer butt split at felt pad

[Dean May]

I would use CA for the reasons you outline. I feel better about it
penetrating the surrounding wood and giving it strength. Plus there is no
clamping time. But like Joe said, you must be very judicious so that it
doesn't wick into surrounding fabrics.  I find the bulb syringes to be great
for applying just the right amount of glue



 

Dean

Dean W May                        (812) 235-5272 voice and text

PianoRebuilders.com           (888) DEAN-MAY         

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  _____  

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Boyce
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2012 10:42 AM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Hammer butt split at felt pad

 

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the Problem Solving Customer who turned
on his lathe a little aluminum collar for a hammer butt plate screw.  He
called me back this week to say that another note was causing problems, not
repeating properly.

When I looked at the offending note today, I flicked the jack and could hear
a charcteristic "click" that suggested the butt notch felt cushion was
missing, or worn through to the wood, so that the jack tip was clicking
against wood. When I peered with my flashlight, I could see that indeed it
was missing. But not because the felt pad had fallen off. It had fellen off,
yes, but because the wood had split. See photo. I found the felt pad in the
bottom of the piano, attached to the bit of wood it was still adhering to.
I've not seen a split like that before, but I was in keeping with the fact
that all the action parts in this piano seem very brittle.

What would you stick this with?  I chose to use CA glue, and I found that
the wood absolutely "drank" it in. I am hoping that having applied enough,
it will have filled up and strengthened dried-out wood cells, and that the
thing won't break again.  I could of course have replaced the hammer butt,
but gluing was quick and easy.

Do you think another adhesive choice would have been preferable?

It seemed odd  to me that it should break in that way, as no great forces
are involved at the hammer butt notch, at least not under the felt pad.

Best regards,

David.

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