Pinblock/Frame Separation

[kam544@flash.net]

>Eyyyy, yaaa yeigh! Keith, you may have a good point also. I wonder...
>Terry Farrell

Terry,

Here are my thoughts on your wondering:

1. You have a unique situation in my opinion, and personally, I would love
to have the opportunity you are now facing.

2. Both you and the customer will have to agree to the possible outcome of
plate breakage regardless of how far you attempt to reposition the plate.

3. I would forget about using epoxy altogether.

4. Assuming the damper system was somewhat in proper regulation to begin
with, I would use pipe clamps to draw back the plate just far enough where
the dampers that you say are currently not lifting from the strings when
notes are played, or when the sustain pedal is operated, will
function/operate.  I would not attempt to go any further than that at this
time.

5. If step four is accomplished, this would now be the time to drill the
holes for the chosen bolt locations as others have mentioned.  Having a
vacuum cleaner on hand at this time will catch the wood pieces from falling
into the open areas.

6. Once you are prepared to fasten the bolts, I would then use some type of
rigid spacer that would accomodate the remaining gap left.  Maybe washers
that the bolts could run through.  Something that is rigid regardless.

7. Draw the bolts tight to secure everything and remove the clamps.  If the
plate hasn't broken yet, to me that would be a terrific signal to proceed
with the necessary tuning passes to arrive at A440.  The piano will either
survive or it won't.

8.  If this repair is stable and unable to waver, I can't forsee any other
problems.

9. One other thing I might do, depending on how far down the gap exists
from the top of the pinblock prior to the tuning passes, is to install some
lag screws from the rear to help reinforce the pinblock stability.

I may have left something out, but this about covers it for me, sight unseen.

Best,

Keith McGavern
Registered Piano Technician
Oklahoma Chapter 731
Piano Technicians Guild
USA