[CAUT] Bringing the shop to the piano

[Ward & Probst, Inc]

Sounds a lot like the unit Eldridge Travis did a mini tech on in Arlington
in Arlington. His had an overhead fluorescent, air compressor, shop vac and
other goodies. You might contact him to see if he has pictures. It was a
very nice unit and he said he could pretty well set up shop anywhere in the
school.
DP

-----Original Message-----
From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Rob
Goodale
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 3:33 PM
To: College and University Technicians
Subject: [CAUT] Bringing the shop to the piano


Have you ever gotten tired of lugging the action out of a practice room...
or a class room, a studio or an ensemble room?  Then you drag it to the
shop, (if your school has one), get it up on the bench, and do your work.
Then you have to lug it back, regulate it in the piano, and still have
service to perform on other parts of the instrument.
 
I have begun a significant project to resolve this age-old problem that has
been plaguing piano technicians since the first music school opened in
ancient Egypt over 3000 years ago.  I am currently in progress building a
"port-a-shop", (working title).  The idea here is to build a sturdy portable
work bench/mini shop designed specifically for the piano technician from the
ground up- not just something modified.  I convinced the music department to
foot the bill.
 
Designing, building, and assembly is being performed at my own shop on the
opposite side of town.  I have purchased 1-1/2" x 2"steel from a local
supplier and have completed the welding of the main frame work as of last
night.  It is exceptionally strong and ridged.  This afternoon I intend to
purchase four commercial-grade locking castors.  There are two surfaces, the
top bench area for action work, and a lower level for a tool cabinet with
drawers, supplies, and a small but tangible shop vac.  The hose will be made
long enough to clean any piano without removing the machine.  A multi-outlet
power strip will also be attached.  Only one main cord will need to be
plugged for everything to work.  Accessories such as a heat gun, Dremel, or
whatever will be instantly ready for use, even a built-in work light.  The
top bench area will be made of 3/4" hard press board with poplar molding to
protect the edges, and enough surface area to completely service any action
on-sight.  With the steel frame work below the top will stay perfectly and
permanently flat.  With two fixed and two swivel castors it should be easy
to navigate anywhere within the music department.  In spite it's complexity
and built-in features, this entire portable shop will only be about 5 1/2
feet long by 24" wide.  It will easily fit against any hall way wall without
being in the way and fit in any elevator.
 
When complete I can provide digital photographs.  I'm pretty excited about
this, I think it will really prove to be a major asset.  More to come...
 
Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV

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