structural members

[Ron Nossaman]

Ah, new and wonderful sources of aggravation. Lacking established and
recognized qualifications of expertise, the best I can offer is what I've got.


>1) What kind of strut organization is most desirable?  Is a fan better 
>generally or worse than a post and beam?  How would I determine which is
>more appropriate?

Since the plate is doing the work of containing the string tension, my call
is that the bracing underneath is to stiffen the rim as is possible, and
provide anchors for nose bolts. Mindful of this, I'd position them accordingly.


>2) What is the best means of attaching the struts?  Tongue and grove, dowel, 
>or . .?

Again, my call. I would (have, and do) epoxy bed and fillet, with dowels. I
have no idea what's best, but this works fine for me.



>3) Should the termination points of the struts correspond with the plate 
>struts?

I see no need. Again, the plate is carrying the load, so the beams can be
positioned to perform other needed functions, like rim stiffening and nose
bolt support.


>4) What kind of issues are most critical in determining the cross section of 
>the new beams?

The scientific approach, which I rely heavily upon, is to use what I had at
hand at the time to work with. Pretty much anything you install as a
stiffener will, in practice, stiffen. The cross sectional dimensions of
what was there is a good place to start, if you are concerned about visual
continuity, but it isn't awfully critical functionally. Starting with the
premise that too much bracing is better than too little, brace away.  


>I would like to attach all the nose bolts to a beam, since I am sure in 
>original design of the piano they were there.  I will gladly remove and 
>change the one original beam if it doesn't fit the new configuration.

So how do you suppose it got to the present condition of noseboltus
nonsupportus?


>I know this is off the beaten path of even most rebuilders but this inquiring 
>mind sure is curious.
>
>Andrew Remillard

This one too, forevermore.

Ron N