knuckles

[Paul Kupelian]

Ron,
Answer to Question 1. Steam may work as well but I prefer the vinegar as
it really softens and loosens the joint which makes the answer for
question 2 much less of a risk.  I found that a firm grip on the hammer
prevented much of a strain on the flange.  The knuckles lifted out with
relative ease.  However,  your point is well taken.  I guess applying the
vinegar to the knuckles while on the stack and then removing the hammers
to remove the knuckle may be a safer way to go.

Paul Kupelian, RPT
kupelian@oswego.edu


On Fri, 8 Nov 1996, Ron Torrella wrote:

> On Fri, 8 Nov 1996, Paul Kupelian wrote:
>
> > This procedure is best done if you have an action cradle and you can tip
> > the hammers so that the bottoms of the hammer shanks are face up and away
> > from the wippens.
>
> Two questions:  1. If hide glue was used to affix the knuckles, would
> 		   steam do any good if you directed a stream at the
> 		   knuckle?
>
> 		2. Wouldn't you risk damaging the centerpins if you
> 		   were yanking knuckles attached to the rail?
>
>
> 			     Ron Torrella, RPT
> 			Assistant Piano Technician
> 			  University of Michigan
> 			      School of Music
>
>