<HTML style="FONT-SIZE: x-small; FONT-FAMILY: MS Sans Serif"><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.2963" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <P> <DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>I am in the process of restoring an 1844 8' grand similar to the broadwood used by chopin in england.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>the hammers look original, or close to original and still have a good amount of felt.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>I would like to keep the original felt if possible by softening the old and hardened felt in some way.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>I am working with a piano tech who mentioned that re-felting would be ideal..</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>I would like to see if there is some way or restoring the resiliency of the felt with steam or distilled water and a hair drier or something..</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>what would be the best way?</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>cheers,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>Max DM,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Refelt!!! There is no way, I know, of "restoring" olde, (read DEAD), Felt.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>Regards,</FONT></DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Joseph Garrett, R.P.T.</DIV> <DIV>Captain, Tool Police</DIV> <DIV>Squares R I</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P></P></BODY></HTML>