John: Del Fandrich had an extraordinary post on teflon bushing service a while back which was on the Pianotech list sometime in 1999 (its on my computer at home - I'm at the shop right now...). He was surprisingly supportive of the teflon bushing concept, and had a procedure which he felt resulted in longevity which rivaled the best cloth bushings (he was even critical of Renner's use of graphite in the cloth). I have also used the file-rolled pins, but many years ago bought the multi-cut reamers. The problem is their cost - someone has to pay for them, and it doesn't seem worth it if the number of teflon actions out there is rapidly diminishing. But the rolled file centerpin technique does not accomplish what is essential with teflon bushing service, which is to achieve a "machined" or evenly cut bushing surface for the mated pin. Johnson Carbide supplied the reamers for Steinway, but some of the reamers out there have been single-fluted; you have to be careful to get a multi-fluted reamer, because the single fluted reamer will not cut the bushing evenly. The Pianotek reamers have 4 flutes. The complete set - RM-S8 - or a set of the smaller sizes graduated .0005" would be best, I think, along with a good collection of new bushings. The problem with teflon is that most of us hardly see it anymore. I haven't had enough work with it to get and keep my skills with it. Have a couple sets in boxes to practice on if I really wanted too, though.... Bill Shull University of Redlands, La Sierra University a message dated 12/19/99 1:35:07 PM Pacific Standard Time, chapmajd@wfu.edu writes: << It may be time for me to upgrade my teflon bushing reamers. Any suggestions? Presently I am using half size smaller pointed center pins serrated between two files. Any other suggestions on dealing with teflon bushings will also be appreciated. John D. Chapman RPT Department of Music Wake Forest University Winston-Salem NC >>
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