separated back

[Richard Oliver Snelson]

I complete a repair a few months ago on a separated back. The right hand
side of the pin block was pulled forward about 1/2" at the start. 
First I lowered the tension all the way. Then I simply took the back
apart. Top and bottom. I then cleaned off all the old glue and started
to refit the post and post spacers. I use a biscuit jointer to fit two
biscuits into each post spacer joint. Then I dry fit the whole back. It
that point I assembled it using cold liquid hide glue. Using this glue
give you time to move  things around before it sets up. I used a power
screw driver and fastened the post spacers attached to the post by
biscuit joints to the pin block. At the bottom biscuit joints spacers to
posts and reused the normal screws through the plate. Added a few screws
into the bottom rail for the sound board. Installed a new 1/2 back
across the top spacers. The piano is much stronger than when it came
from the factory. Factory screw through the top of the plate were
installed so they actually were directly in a glue joint. No wonder they
failed. Top of the glue joint was a piece of plywood.  

I charged $1,000 for the repair. Customer was happy. I was happy. 
I know a lot of these repairs are made by installing long bolts through
the plate, pin block and back posts. I would not try that with an
aluminum plate. Take it apart and build it better than new. 

Richard  

Clyde Hollinger wrote:
> 
> Carol,
> 
> Thanks for your response.  First, I am not Jim.  Second, I am puzzled by your
> phrase "... as this is not a repair...."  Repairing a separated back
> certainly seems like a repair to me.  Third, others have suggested that this
> appears repairable.  From your response it sounds like you tried to repair a
> separated back, without success.  Are you steering me clear of trying to fix
> this?  I do want to know if I am about to get myself in trouble.
> 
> Regards,
> Clyde Hollinger
> 
> Carol Beigel wrote:
> 
> > There just comes a time when a piano wears out.  I would explain to the
> > customer that the piano is structurally damaged, probably beyond repair.
> > They need a new piano.  It's dead, Jim!
> >
> > If they would like for you to attempt a resurrection, as this is not a
> > repair, then they can pay you for your time.  If the plate cracks during
> > your attempt then they still owe you for your time.
> >
> > Remember, you are a piano technician, not a piano magician!
> >
> > Carol Beigel, RPT
> >
> > >From: Clyde Hollinger <cedel@supernet.com>
> > >Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org
> > >To: pianotech@ptg.org
> > >Subject: separated back
> > >Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 06:51:32 -0400
> > >
> > If I recall correctly, it's a pretty little thing, a shame to
> > >discard, but Cable pianos aren't rated very high in my mind.
> > >
> > >I've repaired back separations several times, with good success, but
> > >never one with such a large separation.  What are my chances of pulling
> > >this gap together without the aluminum plate cracking?  Should I even
> > >attempt it?  Input appreciated.
> > >
> > >Regards,
> > >Clyde Hollinger, RPT
> > >
> >
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