Steam Caution

[Richard Brekne]

Nice post Roger and after looking at this particular device I would have to not
only echo your concern but underline it. I cant imagine that this particular
device would be usefull for voicing... grin.. unless you want puffballs for
hammers. Steam voicing is still relatively new and anyone using it would be wise
to excercise caution. Tho slightly over doing it is after my experience more
forgiveing then slightly over needling, a large overdose of steam will wreck
hammers in a big hurry.

The device I had in mind would have to be much more precise then this Hot Shot
thingy. We are talking about a voicing tool, not a bathroom cleaner... grin..
Now if the hammer iron had 2 or 3 tiny steam jet holes in it, and a nice little
trigger... we might have something.

Roger... in case you are interested... I use sort of a variant of your ironing
technique. Instead of a damp cloth, I use my index finger to lightly brush on a
drop or two of water so that it spreads out on the shoulder... then zap it with
the iron. One quickly gets a feel for just how much is needed for each set of
hammers. One can thin out with a bit of spirits ahead of time if it seems
prudent.

I find that useing the tiniest amount I can get on my finger and spread on the
crown followed by a quick iron zap gives a very fine effect for soft play, yet
allows for suprising dynamics. If you dont get the dynamics... then you've used
too much. Just enough to steam the top mil or less of the felt in the crown
area. This coupled with good and proper shoulder loosening yeilds very fine
results.



Roger Jolly wrote:

> Hi Greg,
>              Whilst it has been obvious that I disagree with Yamaha on the
> question of steam voicing hammers.  Many of their problems with the
> technique, has been caused by inappropriate use of steam.
> In fairness, they have replaced 10's of thousands of dollars worth of
> hammers under warranty, that have been grossly over voiced. No wonder it
> leaves a sour taste in their mouth.
> At a recent regional convention, Leroy Edwards sat in on one of my voicing
> classes where steam voicing was demonstrated.  Out of courteousy to Leroy
> and the Yamaha Corp. I asked if he would share with us the company position.
> He reiterated the company position which is well known, and explained some
> of the horror stories.  Then he made a statement that the method of using a
> damp cloth and voicing iron was controlled, and  was entirely different
> than the  wide variety of steam generating devices that are causing them so
> many problems. He was very gracious, and I respect his point of view.
> For those who think I may be a focused on steam as the way to voice, you
> are wrong. It is only one tool that I use. For a Betsy Ross spinet it is a
> fast and cheap way to get some musically into the beast, On a quality
> instrument it can soften the tone down quickly, but traditional methods are
> used to do the refined work.
> Richard has outlined his position, and have I had the same experience.
> Correctly used steam is a great asset, but aggresive steam generators is
> not the place to start, Unless you are prepared to pay for replacing a set
> of ruined hammers.
> I have been fortunate enough to have recieved some training in Japan and
> I'm very at home using their methods.
> Please be careful and don't over do a good thing.
> Regards roger
>
> >List,
> >    Recently I found a steamer that I really like a lot. I don't
> >remember this name coming up before but if so just hit the delete key.
> >It's made by Eureka and it's called the "Hot Shot". It has a multitude
> >of attachments and a really nice built in nozzle on a swivel so you can
> >direct the steam very well. I've used it a couple times now to remove
> >key bushings and other hide glue attached felts. It really does work
> >nicely. The steam comes out in a rather powerful jet. I haven't used it
> >to voice hammers with yet but I'm waiting until I get something in the
> >shop here to try it on. I really don't want another thing to carry
> >around in my van. Needles still work very well for the traveling tech,
> >thank you very much. Anyway , thought you'd like to know.
> >
> >Greg Newell
> >
> Roger Jolly
> Saskatoon, Canada.
> 306-665-0213
> Fax 652-0505

--
Richard Brekne
RPT, N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway