Burning Shanks

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi John:

Yes, in my opinion it is OK to lean hammers forward or backward as long as
it is less than 1/16". Otherwise, it is simpler to remove and reglue. 
I'm sure that the reason the hammers get out of line is that the shanks have
warped. I can't imagine the hammers were glued out of line in the first
place unless it was done by a sheer novice. It is so easy to glue them on
right if one uses a straight edge. In our Grand Action Rebuilding tape,
George and I demonstrate two different methods for gluing on hammers. I 
still prefer the straight edge method, but as you can see in the video, it
doesn't make much difference. However, with the wetting of the glue, the
shanks may warp a bit as the glue dries, so we straighten up the hammers
after the glue is dry by burning (Mildly heating) the shanks and applying
contrary pressure to re-align them.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Tue, 13 Jul 1999, Woodrow, John (Parramatta) wrote:

> List,
> I need to straighten up the strike line of a couple of hammers in the
> very high treble of an upright.  Simple question, is it OK to drop the
> strike point by burning and bending the shank.
> 
> While I know its ok to burn and twist shanks,  is it considered quality
> work to burn and bend shanks.
> 
> Appreciate your feedback.
> 
> Regards,
> John Woodrow
> Sydney Australia
> ICPTG
>