<html> <body> Allen - I own something such as what you describe, if not the exact same.  I use it for cleaning actions, taking them outside of the shop, as piano dust dost do me in.  I would only consider such an approach in the home environment if I were to employ LaRoy's technique. Edwards, that is.  I believe it was he who demonstrated using two vacuums, one reversed to blow, and a plastic sheet, of some sort, taped down around the piano's permitter.  The pulling vac is inserted at one end or side of the piano, the active vac, or compressor in the other.  I don't think it responsible to put the dust-contents of a piano into the air, even with customer consent.  Most would have no idea how insidious that stuff is.  Even doing a particularly nasty action outside (without first vacuuming the bulk of the dust) is not particularly environmentally nice, and without a really good breeze happening, could remain suspended in the immediately surrounding air and affect you. I've used Spurlock's "squeegy tool" , if that's the one you mean, for a number of years now, and find them excellent, again, when used with a vacuum. Use them either alone or with a cloth that holds dust, like "One-Wipe" by Guardsman.  There are many. Yes, there is always that small area under the over-strung section that defies complete access, but, from  Jon Page's in his post, it sounds like I just need to be a bit more resourceful. What I will, on occasion use, is a can of (Ozone friendly) compressed air, again, with a vacuum.  While it has some useful applications,  the cautions above apply, in addition to which, the can must remain mostly upright, to prevent the propellant from being sprayed out onto the piano parts.  Also, these can only be used in brief intervals, as they tend to freeze under use.  A neat freak.  When I first started tuning, in NYC area, I heard stories about Ernst Neubauer, an older technician who had just past away,  His customers seemed to live in fear of his judgements regarding their housekeeping.  While I can't yet evoke quite that level of response, the allergic sensitivities I have developed  over the years force me to insist that the piano be reasonably clean before I work on it. Good luck - David Skolnik At 01:09 AM 7/26/2005 -0400, you wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">In perusing my Sears tool catalogue, I noticed a couple of lightweight (5 or 7 lbs.) 120 volt portable air compressors for only $40 - $50. Have any of you used something like this to clean clients pianos? I know it would be a bit messy, but it sure would be easier than using the under-the-strings squegee-like tools I have.  If the client has a vacuum and wouldn't mind a little dust and junk to clean up around the piano, it seems like it might be a good approach. Unless it's on a spotless new carpet, I suppose - then you'd probably have to get involved in spreading ground cloths around! Well, maybe it would depend on the situation and environment. I've certainly been in houses where doing this would hardly affect the overall cleanliness level! I've often wished I could blow an action out on the spot - one could even take it outside to do it if it was really nasty. Any feedback or opinions? Sincerely, Allen Wright, RPT Cincinnati, Ohio </blockquote></body> </html>