<HTML>In a message dated 5/25/03 7:50:35 AM Central Daylight= Time, mkurta@adelphia.net writes: <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT= : 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">We are looking at some possibil= ities:  1.  I used the entire length of the new pin into the wood,= did it weaken the bridge along its length?  Did the pins drive in too = tightly starting the split?   Was there a flaw in the wood?  = I havn't seen it yet, so will examine.  Should I use smaller diameter p= ins next time?  Should they be angled more toward the center (each othe= r) at the bottom of the bridge?  Was there a design flaw in the origina= l bridge we are repeating?     Any ideas?&nbsp= ; HELP !     Mike Kurta</FON= T> </BLOCKQUOTE> Mike I haven't done too many bridges, but I wonder if there is too much side bear= ing. To make sure there is just enough, but not too much, set the pins along= the string line. In other words, before drilling the holes in the bridge, a= ttach the new bridge to the piano, and put the strings on. Draw a line on ei= ther side of the string, and drill the holes, (with corresponding angles, of= course) in between the lines. If the pins are put in the same line as the s= tring, there will be enough offset for side bearing. Wim </HTML>