from a neat freak

[David Skolnik]

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Allen -

I own something such as what you describe, if not the exact same.  I use it 
for cleaning actions, taking them outside of the shop, as piano dust dost 
do me in.  I would only consider such an approach in the home environment 
if I were to employ LaRoy's technique. Edwards, that is.  I believe it was 
he who demonstrated using two vacuums, one reversed to blow, and a plastic 
sheet, of some sort, taped down around the piano's permitter.  The pulling 
vac is inserted at one end or side of the piano, the active vac, or 
compressor in the other.

I don't think it responsible to put the dust-contents of a piano into the 
air, even with customer consent.  Most would have no idea how insidious 
that stuff is.  Even doing a particularly nasty action outside (without 
first vacuuming the bulk of the dust) is not particularly environmentally 
nice, and without a really good breeze happening, could remain suspended in 
the immediately surrounding air and affect you.

I've used Spurlock's "squeegy tool" , if that's the one you mean, for a 
number of years now, and find them excellent, again, when used with a 
vacuum. Use them either alone or with a cloth that holds dust, like 
"One-Wipe" by Guardsman.  There are many. Yes, there is always that small 
area under the over-strung section that defies complete access, but, 
from  Jon Page's in his post, it sounds like I just need to be a bit more 
resourceful.

What I will, on occasion use, is a can of (Ozone friendly) compressed air, 
again, with a vacuum.  While it has some useful applications,  the cautions 
above apply, in addition to which, the can must remain mostly upright, to 
prevent the propellant from being sprayed out onto the piano parts.  Also, 
these can only be used in brief intervals, as they tend to freeze under use.

A neat freak.  When I first started tuning, in NYC area, I heard stories 
about Ernst Neubauer, an older technician who had just past away,  His 
customers seemed to live in fear of his judgements regarding their 
housekeeping.  While I can't yet evoke quite that level of response, the 
allergic sensitivities I have developed  over the years force me to insist 
that the piano be reasonably clean before I work on it.

Good luck -

David Skolnik



At 01:09 AM 7/26/2005 -0400, you wrote:

>In perusing my Sears tool catalogue, I noticed a couple of lightweight (5 
>or 7 lbs.) 120 volt portable air compressors for only $40 - $50. Have any 
>of you used something like this to clean clients pianos? I know it would 
>be a bit messy, but it sure would be easier than using the 
>under-the-strings squegee-like tools I have.  If the client has a vacuum 
>and wouldn't mind a little dust and junk to clean up around the piano, it 
>seems like it might be a good approach. Unless it's on a spotless new 
>carpet, I suppose - then you'd probably have to get involved in spreading 
>ground cloths around! Well, maybe it would depend on the situation and 
>environment. I've certainly been in houses where doing this would hardly 
>affect the overall cleanliness level!
>
>I've often wished I could blow an action out on the spot - one could even 
>take it outside to do it if it was really nasty.
>
>Any feedback or opinions?
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Allen Wright, RPT
>Cincinnati, Ohio

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