Chickering Strikes Again

PNOTNR@aol.com PNOTNR@aol.com
Sun, 19 Nov 1995 22:54:56 -0500


I'm replacing a block on a small, 1915 Chickering Grand.  (There are two
blocks, actually.)  The flange on the plate is bi-level.  This is kind of a
pain, but what's worse is that there are two posts cast in the plate in the
treble web. (The blocks are bolted to the plate from underneath)  The treble
block has to be drilled to fit over these posts, but I can't drill them to
the exact size of the posts because that would put them out of position by
the time I got the blasted thing fitted.  So I have to drill them oversize so
the block doesn't touch them before it's fitted to the flange.

I don't understand the reason for this design.  There are 14 other screws
holding this block on, and the bass block doesn't have any such posts.  The
original block was drilled out quite a bit larger then the posts.  Was
Chickering mad at anyone in particular when this was designed?

BTW, while buying my kids snowsuits at Sears today, I stumbled into the
hardware department, and found a neat little 2 inch disc sander for my drill.
 (it's made by 3M).  It works well for precise sanding, such as when fitting
blocks.  They had discs in three grits (36, 80 and 120)   The holder and a
set of 3 discs cost about $8.00, but when the disc wears out, it would be
easy to glue your own paper to the old disc.

I'd also like to know what kinds of concoctions people use on the plate
flanges to mark the high spots on the block.  (I'm using an alcohol and
graphite mix.  It works, but sure makes a mess)

Thanks in advance to any responders.  I hope I explained that post in the
plate thing clearly.

Gordon Large
Mt. Vernon, Maine



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