In a message dated 98-08-12 03:45:18 EDT, you write: << > Usually I file grooved hammers, but I don't really know why, just > that everyone says so. Doesn't it effect the hammer flange pins in some > way? Can deep grooves come out with steam or fabric softener? > Eliot (Rob Goodale's response, in part) As far as flange pins go I believe that flat hammers can be more stressfull. Relaying my "personal theory", this is because of added vibration transmitted down the hammer shank in addition to harder blows produced by the pianist in failed efforts to improve tonal quality. Just how much this contributes to wear I couldn't say but the primary stresses would logically be on the bushings. I'm certain many others can elaborate on this. Rob Goodale, RPT, >> Rob: I think Eliot was referrring to the effects shaping the hammers have on the bushings. Shaping hammers has to be done carefully. If you use a padel or sandpaper strip and follow the contour of the hammer, in my opinion there will not be enough stress on the flange bushing to cause any harm, at least no more than when the piano is plaled. However, how the hammer is handled while sanding has a lot with the stress on the bushing. If you do just one hammer at a time, I think there is a greater chance of putting side to side stress on the bushing. Therefore, pick up two hammers at a time, and you will have some stability. On straight line hammers, I file both at the same time. On the angled hammers, I will still pick up two hammers, but I will put the hammer I am filing about 1/2" further forward. This still gives me the stabilty of two hammers, but allows me to file one hammer. On grand pianos, I use the mini belt sander from McCall. This thing saves a considerable amount of time. It takes off 99% of the felt I am trying to get rid of and it doesn't put any strain on the bushings. I then do the fine sanding by hand. Willem (Wim) Blees RPT St. Louis
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