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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Have you ever gotten tired of lugging the action
out of a practice room... or a class room, a studio or an ensemble room?
Then you drag it to the shop, (if your school has one), get it up on the bench,
and do your work. Then you have to lug it back, regulate it in the piano,
and still have service to perform on other parts of the instrument.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have begun a significant project to resolve this
age-old problem that has been plaguing piano technicians since the first music
school opened in ancient Egypt over 3000 years ago. I am currently in
progress building a "port-a-shop", (working title). The idea here is to
build a sturdy portable work bench/mini shop designed specifically for the
piano technician from the ground up- not just something modified. I
convinced the music department to foot the bill.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Designing, building, and assembly is being
performed at my own shop on the opposite side of town. I have purchased
1-1/2" x 2"steel from a local supplier and have completed the welding of the
main frame work as of last night. It is exceptionally strong and
ridged. This afternoon I intend to purchase four commercial-grade locking
castors. There are two surfaces, the top bench area for action work, and a
lower level for a tool cabinet with drawers, supplies, and a small but tangible
shop vac. The hose will be made long enough to clean any piano without
removing the machine. A multi-outlet power strip will also be
attached. Only one main cord will need to be plugged for everything to
work. Accessories such as a heat gun, Dremel, or whatever will be
instantly ready for use, even a built-in work light. The top bench
area will be made of 3/4" hard press board with poplar molding to protect the
edges, and enough surface area to completely service any action on-sight.
With the steel frame work below the top will stay perfectly and permanently
flat. With two fixed and two swivel castors it should be easy to navigate
anywhere within the music department. In spite it's complexity and
built-in features, this entire portable shop will only be about 5 1/2 feet long
by 24" wide. It will easily fit against any hall way wall without being in
the way and fit in any elevator.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>When complete I can provide digital
photographs. I'm pretty excited about this, I think it will really prove
to be a major asset. More to come...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Rob Goodale, RPT</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Las Vegas, NV</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>