You wrote: "When one replaces a Steinway tubular action rail (TAR), the angle could be easily diverted...What is the proper angle of rotation?" (slightly reworded) And how would one insure that it stays right while soldering? The angle is a little over 2degrees when the action is on the bench. The wedge shaped walnut action supports rotate the action in counter clockwise fashion as viewed from the bass. This brings the hammer and rep rail to a horizontal position. I use a gig that supports the rails in there original position. How about some of your experts who have actually done this? Could you please elucidate? Do your build jigs to hold the brackets in place? How do you hold the rails at proper elevation while soldering? Do the rails sag while the solder is hot? Should we try to correct for improper action spread while we are at it? Jim Coleman, Sr Yes a jig is a good idea. Mine has sliding attachments that the brackets screw into. It holds two of the rails in proper relation so I can replace one rail at a time. The jig holds the rails in five places along their lengths this prevents the rails from sagging. To correct for action spread I determine the proper spread by shimming the rep flange on samples, one for each of the five holders. Use the same shims wile setting up the jig and remove them before soldering. BTW there is no single action spread that can be applied reliable to all replacement parts. So check for proper function each time. The pianos that need action spread adjustment the most often date from before 1900. Also the soldering will go best if the fillet is horizontal so the solder will not just drip off. I have designed the jig to sit on the bench tilted 90 degrees froward and back as well upright and upside down. John Hartman Beacon NY >From scratch soundboards and keyboards
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