Hi, Lance. Burnt shellac is just that, burnt shellac. You take regular, already mixed shellac, and burn off the excess alcohol. It's a somewhat tricky proceedure because alcohol burns with an almost clear, hard-to-see flame. Since you probably wouldn't want to risk burning down your shop, it's a job best done outdoors in a clear area, on a windless day. Fortunately, there is a modern alternative that works quite well--PVC-E glue. Just apply a small amount with a small artists brush to where the damper wire enters the flange, or damperhead and let dry. Carpenter's glue won't hold a wood to metal bond and will eventually let go; CA glue will wick so deep that you most likely won't be able to unscrew the wire from the flange again, without risking breaking something. PVC-E glue is probably the way to go. Les Smith On Wed, 20 Aug 1997, Lance Lafargue wrote: > Not long ago someone talked about securing damper heads to wires (those > that rock back and forth) with burnt shellac. Is that orange-brown stuff > that comes in flakes that horn repair people use? Where can I get that? > How is it prepared? Is that what Steinway and others used to finish > soundboards? I was thinking of putting a drop of superglue or carpenters > glue on them. What do you think? > Lance Lafargue, RPT > New Orleans Chapter > Covington, LA. > lafargue@iamerica.net >
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