tight front rail key bushings (Chinese)

[pmc033 at earthlink.net]

I service a lot of these Chinese pianos, and the only thing I've been able
to do is squeeze the heck out of the keys.  I"ve tried heated cauls, which
works for the moment, but tomorrow it's back.  The keys in our pianos are
laminated, which means that squeezing them is against some end grain.  I
wish I had vice-grip easing pliers for this job.  That way I could get the
job done consistently.  Truth is, the mortises are too small (or cloth too
thick), and there's too many of these pianos to rebush them all with
thinner cloth, or open up the mortices with files.  
Regards,
	Paul McCloud
	San Diego


> [Original Message]
> From: J Patrick Draine <jpdraine at gmail.com>
> To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 08/03/2006 1:21:50 PM
> Subject: Re: tight front rail key bushings (Chinese)
>
> Well, if the cloth wasn't so darned thin, I'd say you should get & use
> the electric keybushing easer (soldering iron w/ various sized tips).
> I've used it myself on similar Chinese pianos, but the felt went from
> "thin" to "paper thin."
> I think the large caul & alcohol & water procedure would work, but
> make sure you dry them out thoroughly (i.e. in a hot box). I wouldn't
> be surprised if the key wood has some seasoning procedures neglected.
> Perhaps a call to their tech support is in order -- they might pay to
> have it done "properly" rather than expediently!
> Oh, have you checked the friction on the key pins? Maybe a good
> cleaning & polishing will remove some residual gunk and get you out of
> the red zone.
> Good luck,
> Patrick Draine
>
> On 8/3/06, TOM DRISCOLL <tomtuner at verizon.net> wrote:
> >
> >
> > List,
> >     I've been asked to prep a 7' Hardman (Dongbei ) for a dealer.
> >     This piano has front rail key bushings that refuse to stay eased.