Well, that is a pretty cool idea. I will give it a try... David Ilvedson, RPT Pacifica, CA 94044 ----- Original message ---------------------------------------- From: "Jon Page" <jonpage at comcast.net> To: caut at ptg.org Received: 8/24/2009 6:30:19 PM Subject: Re: [CAUT] Damper wire alignment (was:Underlever Felt) >>I still have a problem determining which way and how to bend the >>wire for fit in the top flange...do you see something in particular >>that tells you I need to bend the wire towards the bass? The first >>bend is above the top flange? >With the wire perpendicular to the guide rail and the head centered >over the unison, the unsecured top flange should be free to move >on the wire. I'm assuming the guide rail is parallel to the string plane. >One way to visualize the offset is to make a few tools. >One wire is suspended from the strings perpendicularly. >The other wire is inserted in the top flange. >This gives you the offset and the angle at which the >wire needs to enter the top flange. If you hold the damper wire >with a square against the guide rail and a sample wire >in the top flange, it does the same thing. >Many times I find it necessary to ream the top flange hole >.003 to .005" larger than the wire to insure easier assembly. >I also try to make the wire offsets parallel to the damper head, >at least the top section. I use my 90 degree damper wire bender >for combination handle to sight this and it is also is scored >at two points for indexing the bends. >First, place the wire in the guide rail and square it off. >Center the head over the unison: remove the damper and make >the appropriate bends at the head; check that the head is parallel >to the top section of wire by holding the bending tool against the head. >Reinsert the wire in the bushing, square it off and recheck the damper >head alignment over the unison. This may take a few readjustments. >With the wire braced perpendicularly to the rail, ascertain the offset >and angle of the bottom section to the top flange hole alignment wire. >Correct the bends to allow the top wire section to remain perpendicular >to the rail while the lower section inserts freely into the top flange. >Secure the set screw. The damper should travel straight up and down >without drag. >The other school of thought is to have the wire pressing into the >guide rail bushing. This may save time on installation and assist >damping by bracing the wire but I see it as unnecessary friction >because frictionless damper motion dampens as well (if not better). >I don't want to make the damper wire up tight, >I like it free and easy. Friction is like a real drag. >-- >Regards, >Jon Page
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