[pianotech] English Overdamper piano pinblocks

[Dean May]

Indeed, I bow to your more in depth knowledge of their construction. :-)

I've never seen a pinblock that didn't have at least a couple of
laminations. But the cross section of piano I see in rural Indiana is
admittedly pretty limited. 

But I do have a fair amount of experience with the CA. I'll stand by the
recommendation: CA first to deep penetrate, then epoxy to fill the gaps.
Knowing there are no laminations makes it even more important, IMHO, to use
the CA, so it will soak and support the inadequate construction. Epoxy just
will not go into the cellular structure of the wood like CA will, unless you
thin it first, then you lose strength as you know. Epoxy bonds surface to
surface. 

That's what Dean would do, which is not always the right thing. Often wrong,
never in doubt. 

Dean
Dean W May                (812) 235-5272 voice and text 
PianoRebuilders.com    (888) DEAN-MAY        
Terre Haute IN 47802
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Joseph Garrett
Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2012 8:26 PM
To: pianotech
Subject: [pianotech] English Overdamper piano pinblocks

Dean May said:
"I think along the same lines as Doug here. Pin blocks are cross laminated,
so you are seeing a separation of a butt joint of the top layer, which is
essentially what that birds eye is, the top layer of the pin block. I
wouldn't worry about it unless you are experiencing loose pins in the
affected areas. 
 
Unlike Joe, I would use thin CA first. No way will epoxy penetrate to the
places where the thin CA can get. Then if there are any appreciable gaps
(hard to tell from the picture) fill them up with epoxy. "
 
Dean,
Your knowledge of these pianos is, obviously, limited, at best.<G> They are
not "cross laminated"!! If you'd ever taken one of those apart, down to the
back posts, cross members and actual pin block, you would know what is
really happening in there. Obviously you have not done that. FYI, the
pinblocks on the majority of them is simply uniform sized blocks of
European Beech, butt jointed and then a thin veneer on the front and a flat
sawn board, of dubious ilk, on the back! The glue joints fail when the
piano is taken out of the high humidity/poor heating systemed British
households of that period of time, and put into far dryer atmospheres! Most
who have been to my shop, have seen my Lawn Art, that consists of such
pianos sitting out in the elements. A few years of Oregon liquid sunshine,
disassembles them to the point of examination and enlightenment.<G>
For all who have responded, as you have, I'd advise getting your facts
straight before jumping on the Iknow Iknow band wagon.<G>
As for the abilities of CA glue, you needs to do you homework, imo.

Thanks for listening.
Joe


Joe Garrett, R.P.T.
Captain of the Tool Police
Squares R I



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