Hi Joe, Plastic is persistent.... the thought had crossed my mind about the health aspect.... possibly it is buoyant and would tend to float upwards and out of the lungs... Talc also has some issues as talc deposits are often associated with asbestos deposits so knowing your source and purity is and issue... The idea of not having to rely on key bushing lubricants is exciting. High friction coefficients that develop between conventional key pins and bushing cloth is a major issue that is often overlooked. It's especially problematic with leather. I once tested friction coefficient in a Bluthner concert grand.. the keys were free but when I pushed the key sideways against the keypin in midstroke the key just stuck there! Pushing sideways against the front rail pin and moving the key up and down to feel the increase in friction is an important test that we all need to do on every piano we service. It's an issue for the quality of piano playing because pianists often strike the keys at a glancing angle ant the frictional touch weight increases dramatically if the coefficient is high.. It's an issue for wear and tear and a high coefficient drastically reduces the life of the bushings... a major issue for colleges and universities who are usually under budgeted for piano maintenance (except in major European countries).... loose key bushings reduces the functionality of the action... AND vigorous maintenance with Teflon powder could be a health issue... Good point...! Felt is the most resilient when it is unadulterated with foreign substances... the worst offender being graphite grease...! So eliminating the need for any foreign substance through the use of Hard Anodized pins is significant. BTW printing ink industry may be a good keyword search for the health issues as Teflon powder is used in computer printer ink.... I don't see any negative issues with hard anodized key pins... are there any? For one thing they must not be driven into the rails with a steel headed hammer. It cracks the top like an egg shell. This is not a negative if a softer driving material is used when installing these special pins: http://www.stanwoodpiano.com/CrackedBRpin-wng.jpg David Stanwood >David, >I find myself feeling excited about the info you've been gathering. > Particularly the part about felt not needing any type of >lubricating. I understand how well microfine teflon powder is for >lubricating purposes, but it has been bothering my mind that I have >not seen any discussion on our lists about potential health hazards >regarding this product. Turning any substance into a fine powder >that can be inhaled and settled in the lungs, where it it is >difficult to remove is troublesome indeed, and considering the >motivation of the powerful producers to keep any hazards quiet is >always nagging me when I want to reach for the fastest friction >releasing agent. I do hope that your findings will prove positive >into the near and relevant future. > >Sincerely, > > >Joe Wiencek > >NYU
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