workshop set-up

[Fenton Murray]

I converted over to T8 lighting, it's great. Another danger of PVC for air is if it gets hit it will fracture.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dean May 
  To: 'Pianotech List' 
  Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 7:06 AM
  Subject: RE: workshop set-up


  I haven't done this yet but have read an article on it and am convinced it would be a good way to go for my uninsulated concrete floor. Lay down panels of Styrofoam insulation board 1" thick. Then install a floating laminate floor with the snap/glue together planks. The Styrofoam is moisture resistant, but not a moisture barrier. This will keep moisture from getting trapped under the floor system. 

   

  Another consideration is lighting. I invested in several 8' double fluorescent fixtures. They cost close to $100 each with the bulbs and they buzz. I would not do this again. I would use the screw in compact fluorescent bulbs. You can get them with 200 watt equivalent light output for about $8/bulb. Add the cost of a plastic fixture, about $1.50, and you've got less than $10 per fixture. They don't buzz and 2 of them put out more light for less energy consumption and a whole lot less money. They also sell a version of them in a dusk to dawn fixture with 400 watt equivalent for about $50. I haven't played with any of those. 

   

  I'm not saying I did it but I know a guy who also ran plastic water piping for shop air. This is dangerous because pressure spikes in the system can cause the plastic to explode sending dangerous shards. But he ran all of the plastic inside the walls and ceiling for safety. Any exposed piping was metal. Having compressed air outlets around the shop is really handy. This guy normally keeps his air pressure around 50 (keeps the kids from blowing up bike tires) and doesn't use any equipment with snap solenoid valves. 

   

  Dean

  Dean May             cell 812.239.3359 

  PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 

  Terre Haute IN  47802


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  From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Fenton Murray
  Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 12:22 AM
  To: Pianotech List
  Subject: Re: workshop set-up

   

  This is my 2nd reply to this post.

  As I mentioned twice before, dust collection should be a priority. Also, not mentioned is consideration of a wooden floor. I have two 550sf buildings both of which have slab floors. I laid a wooden floor in one a couple of years ago, can't wait to do my other. A raised floor and a ceiling with insulated attic will really help to maintain an even climate, all of this is good for the pianos and the people working on them.

  Fenton

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: Carlos Ralon 

    To: Pianotech List 

    Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 8:20 AM

    Subject: Re: workshop set-up

     

    After over 50 years of working in half the space that Isaac has, I have just finished a 28x40' shop in a new gambrel roofed pole barn, insulated and heated, with metal roof and sides.  My wife is assured that I'm nuts, but now my son-in-law (an RPT) and I can restore in comfort without tripping over tools and piano parts. We farm out SB's and refinishing, always installing blocks and actions in nearly every piano.  We do have the essential shop equipment for medium to heavy restoration.  I just spent most of my kids inheirance.  Oh yes, I still tune about 200 pianos a year and oil steam engines on Liberty Ships.

    Carlos Ralon, RPT 

     

    P.S.  On Dec. 24th we lost a great supporter of the piano business in the Washington, DC area. Bill McCormack Jr, owner of Jordan Kitts Music Co passed away.  The DC chapter met regulary at his main warehouse. He will be missed.  CKR.

      ----- Original Message ----- 

      From: Isaac Sadigursky 

      To: 'Pianotech List' 

      Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2008 5:14 PM

      Subject: workshop set-up

       

      Happy New Year!

      Speaking from experience of working for 3 different piano dealers in Los Angeles in 1974-85 ,  I would  recommend to start any workshop with:

      1]work bench or two or three

      2]AIR compressor is a must  to clean dirty pianos and actions and then  in my shop I got addicted to air- driven tools

      3]at least a couple  of old file cabinets to keep parts dust-free,moth-mouse-rats free and well organized..

      4]Plan for the future and have some folding chairs to host local PTG meetings.Dealerships and workshop are the BEST meeting places.Separate  area to store Chairs,coffee pot,etc.would be nessesary,too.

      I  would love to see Listers  adding their preferences in tools and supplies.This is just a start..My 3-car garage is MY Territory plus an outdoor area for tools and parts.

        Best wishes for New Year to everyone on the List.

       
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