Newbie; Cleaning actions

[Paul Chick (EarthLink)]

Claudia
Welcome to the list.  Many "newbie" questions are asked by many experienced
techs.  So be comfortable asking.  And, yes, join the guild.  You will find
all the help you need in its membership.
Cleaning an action is easily done in the shop with air from an air
compressor.  Some use the discharge side of a vacuum cleaner to blow out the
action.  A natural (china bristle) brush with long fibers will help you
reach into the action.  Hold something against the damper felts, like card
board or a wide ruler, to prevent tearing off the felt.  Avoid using
anything wet to clean the action.  You will make improvements.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Claudia Cimenti" <claudia_cimenti@mail.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2002 12:22 PM
Subject: Newbie; Cleaning actions


> Hi all,
>
> First, a couple words to introduce myself: I am a piano technology student
> and in the process of restoring my first upright piano. It is a very
> educational experience. I have been subscribed to this list for a few days
> now, and find it very interesting to read the ongoing discussions. Thank
> you for letting me "listen in", even though I am not as experienced yet as
> all of you.
>
> A couple questions:
> 1. Is it ok on this list for a piano tech newbie to ask questions or is
> there a better venue for that? I am not yet a member of the PTG, but plan
> on joining very soon.
>
> 2. A quick question on cleaning actions: The old upright I am restoring
has
> an extremely dirty action. It is very very dusty. How would you go about
> cleaning this? I would be interested in hearining how you would go about
> doing this with a minimum set of tools ("the hard way"), or in an
> established shop.
>
> Thank you very much in advance for your replies.
>
> Regards,
> /Claudia
>