Tuning Pin Length?

[Kdivad@AOL.COM]

In a message dated Wed, 28 Aug 2002 8:15:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, joegarrett@earthlink.net writes:

> 
> 
> Rich,
> I've always use a "rule of thumb", that if the pinblock is 1 1/4", I use 2
> 1/4" tuning pins. It leaves the tuning pins just shy of the bottom of the
> pin block, (that is if the web is not excessively thick). As I do not drill
> all the way through my pinblocks, but simply "dimple" them, like we do for
> upright hammers. This dimple is to relieve the hydrolic pressure of the Pin
> Driving fluid.
> As I firmly believe that a completely sealed pinblock will last longer, this
> is how I do it. (99% of the pinblocks I've had to replace 
> were drilled all
> the way through.)
> Best Regards,
> Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)
> 
> Been There, Didn't Like It, So I'm Here To Stay! [G}

What I am wondering Joe is if the pinblocks went bad because they were drilled all the way through, or because 99% of the pianos made had their pinblocks drilled all the way through and they finally just failed. It seems to me that I have replaced just about the same percentage of both.

One more question, how do you completely seal the pinblock?  Do you fill and seal the dimple openings after you drive the pins?

David Koelzer
Vintage Pianos
DFW