Touch weight

Fred Sturm fssturm@unm.edu
Fri, 19 Dec 2003 08:11:16 -0700



--On Friday, December 19, 2003 9:54 AM -0500 Wimblees@aol.com wrote:
>
> I was going to work on the keys first, making sure they are free of any
> friction. I was going to spray Teflon on the balance rail at both the top
> and bottom, and spray the front bushing cloths. If there is still some
> friction, carefully ease the bushings. Next I was going to spray the
> wippen cushions. Last I was going to check hammer flange pinning. I do
> this by setting the action on a cradle, and doing the swing test, trying
> to get all the hammers to swing evenly.
> I have, in the past, repinned those that were not giving me at least 5
> swings. I have, on occasion, used protek to loosen up the pinning. But
> now you say I should use small amounts o methanol, instead of protek.
> What is the difference, and why?
> Wim

Wim,
	The Steinway "Permafree II" action centers are impregnated with a teflon 
solution, which lubricates and provides additional firmness. We had quite a 
bit of discussion of this over the past couple months, with respect to 
firmness versus friction.
	No other manufacturer uses this method. Most others are pure, 
"unadulterated" felt, some have graphite applied to one surface. All others 
will respond to lubrication with Protek, and/or to shrinking/sizing with 
alcohol/water. Steinway will not respond to either, due to that 
impregnation with teflon. Pure methanol, a controlled substance, is 
available (at least in colder climes) as gas line "de-freezer." Eric 
Schandall says he thinks ethanol will work as well.
Regards,
Fred Sturm
University of New Mexico



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