[pianotech] Capstan installation

[Encore Pianos]

Here is a potential solution, based on a technical given by Jim Ialeggio to
the New Hampshire Chapter a few weeks ago.  He was talking about action
screws wandering off axis as you describe as they were screwed into the
action rails.  This is the tool that he used (I believe) to get the screw to
go in at 90 degrees consistently:  G8748 hand tapping machine, from Grizzly.
$89.95 .  2 1/2 turns by hand would allow the screw to go in consistently.

Description
Our G8748 Hand Tapping Machine provides stability, precision and sensitivity
to the hand tapping process. The cast iron construction of the base and
over-arm gives a rigid setup that resists tool breakage. Precision ground
surfaces on the base and hardened spindle means perpendicular perfection; no
more off-axis tapped holes. The counter-balanced spindle allows far more
sensitivity than an ordinary tap handle.

Other features include: quick setting work holder, 9 tap holders that
snap-lock into spindle, rack for tap holders, adjustable height collar and
off-set handles for quick return. Can be bolted down to use as a tapping
station! Collet sizes include: #6, #8, #10, 1/4", 5/16", 7/16", 3/8", 1/2"
and 5/8".

Specifications:

    Overall dimensions: 22-1/2" x 12-1/2" x 14"
    Throat capacity: 7-3/8"
    Height capacity: 7-7/8"
    Table size: 6-1/2" x 12-1/2"
    Work holder maximum opening: 6"
    Approx. Shipping weight: 45 lbs.

Here's the link to Grizzly's site and the tool:
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Hand-Tapping-Machine/G8748

If Jim reads this, he can hopefully chime in with a lot of useful
information.  I have not used this tool yet, but am lusting to get it soon.


Will Truitt












-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Brown, David
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2012 1:30 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Capstan installation

All-

Great question Ed . I am changing the subject to ask what methods are used
to install capstans after determining the proper placement? I have tried
various ways and have never been completely happy with the results .
Pressing them in with a drill press after drilling and chamfering the hole
worked best, but still difficult to keep things from leaning in different
directions in the soft keys.

DB


 Greetings,
    I think this would be a good time to hear from those that can
distinguish between actions with identical ratios, but different knuckle
distances, (which, of course, infers that the capstan placement is
different.)
  Is there a difference between an action with a low key ratio on a 16 mm
knuckle distance and one that has a higher key ratio on a 17 mm knuckle
distance?
regards,


David C. Brown RPT
Piano Technician
Division of Music
Meadows School of the Arts
Southern Methodist University
Dallas Texas 1-214-768-3976