[pianotech] knabe knapstons

[Chuck Vetter]

Nice Tool Ron!
I used to be demonstrably crazy but have been leaning more toward latently 
insane as I get older.
I did extensive research into a lubricant and settled on paste wax that just 
happened to be within reach of my bench.
Didn't ebonize (charcoalize) any sticks. I don't always yield to temptation.
Thanks all!
Chuck
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron Nossaman" <rnossaman at cox.net>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 1:56 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] knabe knapstons


> On 1/19/2011 1:22 PM, Chuck Vetter wrote:
>
>> Am I crazy to create a slightly larger hole.......very slightly?
>
>
> Well, you're demonstrably crazy, but this probably isn't why. <G>
>
> Joe's right that a lubricant will make the wood spongy. That, in this
> case, is just what you need for a friendlier fit, in my estimation. A
> non-liquid lubricant will limit the spongy area to the interface between
> capstan and wood, which is also just what you need.
>
> Or you can heat them out, which won't leave "residoo", and refit new
> capstans. The new ones will likely have different threads (Murphy) so
> you may have to plug the holes and start from scratch. It just depends
> on how much time you want to spend to get a pretty job that works about
> like a quicker and not as pretty job. But then if you're reengineering
> the action and maybe moving capstans in the process, that's an answer too.
>
> On heating out capstans; I've used a propane torch with good result. All
> keys out and on the bench. Three or four seconds of the capstan head
> held in the flame (which is NOT pointed at the key stick. Bring the key
> to the torch), set the key down and grab the next one. Do maybe ten at a
> time allowing the heat to soak in and work, then go back and crank out
> the capstans with your handy wire crank. Heat the next ten, etc.
> Ron N
>