[CAUT] capstan hole plugging

[Alan McCoy]

Hi Fred,

I'll second David's recommendation for epoxy with filler. The key statement
though is to be sure to use some sort of syringe or other injector to start
the filling at the bottom of the hole.

Alan McCoy


> From: David Love <davidlovepianos at comcast.net>
> Reply-To: "College and University Technicians <caut at ptg.org>" <caut at ptg.org>
> Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:20:30 -0700
> To: "College and University Technicians <caut at ptg.org>" <caut at ptg.org>
> Subject: Re: [CAUT] capstan hole plugging
> 
> I use West System epoxy (slow catalyst) mixed with microlight fairing filter
> #410 and a glue injector.  Make sure the capstan holes are not drilled all
> the way through the key first DAMHIK.  Inject glue by inserting the injector
> all the way down to the bottom of the hole and back it out as you press on
> the plunger.  Let it soak in a bit.  It will sag so be prepared to top it
> off.  Try and get it to dome up a bit.  When it cures but is not yet really
> hard trim the top flush with a sharp chisel.  After it dries, run an orbital
> sander over the area.  I find that the microlight drills out well without
> any problems of bit wandering.  Plugging with dowels can be a problem that
> way.  The whole job takes about an hour of work time.  Or you can cut plugs
> from old keys and drill and insert but I find that takes a lot longer when
> you factor in the plug cutting.  I've also used the two part epoxy putty but
> it's a hassle to get it into the old capstan hole.
> 
> David Love
> www.davidlovepianos.com
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Fred
> Sturm
> Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:55 AM
> To: caut University Technicians
> Subject: [CAUT] capstan hole plugging
> 
> What are folks using these days to plug capstan holes for
> redrilling?  
> Ease of plugging and ease of drilling afterwards being the goals.
> Regards,
> Fred Sturm
> University of New Mexico
> fssturm at unm.edu
> 
> 
> 
> 
>