[pianotech] Safe-T-Planer

[Jim Henson]

I've found that it's usually warped keys that cause inconsistancy w/ the
clamp & router jig, but i am able to move quickly then fix 2-5 per set.
On Jan 24, 2012 11:10 AM, "John Ross" <jrpiano at eastlink.ca> wrote:

> Hi Joe,
> Noise cancelling earphones work great.
> Probably available just as ear defenders.
> Interesting observation about the sides of the keys not being square.
> So I quess clamp from the top and secure from the side.
> I have some cam clamps from Lee Valley, I am going to try and utilize them
> in a better securing system.
> I do like the smoothness of the router.
> Safer too, no fingers in the way.
>
> John Ross
> Windsor, Nova Scotia
> On 24-01-2012, at 12:43 PM, Joseph Garrett wrote:
>
> All,
> I've used a Safe-T-Planer for quite a while. I have a special "Table" that
> I bolt to the main table of my Radial Arm Drill Press. Believe me I have
> all kinds of ways to adjust. AND, I have all the latest gizmos to make sure
> the "planer" is square to the table. (This is an absolute necessary
> thing!!!...you haven't lived until you've had that sucker "kick back" on
> ya! damhik!)
> There are a few factors of keys, that need to be considered: 1. The sides
> of the keys are not consistantly "square" with the top and the bottom of
> the key(s)! This is a given, for what ever reason. You may go: "Huh?" on
> that one, because we do want the top to be square with the front edge(s) of
> the key sides. Yes. However the overall trueness of all of the key side
> varies. This is one of the reasons I don't like using the "jig" for the use
> of Routers to do this job. My biggest complaint on routers is that they
> kill your hearing!! (even with ear plugs and muffs, they are still in the
> 90-100 decibel range into your ears!) Also, because they are rotating at
> such a high rpm, they are difficult to control. Vibration factor is not to
> my liking. BTW, I have 4 routers. some are pretty fancy smancy ones,
> tobesure.<G>
> But, I digress....back to the Safe-T-Planer. One thing is for sure...it is
> NOT SAFE! One of my apprentices, in her own shop, got her hand under that
> sucker! It was not pretty! So,...keep your "safety alerts" on at all times.
> I've found that a slight touch up, of the blades, with a diamond tool on
> each use, assures smooth cuts. Also, I run my drill press at it's highest
> speed. Both of those factors help to keep the surface smooth. There are
> those keys, that are made out of crap wood. Nothing will help to eliminate
> "tear out" and other annomolies. Just get out the wood dough and patch/sand
> before applying the key tops. It's part of the job. Even with the
> Safe-T-Planer, I like to do a quick sanding to assure a consistant surface
> to glue to. I do that with the aforementioned "Sanding Board". Also, I have
> ALL of the literature pertinent to the use of the Safe-T-Planer. I do
> re-read it and don't trust my memory, as you should do, as well.<G> It's a
> good tool when used correctly. In the case of keys, the only consistancy is
> a total lack of consistancy...so, ya have to have a flexible system.
> Regards,
> Joe
>
>
> Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
> Captain of the Tool Police
> Squares R I
>
>
>
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