<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; = charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 10 (filtered)"> <style>  </style> </head> <body bgcolor=white lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple> <div class=Section1> Of course, a smooth FW system is = patented by David Stanwood.  With varying KR’s you will have to choose between uniform BW and smooth FW.  Personally, I would opt for = uniform BW.  Others may disagree.  Of course, you can do a varied capstan = line, one for sharps one for naturals since your different KRs are divided = that way.  That way you can achieve a relatively uniform R and then the = degree to which your FWs are smooth will depend on how accurate you are with = SWs and inherent irregularities in balance rail line and other things.  The = way around that is to use an assist spring wippen (more $$$).  Depends = on how much you and they want to get into it.  The sharps and naturals = feel differently enough anyway due to their difference in overall length that = a small variation in BW or FW between the two will probably not be = noticed.  Anything you do along these lines will be enough of an improvement that = they will probably buy you the beer.    <div> David Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net </div> -----Original = Message----- From: = pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of Farrell Sent: Thursday, August = 04, 2005 6:01 PM To: Pianotech Subject: Re: Action Balancing/Leverage Quagmire   Thanks for the = input David. Comments interspersed:   With a .55 key ratio you definitely need a 17 mm knuckle, probably an 18 mm but = they don’t make them.  Ideal  situation would be if the = action would accommodate a capstan move to .52  with a knuckle at 17 mm.  Variations in the leading and balance weight with a non conforming SW = curve accounts for the range of BWs through the action.  Friction range = is too great.  Check the key easing on the high ones and remeasure balance weights to see if that’s the problem.  Remeasure the bore = distance (string height to flange center) and see if the hammers are bored correctly.  Improper checking might be due to improper tailing or incorrect backcheck angle.    Haven't checked = where all the friction is coming from - but sure, we need to do that. And that's = what I was getting at when I stated crappy hammers. Hammers (they are new) overstrike, and are bored at an angle so that the nearly squared-off = tails stick outward to the rear - these things will never check as is unless = maybe you put some bubble gum on each backcheck. The action needs new = hammers, bored properly with tails arced properly.    Best fix:    1.      Remeasure hammer bore dimension and = either replace the hammers or, after removing from original shanks,  plug = and redrill if they are wrong (a little tricky when they are already tailed, = but can be done. (4 hours) 2.        <div> Yup. Would like = to just replace. </div> 1.      Dry fit onto new 17 mm shanks and = smooth strike weights using a table saw for clean tapering.  Retail to = correct radius.  With .55 key ratio you will need SWs on the lighter = side.  Do some samples and determine if your curve will allow you to move the = FWs back down below maximums.  If you are unable to get the hammers light = enough to bring the BWs down with reasonable FWs, experiment with a capstan move = to .52 or as far as you can without going off the cushion.  Double check = your new BW/FW relationship with some samples. (4-8 hours) <div>   </div> <div> Sounds good! = </div> <div>   </div> <div> So you would = recommend consistent BWs across the keyboard over smooth FWs (if I am reading you correctly), i.e. sacrifice perfectly smooth FWs to achieve consistent = BWs? </div> 1.      Install new hammers. (3 = hours) <div>   </div> <div> Would love = to. </div> 1.      Bench regulate and address friction = areas checking keys and pinning.  Include check of backcheck angle and/or = new leather. (4-6 hours). 2.      Reweigh action by charting BW for = each note and then remove lead at 1:1 ratio (1 gram off FW reduces BW by 1 = gram) to achieve desired BW.  (4 hours) 3.      Take to customer and do final = reglation, tuning and voicing in piano. (4 hours) 4.      Give bill (estimate 22 – 28 = hours plus pick up and delivery, plus shanks, plus new capstans if = needed—add 3 hours and a new set of hammers if new hammers are in order) collect = money go home and drink beer.  Your mileage may vary. <div>   </div> <div> David = Love davidlovepianos@comcast.net<font= size=2 color=navy> = </div> <div>   </div> <div> Thanks for your = input. Phil? - time to put your salesman's hat on! </div> <div>   </div> <div> Terry = Farrell </div> </div> </body> </html>