McLube on keybeds (Was Re: [CAUT] Teaching Piano Tuning)

[Boaz Kirschenbaum]

David,

I was specifically referring to McLube 444L (the liquid stuff in the
can, from Pianotek). I experienced problems with its use as a keybed
lubricant, especially where the back corners of the keyframe meet the
keybed. It can cause a squeak at unacorda shift later on, i.e., after
a few days or weeks.

In my opinion McLube 444L  is to be used for unlike materials, such as
keypins and keybushings, and not for like materials, such as wood to
wood.

I usually didn't need to lubricate the keybed at all in most cases.
The general keyframe fitting and planing of the keyframe is done by
hand at the factory. At the final prep, it was more a matter of
fine-tuning the keyframe bedding, especially at the season/environment
change, re-checking the keyblock fit, and making sure that the shift
setting was correct.

In some cases if lubrication was needed I used a graphite stick at the
stud contacts, burnished to a sheen with an old hammer.

-Boaz


On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 09:01:36 -0600, David Vanderhoofven
<david@vanderpiano.com> wrote:
> Hi Boaz,
> 
> I appreciate your knowledge and experience and am enjoying reading your emails.
> 
> You mentioned that a Steinway piano should NOT have McLube on the
> keybed?  I have found McLube to be wonderful for lubricating keyframes and
> keybeds, because it eliminates squeaks.  I respect your opinion, but I am
> wondering why you do not like McLube on keybeds.  Is it harmful?  Or are
> there any problems with the use of McLube?  What would you suggest as an
> alternative to McLube on keybeds?
> 
> Thanks!
> David Vanderhoofven
> Joplin, MO
> 
> At 08:45 AM 11/9/2004, you wrote:
> >---------- Forwarded message ----------
> >From: Boaz Kirschenbaum <artisanpiano@gmail.com>
> >Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2004 09:35:46 -0500
> >Subject: Re: [CAUT] Teaching Piano Tuning
> >To: Fred Sturm <fssturm@unm.edu>
> >
> >If someone is spending that kind of
> >money, they shouldn't have a squeaking pitman, a knocking keyblock, or
> >McLube on the key bed!
> 
>