[CAUT] Glue Strength for Pedal Lyre Repair

[Chris Solliday]

Paul,
I made exactly the same repair sixteen years ago with Titebond and a 24 hour
cure, no dowels. Since then the piano has been in heavy service for teaching
and practicing without any problems.
Best of luck,
Chris Solliday
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Milesi, RPT" <paul at pmpiano.com>
To: "PTG Pianotech List" <pianotech at ptg.org>; "PTG CAUT List" <caut at ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2010 8:45 AM
Subject: [CAUT] Glue Strength for Pedal Lyre Repair


> Advice sought ASAP.  One of my high-profile clients, an embassy here in
DC,
> tried to move a 1917 Steinway B off a 2' stage without professional mover
or
> counsel and broke the lyre off.  :(  Broke the top block in half the long
> way, right along where the two rear screws go in.  Clean break, but left
> half the block and plate attached to the piano, and of course the lyre on
> the floor.
>
> Piano is needed for concert Saturday 10 AM!  A couple techs here advised
> gluing original block with Titebond.  Thought this might be adequate, as
> glue joint will be stronger than wood.  I confess I have limited
woodworking
> experience, so still find it difficult to put my faith in a glue joint
being
> that strong.  :)  When I expressed doubt, it was suggested that I might
> possibly drill from rear of block to install two 1/2" or 3/4" dowels,
> stopping short of front of block, for reinforcement.
>
> This morning I unclamped the lyre block after 24 hours and my glue repair
> appears solid.  Can I put the lyre on for Saturday's concert and trust it
> not to fall apart?  I don't have access to a drill press until early next
> week.  Might I try to drill 1/2" or 3/8" for dowel freehand with hand
drill?
> Or should I leave well enough alone?
>
> By the way, I have thought about borrowing a lyre from a school piano and
> seeing if it fits.  Just a fallback position.  Might I make it work
easily?
> Not my first choice, but emergency situation with very limited time to
work
> with making me think outside the box a bit.  Schedule jammed every day
this
> week with performance work, so somewhat stressed!  Didn't need this kind
of
> repair/worry.
>
> Thanks for any advice.
>
> Paul Milesi, RPT
> Washington, DC
> (202) 667-3136
> E-mail:  paul at pmpiano.com
> Website:  http://www.pmpiano.com
>
>