[pianotech] dremel tool

Mon Dec 1 14:57:52 PST 2008

Paul, first loose the guide. It will take some practice.

 I did a technical on this for my chapter, but no one take pictures. 

Some hints. 

1, Use the highest speed on an electric. Battery Dremel will work, but it's too slow to do a really good job. 

2, Keep it moving quickly and use very little pressure. Always going with the rotation. Never come back with it. (BIG GOUGE) Go over the hammer many times taking as little felt as possible on each pass. 

3, Start by doing the top of the hammer, (2, 3 even 4 strokes over the top) then do the striking area, (same way), then do the underside, (You will usually need to do that from the other side of the action). I can't do it in 15 minutes, but under 1/2 hour. it's much faster that filing by hand. As I said before, verticals only. I don't use it on grands.

Al G

  From: Paul T Williams 
  Sent: Monday, December 01, 2008 5:25 PM
  To: David Ilvedson ; pianotech at ptg.org 
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] dremel tool

  Me too! I HATE filing! (unless a mild job!) 

  I tried my first set on a practice piano last spring using the Dremel and that "guide" attachment.  Came out horribly!!  No control, but maybe experience could help. The hammers were shot anyway, so I thought I would give it a go.  I'm nervous on trying it again ;o#....but hey, a 15-20 minute job would be great.  I have lots of old hammers in boxes (don't ask...I don't know why...) Do you sometimes just take off the ends of nasty grooves to help with string breakage in the capo area? 

  Pictures please if you can...Thanks! 

  Paul 

        "David Ilvedson" <ilvey at sbcglobal.net> 
        Sent by: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org 
        12/01/2008 02:26 PM Please respond to
              David Ilvedson <ilvey at sbcglobal.net>; Please respond to
              pianotech at ptg.org 

       To pianotech at ptg.org  
              cc  
              Subject Re: [pianotech] dremel tool 

  Mike, 

  Sometime when you get a chance, I'd like to see a few photos of the finished product of a 15 minute hammer filing... 

  Thanks... 

  David Ilvedson, RPTPacifica, CA 94044 
  Original messageFrom: "Mike Kurta"  To:  Received: 12/1/2008 12:19:02 PMSubject: Re: [pianotech] dremel tool 
      I'm a frequent user and believer in the gospel according to Dremel.  For myself, I purchased two:  The first is a 110 Volt variable speed machine with a flex cable.  Used with a sanding drum and guide from Schaff, you can reshape a set of hammers in about 15 minutes, then final finish by hand if desired.  The second is a battery operated motor which is great if you're working outside with no power available or just want to use it for small jobs.  Its really handy for things like sharpening a chain saw in the field.  As far as accessories, I've found the usual set of grinding stones are needed, but also cutoff wheels and buffing wheels come in handy.  Dremel tools have their limitations, but in a pinch they can be an answer to a maiden's prayer....they make great Christmas gifts. 
      Mike Kurta, RPT 
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