Key bushing Removal: Addendum

[David Ilvedson]

So David, are you picking each key up now?   It seems like you could use this device with the Spurlock clamp?

David I.



----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: David Love <davidlovepianos@comcast.net>
To: 'Pianotech' <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: Thu, 9 Dec 2004 22:51:21 -0800
Subject: Key bushing Removal: Addendum

>Thanks to Chris Gregg for recommending the Eureka Hot Shot Steamer for
>key bushing removal.  It's an excellent tool for removing key bushings
>plus I can clean the tile in my bathroom when I'm really bored.  With
>the 90 degree nozzle attachment you can just set it on the bench and
>rotate the keys one at a time doing both the balance and front rail at a
>go.  The push button release allows you to turn the steam on and off as
>needed and not turn your shop into a steam room.  I find that presoaking
>the bushings is still helpful.  

>I did discover something in this process which helps size the balance
>rail hole correctly.  The steam produced by this product comes out with
>a fair amount of force and tends to oversize the balance rail hole
>necessitating a fair amount of reaming (as do most steaming processes).
>To remedy this I took a new balance rail pin, same size as the original,
>and slid a cloth front rail punching about halfway down it and then
>tacked the punching in place with a drop of CA glue.  When steaming out
>the balance rail bushing, I held the key upside down over the steam jet
>having first inserted the prepared balance rail pin into the balance
>rail hole.  The attached punching keeps it from sliding down into the
>key.  When injecting the steam into the mortise, the balance rail hole
>is sized around the inserted pin.  Leave it in place to cool for a
>moment as you turn the key around and steam out the front rail bushing.
>Then remove it and go on to the next key in the same manner.  When I
>slid the keys back onto the balance rail pins in the frame after
>installing the new bushings, they fit perfectly with very little, if
>any, reaming required.  With the iron and strip of cloth method of
>steaming, this would not be possible.

>BTW, I was able to find the Eureka Hot Shot Steamer for $49.00 at
>www.allbrands.com/products/abp02149-0391.html?ppc=froogle


>David Love
>davidlovepianos@comcast.net 




>_______________________________________________
>pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives