[pianotech] Using a burn in knife to repair lacquer

[johnparham at piano88.com]

Paul,

"just make sure your knife isn't too hot, so use a
lamp dimmer to bring down the voltage."

I understand the concept here, but have never seen a knife hooked up to
an electrical source.  Do you have a picture of your set up?

-John Parham

> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Using a burn in knife to repair lacquer
> From: "Paul McCloud" <pmc033 at earthlink.net>
> Date: Wed, January 12, 2011 11:11 am
> To: pianotech at ptg.org
> 
> 
> Some years ago I had a video from Mohawk that was excellent.  I don't have
> any contact info handy, but they probably have that video still available. 
> I bet if you check You Tube there will be plenty of stuff there too.  
> I do a lot of this type of repair.  It's not that hard.  If you have the
> equipment and sticks, just make sure your knife isn't too hot, so use a
> lamp dimmer to bring down the voltage.  When you touch the knife to the
> stick, it shouldn't bubble.  Put burn-in balm (looks like vaseline) around
> the area.  Melt the stick into the hole.  Level using the knife blade
> across the hole.  You can use a single-edge blade to scrape it level if you
> like, but be careful not to scratch the area around the damage.  Sand
> level, match the sheen with steel wool or polish if it's higher gloss. 
> Black sticks never seem to match the black, it always looks grey-er, so
> don't expect a perfect repair.  
> 	Have fun (yet?)
> 	Paul McCloud
> 	San Diego
> 
> 
> > [Original Message]
> > From: David Love <davidlovepianos at comcast.net>
> > To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
> > Date: 01/12/2011 7:07:30 AM
> > Subject: [pianotech] Using a burn in knife to repair lacquer
> >
> > Does anyone know of a good pamphlet or instructional video on how to use a
> > burn in knife to repair lacquer (black).  I need to make a small repair
> but
> > finish stuff is not in my area of expertise.
> >
> > David Love
> > www.davidlovepianos.com
> >
> >