getting punch(y)ings

[David Love]

I use the "stack on" procedure all the time and it works very well.  I don't
think it's necessary to remove the stack and replace the split punchings.
They're not going anywhere.  If you look under the keys of many Yamaha's you
will find many split punchings.  The tricks are in the tools.  You will need
a pair of alligator forceps, two lengths are better, longer ones for the
sharps.  For leveling on the bench, precut the punchings, lay your level and
insert them just slightly under the front rail punchings corresponding to
the key where they go, sticking out so you can grab them easily.  For the
sharps put the to-be-placed punchings between the two naturals so that they
are right in front of the sharp where they will go.   Stand the action up on
the back rail and insert a prop stick from the bench to the inside of the
front rail to hold the action up (don't walk away from it while propped in
case it slips).  Push the key up slightly and use a spring hook to reach in
and raise the punching if it's hard to reach.  Grab the punching with the
forceps, insert and push the key down.  If you are careful you should have
no problem damaging the existing punchings.  With Steinway balance rail
bearings it can be a little trickier but the spring hook works well to raise
those also. Be careful not to spin them around as you raise them.  You will
benefit from a carefully placed light and to see the sharps it is sometimes
easiest to sight between the bottom of the key and front rail.  When at the
piano place a cloth or pad over the stretcher, set the action up on the back
rail and lean it against the stretcher to hold it in place.  If you don't
have the pad, the drop screws will scratch the finish.  When you bring the
action back down be careful that there are no hammers raised that can catch
underneath the stretcher and snap off.  You can level this way very quickly
and accurately, I do it all the time.

David Love

  ----- Original Message -----
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: February 21, 2002 10:22 AM
Subject: Re: getting punch(y)ings


> That's an interesting twist Roger. Thanks. Looks like the best of both
worlds. I'll have to give it a whirl next time.
>
> Terry Farrell
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "jolly roger" <baldyam@sk.sympatico.ca>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 10:41 AM
> Subject: Re: getting punch(y)ings
>
>
> > Hi Terry,
> >                For the most stable job. Major leveling. I use the split
> > punchings. After completion I remove the stack and replace them with
uncut
> > punchings.  Save the split punchings for the next job.
> >
> > You may find you have to install a few thin onion skin split punchings,
but
> > this is just a small refinement.
> >
> > It is important to press firmly down on all the key buttons, to make
sure all
> > keys are firmly seated for best results, then recheck your work.
> >
> > Regards Roger
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > At 09:05 AM 2/21/02 -0500, you wrote:
> > >Wim. I have never (I'm ashamed to admit) used this technique. But, yes
it
> > would take a few minutes to cut the punchings, but it will also save you
from
> > removing the stack. Further, it will provide the consistency of the
actual
> > action providing the weight on the back of the key - potentially
resulting
> > in a
> > more accurate key leveling. Am I right with these statements? Do you
have some
> > technique to put an uncut punching on a grand center rail pin without
removing
> > the stack?
> > >
> > >Terry Farrell
> > >
> > >----- Original Message -----
> > >From: <Wimblees@AOL.COM>
> > >To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > >Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 8:45 AM
> > >Subject: Re: getting punch(y)ings
> > >
> > >
> > >> In a message dated 2/21/02 2:43:57 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
Bigeartb@AOL.COM
> > >> writes:
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> > But while we're on this subject, some technicians evidently level
> > >> > the keys by cutting a "V" in the punchings so they can insert them
> > without
> >
> > >> > removing the keys. Do you know anything about this technique? Is is
> > >> > acceptable practice?
> > >> >
> > >> > Tommy Black
> > >> > Decatur, Ala.
> > >> >
> > >>
> > >> Tommy
> > >>
> > >> This is a good method if you need to level one or two keys with the
action
> > >> still in the piano. But in my opinion, it would take longer to cut
V's in
> > >> punchings than it is to lift the key and wool punching.
> > >>
> > >> Wim
> > >>
> > >
> >
>
>