[pianotech] Finish Repair Question

[Encore Pianos]

Most wood putties that I have used over the years would shrink too much over
that large a span and crack.  There may be some out there that won't, but I
have not used them.  And it will be more difficult and time consuming to
level, require lots of sanding, and another one or two applications of
putty, followed by more sanding and leveling.  Whereas, with the piece of
wood, you can quickly take it in and out and fit it by hand and machine.
You can then easily putty any small gaps around it.  Cover both with lacquer
and it all disappears if you have done your job well.

Even if there are putties out there that would not shrink, it would still be
less work  and you will get a cleaner and more leveled piece by making it
from wood.  And considering the level of rebuilding work that you do, I have
no doubt that you have the woodworking skills and the tools to make the
piece fairly readily.  

With either method, that area will have to be refinished.

Will 

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Love
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 6:47 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Finish Repair Question

No, it's an L.  I was wondering about putty.  Why is it too big to putty?  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Encore Pianos
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 3:44 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Finish Repair Question

I think you will have to start by making a strip of wood to inlay into the
area.  I would start by cleaning up the surface and leveling it as well as
possible in order to have the best mating surface to glue the new piece to.
Then make a new piece to fit in there, probably out of maple scrap.  Start
by cutting it to length and width, leaving it too thick.  I would go back
and forth to a belt sander with a finer grit on it, leveling it until flush.
Any gaps around it can be puttied and sanded.  I would secure it in place
with several shortened bridge pins, then clamp it in place with glue of
choice.  

It's really too big an area to think about puttying or burning in.  

Is that a B?

Will Truitt

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of David Love
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 6:11 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] Finish Repair Question

I had to chisel this area out underneath the glide on a Steinway.  The piano
will not be refinished only touched up.  What is the substance of choice to
fill this area (about 1/8" deep) that will allow for the best finish
matching surface for the surrounding area.  I don't usually do this type of
work and probably won't in this case but I am curious.  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com