bridge recapping tools

[Allan Gilreath, RPT]

Good morning all,

As Ron said, choice of tools depends on the user (I love my registered
mortise chisel) except for one that I would recommend to all: Kevlar gloves.
It used to be very obvious every time I would be carving a bridge because I
would walk around with bandages on my fingertips for a few days but these
work great for me. I started with the ones from Highland woodworking (about
$15/pair) and now buy them from Machinist's Supply Company (mscdirect.com)
for substantially less. They come in different weights but most anything is
suitable for our applications to keep from cutting the fingertips while
feeling and guiding a chisel that's that sharp. BTW, it helps keep blood off
of the pretty new soundboards and bridgecaps.

Happy notching and enjoy that state of Zen once it all gets to working
smoothly.

Allan
Allan L. Gilreath, RPT

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Ron Nossaman
Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008 9:33 AM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: bridge recapping tools


> Curious why the advice not to plane a laminated cap. Just appearance or 
> concern about delamination if a layer is excessively thin? or?
> Gene

Grain won't likely rise in the same direction in each layer, 
so you're very likely to get tear out as you break through. 
Glue planes differently than wood. These are also the reasons 
laminated caps are somewhat harder to hand notch than solid 
wood. Appearance is also a consideration.

I figured that the first recapping and notching experience 
doesn't need this extra complication.
Ron N