To the List: I've just started my second soundboard installation on a Steinway A. After some sensitivity training, I removed the soundboard from the rim with my trusty 2 x 4 and sledge hammer. When I got to cleaning up the rim top of old glue and residual tone wood, I tried something a little different than my first board. I started by sopping the wood with water and chiseled off as much of the spruce as I could without cutting into the maple rim. Then I proceeded to steam short sections with a SHARK steamer that I bought at Kohl's for $40. This little steamer looks like a tall coffee pot with a tapered conical spout that has a very small opening at the end. So it will direct a fairly strong jet of steam at the target in a pretty focused manner. It was great for loosening and wetting the remaining wood fibers, making them easier to remove. You could also see it liquefy and start moving the hide glue scum, making it easy to scrape it off the rim top. It also made it easier to clean out the rib notches. And for cleaning up the underside of the bridge. I think it made this cleanup go a bit faster, but what I most liked about this tool was how clean I was able to get the surface without disturbing it too much and hacking it up with my chisels. I am guessing others have experience with such steam tools, and perhaps have greater insight to share. Will Truitt -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech_ptg.org/attachments/20090423/755058b9/attachment.html>
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