<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)">  <style>  </style>  </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue> <div class=Section1> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> Subject: Wurlitzer Console Woes<o:p></o:p> </div> <o:p> </o:p> <div> Hi, All:<o:p></o:p> There was a recent discussion about Wurlitzer console action problems. My customer has a sluggish action, where the slightest amount of friction upsets the balance, and the key, won't return. Also, someone sprayed something on this action that’s softened the wood. Many of the wippen flanges are loose and you can wiggle the wippens side to side. I took a flange off to repin it, and the flange split in two while I was removing the pin. I blame whatever was sprayed everywhere on the wood. It’s also made the a! ction centers sticky. I may have to add weights somewhere before all is said and done. <o:p></o:p> But that’s not my immediate problem. I need to replace the action screws which broke off inside the piano. You know the ones- they’re buried behind the plate. I got the new Grab-It kit from the local H.D. and I found a Wurlitzer screw remover in the Schaff catalog. Anybody have any luck with this? I also need the screws. I did find some lag bolts that are the same size, which I’ll use if I have to. <o:p></o:p> Any suggestions (aside from trashing this thing) would be welcome. Thanks!<o:p></o:p> Paul McCloud<o:p></o:p> Paul,<o:p></o:p> I’ll leave the action problems aside here and address the broken action bracket screws. We have a gazillion of these little things up here in the northeast.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> To be clear these are the four LONG round head screws that attach the top of each bracket into the wood behind the plate.<o:p></o:p> They pass through phenolic? spacers.<o:p></o:p> Keep these in order. They are sometimes different lengths and the left one is notched for clearance of the #1 bass string .<o:p></o:p> Anyway, we have a gazillion of these little things up here in the northeast.<o:p></o:p> The problem is that the screw(s) are too long-thin-soft for their application.<o:p></o:p> All is fine for 30+ years until the technician tries to back them out. One clue is their color. The blued not silver screws are the most likely to break.<o:p></o:p> A test attempt at removal will tell the story and you can price the job accordingly before the customer agrees to your final fee.<o:p></o:p> I hate having to change an agreed upon price 10 minutes into the job.<o:p></o:p> Back one out a quarter turn and if it feels like silly putty then twists back on release you have a candidate for breakage.<o:p></o:p> If they back out and feel “normal “I don’t replace.<o:p></o:p> I’ve had no luck with pre-lubing the suckers before attempt at removal. Sometimes they just have to break. <o:p></o:p> So here is the easy fix and you can get everything at your local hardware store.<o:p></o:p> Action is already removed here.<o:p></o:p> Punch a dimple in the remaining part of the screw and drill a hole for an EZOUT.<o:p></o:p> The directions will tell you how they work and what drill size to use.<o:p></o:p> The remaining part of the screw is usually not frozen and will come out with no problem.<o:p></o:p> You won’t find round head wood screws of that length –diameter without special order so I replace with ¼” (If I remember the size) hex head lag screws. Bring the pieces of screw with you to the hardware and match up diameter and length. (There are two different lengths in each piano!)<o:p></o:p> In the shop I cut a slot in the head of each screw to accept a large screw driver as there isn’t much room to use a ratchet and the next technician who wants to remove the action will thank you. <o:p></o:p> Of course by then you’ll be dead and probably not care.<o:p></o:p> .A little VJ-Teflon on the threads and a backwards turn first and they fall right in.<o:p></o:p> This job looks like a nightmare but really is pretty easy.<o:p></o:p> Best wishes <o:p></o:p> Tom Driscoll RPT<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </div> </div> </body> </html> No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.13/1378 - Release Date: 4/15/2008 9:12 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.13/1378 - Release Date: 4/15/2008 9:12 AM