[pianotech] Repair to console music desk

[Paul McCloud]

Like Wim said, if you can glue the split wood, you can do that.  But, it's only cosmetic because it's just likely to split again, especially when you try to insert the screw.  The better fix is to drill a hole up from the bottom edge of the music desk into your split area.  Insert a brass hammershank repair sleeve (insert a piece of shank if you like) and glue this in the hole.  I suppose you could just use a hammer shank and use your shank drill to make the hole.  Then, just drill through your new insert using the existing screw hole as a guide.  Insert the screw and you're done.  Obviously, if there's a missing piece in the music desk, you'll have to fill it or fabricate a repair piece of wood and refinish it first.  But, adding an insert will prevent the screw from splitting it again.
Hope this helps.
Paul McCloud
San Diego

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jurgen Goering" <pianoforte at pianofortesupply.com>
To: "pianotech" <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 6, 2012 10:57:51 PM
Subject: [pianotech] Repair to console music desk

What is the "best" fix for a music desk on a console or studio upright which has been damaged at the screw pivot point? Its funny how one good smack on the music desk, or a mere cinching up of ratchet strap in the course of a move can break the wood at the screw [tongue in cheek here]. 
So what is the most economical and fast in-home repair (while I tune)? Five minute epoxy? Tightbond with a small clamp? 
I was thinking of calling Isaac Sadigursky but I'll try this list first... see if anyone else knows.... :^) 
regards, 

Jurgen Goering